University spotlights data science, health and sustainability

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.—Three broadly defined avenues of research tied to health, sustainability and data analysis have been announced by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in an effort to forge a standout identity and prioritize collaboration.

Described by UA as “signature research areas,” they are Harnessing the Data Revolution; Enriching Human Health and Community Vibrancy; and Promoting a Resilient and Sustainable Future.

Together they will “highlight the role of research and discoveries at the U of A in a way that distinguishes us from other institutions at the national and international level,” Jim Coleman, UA’s provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, announced in late January.

The focus areas “will also facilitate the development of a critical mass of researchers in these areas to create synergies and build competitiveness for large, collaborative grants and contracts,” Coleman said.

They encompass emerging disciplines where attracting faculty can be very competitive, such as data science. Researchers at UA in fields related to the announced areas said the effort could help with recruitment, as well as clarifying goals for current faculty.

“From my standpoint, I like how it’s been written,” Raj Rao, head of UA’s biomedical engineering department, told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette of the human health research signature area, adding, “We need to be addressing issues of human health that are relevant to the community and society.”

Rao said he was not part of the 18-member committee that worked on identifying the signature areas. Chancellor Joe Steinmetz, in a statement, called the committee’s work “an integral part” of strategic planning.

In November, UA announced a $23.7 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation supporting research, including $5 million for faculty hiring.

The UA’s recent announcement stated that along with new hires, the campus will host interdisciplinary workshops and a “signature area” lecture series.

Susan Gauch, a UA professor in computer science and computer engineering, said she’s worked to recruit faculty to the university, including data science researchers.

“One of the questions that they frequently ask is, ‘What are the focus areas of the university?” Gauch said, adding that it will be “really good to say, ‘This is one of the signature areas.’”