A grand opening for the new regional Central Plains Research Data Center and the annual Faculty Recognition Breakfast open the fall 2015 UNL Research Fair today.

Other Nov. 10 events include professional development for postdoctoral students and recognition of achievements, a panel discussion on U.S. Department of Defense research opportunities, and a workshop on building a culture that encourages national awards for faculty.

The biannual Research Fair, which is Nov. 10-11, is sponsored by the Office of Research and Economic Development in cooperation with campus partners. All events are free but some require registration. The schedule and links to online registration are available on the Research Fair website (http://research.unl.edu/fallresearchfair). The social media hashtag is #UNLRF.

John H. Thompson, director of the U.S. Census Bureau, and dignitaries will give remarks on Research Data Center collaborations at a kickoff event from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Established in March 2015 in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, the RDC gives researchers access to restricted federal data. It is one of 20 federal statistical research data centers located across the United States.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., researchers from other universities who have worked with a regional RDC to enhance research will discuss their work. RDC events are in the Nebraska Union, Colonial Rooms A and B.

Professional development and mentoring for postdocs is the focus of a workshop and awards luncheon hosted by the Office of Postdoctoral Studies. From 9:30 to 11 a.m., Robert Tillman, associate director of faculty and academic development at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will present “Professional Skills Development Workshop: Three Underused Considerations in Mentoring.” Tillman also will give a keynote address, “Mentoring in the Moment,” at 11:30 a.m. for the awards luncheon, which celebrates outstanding postdoctoral students and their faculty mentors. These events are in the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, Unity Room (212); registration is required.

A luncheon and panel discussion, “Research with the U.S. Department of Defense,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center will provide tips on how UNL faculty can work with DoD command elements. Speakers and topics are Eric Van Gieson of the University of Nebraska’s National Strategic Research Institute, Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Jon Mogford of the Texas A&M University system, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; and Mark Cromer, U.S. Strategic Command, USSTRATCOM. Bill Charlton, UNL associate vice chancellor for research and NSRI research director, will moderate. Registration is required.

Research Fair events today wrap up with a reception and panel discussion from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on building a culture at UNL that encourages major faculty recognition and national awards. Registration is required.