Stony Brook University and the State University of New York (SUNY) have announced the launch of the SUNY Research Leadership Academy. This year-long initiative aims to develop a new generation of research leaders who will enhance SUNY's research enterprise by engaging with the public, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusion across Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields throughout New York State.
The program is based on the Alda Method and offers participants hands-on training in inclusive leadership practices, science communication, and public engagement. It is supported by funding from the Henry Luce Foundation. To participate, applicants' home campuses must provide $5,000 in funding plus travel support. Applications require a CV, statement, and a letter of institutional support and are open until August 15, 2025.
The inaugural cohort will start in Fall 2025 with an initial meeting at Stony Brook University. The Academy is managed by Stony Brook University's Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science along with other university departments in collaboration with the SUNY System Office of Research.
Alan Alda remarked on the center's history: “For fifteen years, the Center for Communicating Science has enabled women and men in STEMM to be better communicators. It’s made them better leaders.” He added that they are eager to extend their training throughout SUNY through this new academy.
Kevin Gardner from Stony Brook University emphasized the program's potential: “We are seeking visionary researchers prepared to lead... With essential support from SUNY and the Henry Luce Foundation... [the academy] will provide our faculty with leadership capabilities...”
Laura Lindenfeld highlighted communication as central to leadership: “Effective communication is at the heart of leadership... The Alda Center is so central to this effort because... [it] builds genuine connections...”
Judith Brown Clarke expressed enthusiasm about expanding leadership pathways: “This is a powerful opportunity to expand leadership pathways for faculty across SUNY... We are especially excited about the Academy’s potential to uplift different voices..."
The program supports up to 30 STEMM faculty members from various SUNY campuses who will engage in workshops and mentorship while designing capstone projects aligned with equity-driven research leadership.
For more details about participation or inquiries regarding this initiative, interested parties can visit their website or contact them via email at research_academy@stonybrook.edu.