Leadership Corner

Prioritizing research and innovation: A look back and ahead with Massimo Ruzzene

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:58:13 +0000

Prioritizing research and innovation: A look back and ahead with Massimo Ruzzene Megan M Rogers Fri, 12/12/2025 - 14:58

As the fall semester winds down, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� continues to build momentum toward our strategic research and innovation goals. We continue to lead nationally and globally in established strengths in aerospace and space, health and biosciences, sustainability and the environment, and quantum science and technology, while areas as varied as the social sciences and the arts and humanities also continue to thrive.

More than ever, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� is a destination for faculty, students and staff who want to change the world through innovative research, scholarship and creative work.

Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene sat down with us to reflect on what stood out this semester, why it matters and what ahead in 2026.

How has �Ͼ�Ʒ�� advanced in research and innovation this semester?

The semester has been an extraordinary time for research and innovation because of the rapidly changing federal environment, as well as the commitment and success of our people in the face of those changes.

Faculty, students and staff responded to the incredible pace of federal change and the longest government shutdown in history with perseverance, resourcefulness and determination to maintain our momentum and enable continued breakthroughs in research, innovation and impact.

Our researchers have continued to thrive, as demonstrated by ongoing, significant successes: Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025 list includes 19 �Ͼ�Ʒ��-affiliated faculty spanning the campus; NASA announced that instruments designed and built by Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) researchers have been selected for the upcoming Artemis IV mission; the Department of Energy (DOE) renewed funding to the tune of $125 million for the Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA), a DOE National Quantum Information Science Research Center; and we celebrated two major awards—totaling $45 million—from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), one for self-healing joints and one for advanced wound care. These are just a few examples.

�Ͼ�Ʒ�� was recognized for launching 35 new companies based on university intellectual property during FY2024, more than any other U.S. campus in that timeframe. �Ͼ�Ʒ�� now ranks No. 2 for the most startups launched in any single year by a U.S. campus. The startups represent an array of industries, from clean energy to biotech. Examples include: Mana Battery, developing a safer, more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion technology; Flari Tech, advancing technology to detect diseases via the breath; and Mesa Quantum, utilizing next-gen chip-scale atomic clocks and quantum sensors to power autonomous vehicles, advanced deep-water oil exploration and more.

What projects are you most excited about for the year ahead and why?

A few of the projects worth keeping an eye on include:

The recently launched Industry Research Partnerships (IRP) team is creating lots of excitement. Through innovative contracting, access to top student and faculty talent, developing new funding streams for �Ͼ�Ʒ�� research, and the capacity to scale, IRP is simplifying the path to innovation and helping industry and �Ͼ�Ʒ�� collaborate to solve complex problems and shape the future together. The new team is already making waves across campus, and early indications are impressive.

Our quantum efforts continue to accelerate and reap results. Our CUbit Quantum Initiative unites and drives quantum activities across campus, bolstering research, education and commercialization, including supporting the new Colorado Quantum Incubator (COQI). The COQI is regularly welcoming new tenants, attracting community events and becoming a hub for the regional quantum ecosystem.

Our other strategic research initiatives—the Sustainability Research Initiative, Center for National Security Initiatives and AB Nexus—continue to expand and engage across campus and beyond to discover innovative approaches, new funding mechanisms and novel partnerships to drive research and innovation breakthroughs in today challenging environment.

How can faculty, staff and students help achieve these goals?

Faculty and staff can participate through genuine engagement with research and innovation enterprise offerings: whether exploring our bi-weekly RIO Bulletin newsletter for funding and development opportunities, participating in programs and workshops, or finding ways to learn more about the resources that can support the important work taking place across campus.

Students already engaged in research can benefit from many of the same approaches. Students not already engaged in research or innovation activities across campus: I invite you to explore research and innovation opportunities in your areas of interest—from business or law to music or art—to learn how they can enhance your learning and career opportunities.

As the fall semester winds down, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� continues to build momentum toward its strategic research and innovation goals, as discussed by Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor and dean of the institutes.

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Graduate students: Congratulations for a semester well done

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Graduate students: Congratulations for a semester well done Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/08/2025 - 05:00

With finals upon us and the end of the semester near, Graduate School Dean Scott Adler wants to congratulate everyone on their hard work.

