UNCW Selected to Participate in ARIS Research Impact Program

UNC Wilmington is among five institutions selected for the 2026-28 Organizational Research Impact Capacity (ORIC) program, a prestigious two-year experience designed to help universities and organizations build in-house skills, systems and strategies to assess and communicate research impact. The initiative is organized by the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS).

UNCW, along with Clemson University, Texas State University, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Texas at El Paso, will join a national community of practice where Research Impact staff and administrators learn from one another, exchange strategies and implement innovative approaches.

Five UNCW faculty and staff members, representing a diverse range of departments and disciplines across campus, will participate in the experience: Stuart Borrett, associate provost for Research and Innovation; Sarah Gaby, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology and senior faculty fellow for High Impact Pathways; Leah Mayo, assistant dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity; Sam Winemiller, open knowledge and research impact librarian; and Kirsten Wisneski, director of the Research Development Office.

"As the senior research officer, I am committed to supporting this team and to applying lessons learned from ORIC to strengthen UNCW's research infrastructure," said Borrett. "I believe this work will allow us to more effectively harness the university's research and innovation engine to address regional, national and global needs, while also enriching the educational experience of our students by expanding their opportunities to participate in impactful, community-engaged scholarship."

As participants in the ORIC program, the cohort will attend a series of intensive trainings, participate in monthly meetings and implement an organizational action plan. The group will also convene at the annual ARIS Summit.

ARIS is the largest U.S.-based organization focused on research impact. Through professional development, institutional programs, partnerships and the annual summit, ARIS helps individuals and organizations design, translate and scale research that leads to lasting societal benefit.