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Researcher Development

Research Trajectory

RIST provides a number of professional development opportunities to assist faculty in developing their skills to achieve research excellence and impact. Our training programs introduce campus research support services, teach the basics of sponsored programs, and improve grant writing skills and guide researchers through the administrative structures and processes, improve their grantsmanship.

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Trainings & Workshops

Workshop: Developing a Fundable Research Portfolio

This program walks researchers through articulating and focusing their research ambitions to creating an actionable plan to reach research funding goals. Facilitated by CareerVolt, topics include:

  • Creating a research portfolio
  • Identifying where you want to be in 3-5 years
  • Planning the route to reach your goal
  • Identifying your resources
  • Goal setting
  • Developing your elevator pitch
  • Making progress to position your portfolio
  • Using time effectively
  • Building habits

Limited space is available, and preference will be given to early career faculty who have been at UNCW for at least one year as well as interdisciplinary participation.

You must be able to attend both full sessions in person:

  • Friday, November 7 – 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Friday, December 5 – 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • One-on-one follow-up consultations to be held January 6-8 (in person or via Zoom)

Expressions of interest due by Monday, October 27 at 5 p.m. via InfoReady.

Learn more and apply now

Recorded Webinars (UNCW login required):

From Insight to Impact: A Seminar Series on Research Communication

Hosted by Research & Innovation, UNCW Library, and UNCW's Clinical Research Program.

Communicating impact is an integral part of the research process and is crucial for ensuring that research findings are understood, appreciated, and utilized. It allows researchers to share the results of their work with a broader audience, including policymakers, funding bodies, and the general public. Effective communication can help educate and promote research value and maximize its potential to create positive change. Registration is not required. See details for the four-part series below:

 

Seminar Series Topics

Research in Context: Bridging Historical Insight with Contemporary Shifts
September 18, 2025
12-1:30 p.m. (lunch provided)
Discovery Hall 1070

The first seminar in this series will offer historical context and current perspectives on evolving views of research, highlighting key takeaways and approaches for today.

Presenters:

Research with Purpose: Connecting Knowledge to Community Impact
November 5, 2025
12-1:30 p.m.
FSC Masonboro Island Room 2011

Featuring community-engaged leaders, this seminar will offer insights for effectively partnering with local and regional organizations for positive impact.

Presenters:

Data Driven Decisions: Research in the Policy Arena
February 2026

Gain insights from experts on effective strategies for engaging policymakers and leveraging research-based evidence to inform policy decisions.

Presenters:

Research That Resonates: Building Visibility, Value, and Voice
March 2026

Fostering understanding through storytelling can enhance your credibility and fuel your connection with your audience. Learn best practices for showcasing your research, including assessing scholarly impact, website development, and soliciting donations as well as tools for social media and media interactions.

Presenters:

View past workshop topics

Resources

Researcher Toolbox Useful resources and frequently needed information Researcher Toolbox
Early Career Resources Specific resources for faculty at the start of their careers (UNCW login required) Early Career Resources SharePoint
General Resources Guidance to support research faculty through the grants lifecycle (UNCW login required) General Resources Sharepoint
Access Hanover Research's Grants Learning Center