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Prioritizing sustainability: A look back with Andrew Mayock

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:59:00 +0000

Prioritizing sustainability: A look back with Andrew Mayock Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/08/2025 - 04:59

As the fall 2025 semester comes to a close, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� continues to build momentum toward its long-term sustainability goals—one of the campus priorities recently discussed by Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

From advances in climate research and innovative curriculum to major operational improvements and new community partnerships, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� continues to operate as a true living lab—one where high-impact sustainability work happens every day.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock reflects on what stood out this semester, why it matters and what's ahead in 2026.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock

How has �Ͼ�Ʒ�� advanced in sustainability this semester?

It has been an exciting semester across research, education, operations and community engagement. Notable achievements include:

The announcement of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education thanks to a generous $10 million gift from alumnus Spike Buckley.
�Ͼ�Ʒ�� selection by the Carnegie Foundation to host a new nationwide sustainability elective, giving the university the opportunity to lead nationally and shape the student experience.
The launch of Boulder Climate Ventures, a Leeds-hosted course sponsored by Breakthrough Energy, bringing world-renowned climate tech leaders to campus.
Operational progress on campus, which included breaking ground on a 1.1-megawatt solar array; VPPA and Xcel partnerships; and expanded circularity efforts through food recovery, composting and the CU Surplus Store and Recycling Operations Center achieving roughly 50% waste diversion.

What projects are you most excited about for the year ahead?

The coming year will focus on scaling initiatives and connecting the campus community. The Buckley Center is staffing up and launching new programs, while the Carnegie initiative expands to other institutions. Students and faculty will have more hands-on opportunities through courses, research and interdisciplinary programs like the Environmental Center and the Sustainability Research Initiative.

Operational priorities include advancing the Climate Action Plan through energy-system transitions, waste reduction and renewable-energy expansion. We also will work to increase visibility of our sustainability work locally, nationally and globally, highlighting �Ͼ�Ʒ�� leadership.

How can faculty, staff and students help achieve these goals?

Everyone on campus can play a role in achieving our sustainability goals. Students can get involved through the Environmental Center, attend events such as the spring Sustainability Summit, participate in Earth Week in April, or sign up to take sustainability and climate courses offered across departments. Faculty can explore ways to integrate sustainability into teaching and research, including the Buckley Center and Sustainability Research Initiative. Staff and students can take action on learning how sustainability is a part of daily campus operations, from transportation and building systems to zero-waste events.

Most importantly, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability wants to hear from you: Sharing success stories and ongoing projects helps promote collaborative efforts, build momentum and accelerate progress toward our shared goals. Also, we will be creating new opportunities for engagement, including office hours to open more avenues to hear directly from students.

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock discusses what stood out this semester, why it matters and what's ahead in 2026.

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Making progress on campus priorities—a Q&A with the chancellor

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:46:41 +0000

Making progress on campus priorities—a Q&A with the chancellor Megan M Rogers Fri, 12/05/2025 - 06:46

As the fall 2025 semester concludes, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Today interviewed Chancellor Justin Schwartz about the accomplishments of the academic year and where the university is headed. In the coming weeks, watch �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Today for additional Q&As and perspectives from other campus leaders.

What three adjectives would you use to describe the fall 2025 semester?

Dynamic. Purposeful. Transformational.

Last spring, you announced four institutional priorities for the campus. Can you tell us about some of the key accomplishments achieved so far?

I can’t cover all of our progress in great detail here, but I will mention a few things I think are notable signals and early successes regarding our strategic priorities.

Fostering the success of all students, faculty and staff

Under the leadership of Sona Dimidjian, D’Andra Mull and Ann Schmiesing, the Student Flourishing Initiative kicked off in earnest to strengthen mental health programs that mitigate risk and promote students’ thriving. We formed an advisory council and a Student Voice and Leadership Council to center student voices and worked with the JED Foundation to assess our campus strengths and opportunities. The four-year process will include strategic recommendations for implementation and a collaborative plan for assessing impact over time.

Since securing housing close to campus is a key driver of student success, retention and graduation, we continued work on Code Talker Hall, a 332-bed residence hall north of Boulder Creek slated to open in fall 2026. With collaboration from the Division of Student Life and Business, Finance & Infrastructure, we also advanced plans for a new student housing project on Colorado Avenue, which is targeted to begin construction in summer 2026 for a fall 2028 opening.

