Stony Brook University, in partnership with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and the State University of New York (SUNY), has announced the launch of the SUNY Research Leadership Academy. This new initiative aims to develop a new generation of research leaders focused on inclusive practices in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) across New York State.
The Academy will support up to 30 STEMM faculty members from various SUNY campuses. Participants will receive training based on the Alda Method, emphasizing audience-centered communication and inclusive leadership. The program is supported by funding from the Henry Luce Foundation.
Faculty interested in joining must have their home campuses provide $5,000 in funding plus travel support. Applications are open until August 15, 2025, and require a curriculum vitae, a statement of interest, and a letter of institutional support.
The first cohort will begin in Fall 2025 with an initial meeting at Stony Brook University. The Academy is managed by several university entities including the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, School of Communication and Journalism, Office for Research and Innovation, and Office of DI3. It also works closely with the SUNY System Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development.
Alan Alda, founding member of the Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University said: “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. The new Research Leadership Academy is the perfect way to bring our training to all of SUNY. We’re excited to get started on this wonderful project.”
The program builds upon ongoing efforts by Stony Brook University to promote science communication as a means to increase public trust in science and foster institutional impact. Through its partnership with the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University, it trains STEMM professionals to use audience-centered communication strategies.
Kevin Gardner, PhD, Vice President for Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University said: “We are seeking visionary researchers prepared to lead, challenge conventions, and operate at the critical juncture where scientific insight informs public discourse. With essential support from SUNY and the Henry Luce Foundation, the Leadership Academy will provide our faculty with the leadership capabilities and a dynamic collaborative network to pursue groundbreaking, multidisciplinary research that truly moves us ahead, accelerating progress in science and enhancing the quality of life for all.”
Laura Lindenfeld, PhD, Executive Director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and Dean of the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University added: “Effective communication is at the heart of leadership. Research that serves society demands leaders who listen, connect and respond to people’s needs and concerns. Science thrives when we include the widest possible range of ideas and perspectives. To grow research, we have to find new ways to elevate those leaders and the ideas that they bring to the table. The Alda Center is central to this effort because the method we have developed to help people communicate more effectively builds genuine connections, fosters trust, and invites creativity, all of which are essential for growing STEMM.”
Applicants must be full-time STEMM faculty holding at least an associate professor rank within SUNY institutions who are actively engaged in research with a commitment toward advancing equity and collaboration within their fields.
Judith Brown Clarke, PhD., Vice President for Equity and Inclusion as well as Chief Health Equity Officer commented: “This is a powerful opportunity to expand leadership pathways for faculty across SUNY, providing bi-directional outcomes for the individual program participants and for research across the SUNY system. We are especially excited about the Academy’s potential to uplift different voices and build a culture of inclusion across our research communities. I’m thrilled to work with Dr. Gardner and Dr. Lindenfeld on this initiative.”
Stony Brook University continues its commitment as an R1 institution involved in significant research projects such as co-managing Brookhaven National Laboratory while also supporting startups through its Incubator Program by providing facilities access along with mentorship opportunities.
The School of Communication & Journalism offers programs accredited by relevant national councils focusing on ethical storytelling as well as international reporting initiatives like those run through its Colvin Center.
The Henry Luce Foundation was established in 1936 by Time Inc.’s co-founder Henry R. Luce; it supports knowledge communities aiming toward greater democracy through dialogue investment programs.
More information about applying can be found at https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/research-innovation/suny-research-leadership-academy.