The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute (IHSI) is pleased to announce the recent graduation of the 2024-25 Emerging Research Leaders Academy (ERLA) cohort, marking another milestone in their professional journeys and the end of the second year of the program. Representing diverse backgrounds and a variety of disciplines at Illinois from educational psychology to engineering to public health, these fourteen talented and dedicated mid-career faculty contribute to a rich tapestry of Illinois research.
Designed to foster leadership and team science skills among mid-career faculty and prepare the next generation of research leaders, ERLA provides comprehensive training to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their fields. The program emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, and leadership, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to lead impactful research initiatives.
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, the cohort engaged in a series of monthly in-person workshops to support the development of strategic leadership and management skills. Presented by internal and external subject experts and accompanied by interactive discussions or activities, the workshops focused on building diverse and inclusive teams, leading and managing teams, mentoring, and effective research communication. As the ERLA program concluded, participants developed action plans to be presented during the recent graduation.
The ERLA Experience
During the celebration, the cohort shared their vision for their career and reflected on the impact of their research both in the field and within communities, addressing real-world problems, and contributing to societal well-being. The value of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work, integrating different fields for innovative solutions and greater impact, was a key theme across presentations. With a focus on leadership and team science skills, the cohort shared how ERLA workshops and activities enhanced their effectiveness as leaders and collaborators, and shared personal stories illustrating how the program helped them refine their goals and recognize their strengths.
Looking ahead, members of the 2024-25 ERLA cohort plan to expand their networks, integrate new methodologies like AI, and engage with communities for meaningful impact.
In closing remarks, IHSI Director Dr. Stephen Boppart expressed excitement for the insightful ideas and innovations shared by the ERLA cohort for the next stage of their careers, and gratitude for the IHSI program facilitators and collaborators from various campus units. Acknowledging the support of nominating deans, department heads, and directors, Boppart highlighted their investment in the cohort over the last eight months.
“This funding landscape in which we find ourselves is a very different time for this cohort than our cohort last year, and that presents so many new challenges. We must dig deep in terms of our own insight and inspiration as well, and I think that’s particularly challenging for those in the climate, health, and diversity space, where we must re-evaluate and yet push forward,” Boppart said. “I want to assure all of you that IHSI is here to help push forward and work with you to make all of your inspiring ideas and plans a reality.”
The cohort will receive continuous engagement opportunities and support from IHSI through events and initiatives hosted exclusively for ERLA alumni, such as networking opportunities, additional training, and collaborative projects.
ERLA Impact and Value
Participating in the ERLA program provides Illinois faculty with a rare opportunity to focus on their professional development, carving out three hours a month for each workshop as well as an additional hour for optional discussions (“candid conversations”), allowing participants to dive deeper into the workshop concepts and potential applications to research.
“ERLA allowed the cohort time to really consider their strengths, leadership style, and what they want to do with their career,” explained Maggie Berg, IHSI Senior Research Development Manager and ERLA facilitator. “Some plan to slow down and focus more on the quality of their leadership roles rather than taking on a lot of new roles, while others are considering taking on larger projects they may have been hesitant to pursue before.”
IHSI Senior Director for Research and Innovation and program facilitator Gill Snyder noticed that the cohort was grateful to have dedicated time for their own development.
“Yes, these skills and experiences will benefit their lab and the wider community,” she said. “But very few people have the luxury of setting aside time for professional development.”
The candid conversations proved even more important this year because of unprecedented challenges presented by the new federal administration and cuts to federal research funding. Program facilitators will explore how to navigate these challenges, which will be discussed frequently with the incoming cohort.
“It was difficult for this cohort to think about what their five-year plan might be with uncertainty about what the research enterprise will look like in the next few weeks or months,” Berg said. “Having space to discuss these challenges with each other was impactful and I think offered them support they weren’t able to get elsewhere.”
Agricultural & Consumer Economics Prof. Shadi Atallah received mid-career training through the ERLA program, and also something unexpected – a space to reflect on institutional challenges that was consistent with building large groups around team science, even from disciplines where solo research is typically conducted. Atallah found value in connecting with faculty in similar stages of their careers, who recognize the importance of interdisciplinary team science research and want to think about institutional changes needed to facilitate that type of research.
“Something the cohort appreciated the most about ERLA is not the most obvious in the official ERLA curriculum, and that is the candid conversation sessions that created a space to discuss the vision people have for a better Illinois,” Atallah explained. “And as the year unfolded, ERLA became an important space to discuss how we can advocate for a better Illinois in the context of a dynamic higher education landscape.”
As the cohort spent more time together, connecting through shared perspectives and personal experiences, Snyder could see the synergistic effect. “They were really coming together around the goal of leading research efforts at Illinois,” she said. “It was incredible to see the confidence that being in this space brought out in the cohort.”
2024-25 ERLA participant Jida Wang is an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Geography & Geographic Information Science. Recently hired from Kansas State, Wang was nominated for ERLA by Department Head Julie Cidell to enhance his leaderships skills, support his multidisciplinary research in surface hydrology, and grow his research team at Illinois, benefitting the university’s global position in water resources and satellite remote sensing.
“The ERLA program prompted me to deeply reflect on how my personal talents and strengths are interconnected with my core values in research and professional life,” Wang said. “It also guided me to explore how aligning these strengths and values can not only maximize my potential in research, mentoring, and leadership, but also foster a healthy mindset and a sustainable work-life balance.”
2025-26 ERLA Nomination is Open
IHSI is accepting nominations for the 2025-26 ERLA program. We are seeking post-tenured faculty or equivalent who have not yet led a large, multi-PI grant or campus initiative, as well as non-tenure track faculty and research scientists with a record of independent funding as single-PIs who are now looking to lead larger efforts.
Nominations are vital to the success of the Emerging Research Leaders Academy, helping the Selection Committee to identify and support future leaders who will drive innovation and excellence in research. Nominations can make a significant difference in their career and the broader research community.
“Participating in ERLA is a significant time commitment,” Snyder said. “I would advise nominators to consider whether a potential nominee can dedicate the time; and if not, to consider what can be done to help free up time for the nominee.”
“Endorsement of the nominees is important. Knowing the reason why nominees should be in the program can have a big impact on who is selected,” Berg explained. “I would also advise applicants to take the time to provide a thoughtful personal statement of why they want to be in the program and how they might benefit from it.”
Participants must be nominated by a department head, dean, or director before applying. Nominations are due May 16, 2025, and applications are due June 2, 2025.
Others can support the Emerging Research Leaders Academy by spreading the word about the opportunity for faculty at Illinois, or consider providing financial support to help us continue fostering the next generation of research leaders. Please contact Maggie Berg with questions.
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The ERLA program is facilitated by IHSI, in partnership with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, College of Applied Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Grainger College of Engineering, and the Office of Proposal Development.