Under the leadership of Jess Doty, we launched an Employee Health and Well-Being department to help faculty and staff thrive professionally and personally and started the Well-being Innovators Network to champion wellness initiatives across campus (apply to join by Jan. 22). This kicked off with a hugely successful Health and Wellness Summit on Nov. 12–13.

Campus leaders also worked closely with the Boulder Faculty Assembly on a Faculty Salary Task Force, which will soon issue a report of recommendations regarding compensation enhancement strategies.

Under the guidance of Sonia DeLuca Fernández and Jon Leslie, the campus embarked on a collaborative project to define our shared values to help shape campus culture. I hope everyone will participate!

Scaling research and creative work excellence

�Ͼ�Ʒ�� celebrated a strong year of impactful research and creative work, earning $766.7 million in research funding in fiscal year 2025, despite federal uncertainty, guided by Massimo Ruzzene and the Research & Innovation Office. Recognition and visibility of innovative Buffs is also a critical component of this work, and CU Athletics introduced the End Zone Innovators award to honor outstanding faculty innovators at home football games.

We continued to grow Colorado quantum ecosystem, particularly by advancing the Colorado Quantum Incubator strength and scope, and boosted research and creative impacts across aerospace, climate, health and bioscience, and the humanities. �Ͼ�Ʒ�� earned numerous distinctions across arts and humanities, including three Fulbright scholars and five Fulbright students for the 2024–25 year. We continued to support our Colorado delegates in working with the entire legislature in D.C. to advocate for federally funded research.

Under the leadership of Bryn Rees and Venture Partners at �Ͼ�Ʒ��, we leaned into efforts to translate our discoveries into marketable and impactful products and solutions and celebrated the initial public offering of Infleqtion, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� 10th “unicorn” spinout (companies valued over $1 billion).

Achieving global leadership in sustainability impact

With the leadership of our inaugural vice chancellor for sustainability, Andrew Mayock, we launched the new Buckley Center for Sustainability Education thanks to a generous $10 million gift, and the campus announced new master degree programs in sustainable engineering and business. �Ͼ�Ʒ�� also launched Boulder Climate Ventures, becoming the first U.S. public university to join the University Climate Ventures Network, alongside Stanford and MIT.

On campus, we partnered with PepsiCo to eliminate single-use beverage plastics on campus, signed the Green Chemistry Commitment and made strides toward achieving our Climate Action Plan.

�Ͼ�Ʒ�� also was selected to host the Carnegie Foundation new national elective classification for sustainability in higher education, which will grow and evolve over the coming year.

Aligning our resources and infrastructure to our mission

�Ͼ�Ʒ�� celebrated a record fundraising year thanks to outstanding efforts from Katy Kotlarczyk and CU Advancement, connecting with more than 44,000 philanthropists to transform lives at �Ͼ�Ʒ��.

We also set the stage for expansion and improvement in other key areas, including a new visioning process for online education. We embarked on a new strategy for global engagement and launched a new strategy for campuswide outreach efforts.

On campus, under the leadership of Marlon Lynch and new Police Chief Ashley Griffin, we began modernizing our safety infrastructure, launched the �Ͼ�Ʒ�� Safe app, and welcomed two explosive-detection dogs to our team. The Infrastructure & Resilience team also led an effort to improve campus wayfinding, a continuing process that will improve both safety and belonging.

Under the leadership of Marin Stanek and the Office of Information Technology, we have begun rolling out improved Wi-Fi in campus buildings, strengthened multi-factor authentication and provided new funding for lecturers to purchase laptop computers.

Meanwhile, we continued supporting CU Athletics in a time of immense change nationally, including developing new routes for revenue generation, while Buffs student athletes earned acclaim across all sports. In cross country, the men finished 10th and women 13th in the NCAA Cross Country Championships, while women soccer competed in the Sweet 16 and finished the season with the most wins, goals, assists and points in program history. No. 24-ranked volleyball had a stellar season and has already won its first game in the NCAA Tournament. Women basketball started the season on solid ground, and the men basketball team is undefeated so far this season, their first 8-0 start in 76 years.

I also want to celebrate some of the important groundwork that got us here and sets us up for future success: building a strong leadership team that includes new Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Ann Huff Stevens, new Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations Janel Forde, new Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock; Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Ann Schmiesing; new Vice Chancellor and Managing Associate University Counsel Esther Henry, alongside an excellent group of existing leaders and shared governance groups.

