Impact Institutes Leading for Research Impact 

The Leading for Research Impact (LRI) program was developed to support OVPR’s Impact Institutes Initiative. Impact Institutes reflect the University of Michigan’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research that addresses society’s most pressing challenges. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a focus on innovation, Impact Institutes are a mechanism to unlock U-M’s entrepreneurial potential, attract new partnerships and external funding and increase recognition nationally and globally. 

As a critical component of this initiative, the LRI program supports faculty researchers as they transition into institute directors, equipping them with the leadership skills and strategic frameworks needed to accelerate momentum, establish a clear long-term vision and build a strong foundation for mission execution during the first six months of the Seed Stage. The key elements from the inaugural LRI program launch include the following session topics

The LRI program will include six sessions from February through June 2027. Four sessions will be held in person on Central Campus.

Priority will be given to:

• Faculty or staff directors/co-directors newer to their roles
• Institutes and centers in earlier stages of development
• Applicants with a clear leadership goal or challenge to address in the next one to two years

Participants must commit to attending all sessions. The application deadline is November 25, 2026, at 11:59PM ET.

Individual Leadership Skills & Setting Mission, Vision, and Values

• Creating Your Vision and Leadership Style
• Defining  your values and guiding principles
• What kind of leader do you want to be?
• Leading with influence
• Distinguishing leadership from authority

Essential Skills for Day-to-Day Management

• Organizational management
• Navigating the U-M budget model and structures 
• Essentials of financial management
• Setting expectations/providing feedback/difficult conversations
• Coaching and developing others

Leading Teams of Peers and Strategic Planning

• Dynamics of individual/team/hybrid leadership models 
• Decision-making & delegating
• Team collaboration – leading inclusive teams effectively
• Communication styles
• Models for organizational structure and governance 
• Stakeholder management with collaborative intelligence
• Communication infrastructure, process and practices

Leading Innovation

• Entrepreneurship
• Raising visibility (including using social media)
• How & why to engage nationally & globally
• Wielding influence for your institution, research & career goals
• Adaptability and resilience
• Keeping the team engaged