Task Force Members
- Germán Bollero, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, Co-Chair
- Steve Maren, Beckman Institute, Co-Chair
- Milan Bagchi, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Brandon Boyd, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Carla Cáceres, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Ed Chainani, Grainger College of Engineering
- Derek Fultz, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Kara Johnson, Carle Illinois College of Medicine
- Paul Kenis, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Qu Kim, Grainger College of Engineering
- Suzanne Rinehart, College of Applied Health Sciences
- Barry Schatz, Cancer Center at Illinois
- Subha Srinivasan, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Andrew Smith, Grainger College of Engineering
- Robert Trapp, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Josh Whitson, Beckman Institute
- Kris Williams, Grainger College of Engineering
- Doug Wolters, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences
- Cheryl Bicknell, Facilities & Services, ex officio
- Brian Bundren, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, ex officio
- Stephanie Hess, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, ex officio
- Brad Klein, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, ex officio
- Chris Lehmann, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, ex officio
- Evan Simpson, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, ex officio
Charge Letter
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for agreeing to serve on the Master Plan for Research Space Task Force for academic year 2026-2027. This task force has been convened to review, discuss, and propose a strategic direction for laboratory research space planning on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Representing a cross-disciplinary group of colleges, interdisciplinary research institutes, and administrative units, you are charged with developing a master plan that will guide laboratory research space management and serve as a reference for future decision-making.
With the significant expansion of our research portfolio, laboratory research space has become rate-limiting to our growth. In addition, anticipated federal changes in research grant administration will necessitate careful mapping of our laboratory research space and its assignment. A comprehensive campus master plan for laboratory research space will ensure that future decisions reflect stakeholder input and campus priorities, enabling fiscally responsible and proactive planning.
To support the task force’s efforts, please begin by identifying the data needed to establish strategic priorities for research space, and determine which stakeholders should be consulted during this process. Once priorities are defined, draft a comprehensive plan that addresses resource allocation, communication, evaluation, governance, and other elements essential to the successful implementation and maintenance of the Master Plan for Laboratory Research Space. The goals outlined by the Illinois Space Advisory Committee (attached) will be helpful references as you proceed.
- Identify strategic priorities
- Identify current and future needs
- Develop guidance for shared resources
- Improve lab renovation processes
- Respond as appropriate to federal rule changes to grant administration
The task force’s work is expected to span three semesters with a preliminary report outlining progress and a draft outline of the final plan to Theresa Beckett by May 31, 2027. When preparing the final master plan, please ensure that it meets all applicable accessibility standards and includes a brief executive summary (1 page maximum) suitable for publication on the Office of the Provost Committee website no later than December 1, 2027.
We appreciate your commitment to this important initiative. Dean Bollero and Director Maren have graciously agreed to co-chair the task force, and Lesa Wilcoxon will coordinate meeting schedules.
The first meeting will be dedicated to reviewing this charge, addressing any questions, and establishing key milestones to ensure timely completion of the task force’s objectives.
Sincerely,
John Coleman
Provost
Susan A. Martinis
Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
Stephen G. Sligar Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Professor of Biochemistry