Academy Overview

The SUNY Research Leadership Academy is a year-long faculty development program that develops leadership and communication skills among mid- and senior-level STEMM faculty throughout the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Led by Stony Brook University, the Academy empowers faculty to strengthen SUNY's research enterprise by engaging the public, driving innovation, and championing inclusion across STEMM fields.

This system-wide initiative has select a cohort of participants from across SUNY's 64 campuses. Through hands-on training, faculty are being equipped with tools and strategies to advance collaboration across STEMM, enhance audience-centered communication, and amplify their research in and beyond SUNY.

A key feature of the Academy is the integration of the Alda Method®, a leading communication framework developed by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, which works closely with the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University.

Participants are attending four in-person meetings across New York state. They are engaged in year-long programming, which includes a combination of virtual and in-person experiences, and implement strategies to strengthen their research leadership. Participants are learning to champion research communication and inclusive excellence in leadership, and design and lead a collaborative project that reflects the Academy's strategic priorities.

Program Highlights

Research leaders participating in the Academy are taking part in the following immersive experiences:

• Four in-person meetings throughout the academic year
• Virtual sessions focused on inclusive leadership, research strategy, and communication
• Project-based collaboration to advance equity and public engagement
• Hands-on training in the Alda Method® to build audience-centered communication skills
• Peer network opportunities among SUNY STEMM faculty