What is one leadership habit or mindset you strengthened this year—and one you still want to improve going forward?

I have been inspired this year by John Doerr books, “Measure What Matters” and “Speed & Scale.” Doerr outlines five questions that individuals or teams can ask that tend to predict performance:

Structure and clarity: Are goals, roles and execution plans on our team clear?
Psychological safety: Can we take risks on this team without feeling insecure or embarrassed?
Meaning of work: Are we working on something that is personally important for each of us?
Dependability: Can we count on each other to do high-quality work on time?
Impact of work: Do we fundamentally believe that the work we’re doing matters?

In the year ahead, I hope everyone who works at �Ͼ�Ʒ��—myself included—can answer “yes” more vehemently to all five.

Another concept the book discusses is a quote by entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki: “Ideas are easy; implementation is hard.” With so much happening at �Ͼ�Ʒ��, it will be critical to ensure we have an implementation mindset in the year ahead.

What obstacles or legacy challenges have you uncovered that will require longer-term solutions, and how are you planning for them?

One of the strengths of our university culture is its deep commitment to harmony. Building on that strength, I would love to see us also lean into constructive open dialogue; the kind of collaborative spirit that welcomes diverse viewpoints and sparks bold, imaginative thinking. By making more space for thoughtful disagreement, we will explore more possibilities and reach even more inspiring outcomes together.

I also want to affirm that advancing inclusion remains a core institutional priority. We recognize that not all students, faculty or staff experience �Ͼ�Ʒ�� in the same ways. This means we need to be intentional about creating environments where everyone knows they matter and building support structures that allow everyone to access the resources they need to be successful.

Another expectation I have shared with my direct reports is that �Ͼ�Ʒ�� must work seamlessly across the organizational chart, focusing on excellent “customer service” and accountability. In the year ahead, I would like to see us develop a stronger sense of inter-reliance and trust.

Achieving ambitious, campuswide goals is often a matter of delegation, but there are some tasks best accomplished by the chancellor directly. Where do you plan to focus your personal efforts next semester?

Big, campuswide goals are not achieved by finding the single best person for a task—or even an entire committee of all-stars—and handing it off. Our university will make its biggest strides when we focus on aligning our leadership team and every member of our community toward shared, strategic goals; when we define specific objectives to help us get there; and when we measure progress against the outcomes we want to achieve.

As chancellor, my role is to encourage and expect this kind of unified and targeted planning and help create a culture where all of our units recognize their interdependence. With this mindset, whether we are working on retention and graduation rates or student housing or athletics or quantum science or water quality or public safety, we are all rowing in the same direction.

What are you most looking forward to in the spring semester?

I am looking forward to so much in 2026, but top of my list is launching �Ͼ�Ʒ�� 150th anniversary year celebration. We’ll have several events to celebrate the university incredible legacy, and we will honor notable Buffs who have shaped this campus into the place it is today—including with the naming of Ceal Barry Plaza in January. You can submit suggestions for Buffs worth honoring online at colorado.edu/150.

I am also eagerly anticipating another great season of academic successes, research and creative work, innovation and Buffs athletics—and seeing ideas we have developed this semester transform into reality thanks to the hard work of faculty, staff and campus leaders. The year ahead will also bring planning and preparation for the arrival of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder in January 2027!

I hope everyone will join me on Feb. 10 at the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom for the annual State of the Campus address, where we’ll enjoy a meal together, and I will share more about my vision for the university.

As the fall 2025 semester concludes, Chancellor Justin Schwartz discusses the accomplishments of the academic year and where the university is headed. In the coming weeks, watch for additional Q&As and perspectives from other campus leaders.

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New CU Secure Wi-Fi: What you need to know

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:59:16 +0000

New CU Secure Wi-Fi: What you need to know Megan M Rogers Tue, 11/18/2025 - 11:59

Your questions about the new campus Wi-Fi get answered by Vice Chancellor of Information Technology Marin Stanek.

Have questions about the new campus Wi-Fi? Get answers from Marin Stanek, �Ͼ�Ʒ�� vice chancellor of information technology.

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Embrace the season and celebrate tradition

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:57:16 +0000

Embrace the season and celebrate tradition Megan M Rogers Tue, 10/28/2025 - 06:57

With the excitement of Homecoming this week, Vice Chancellor for Student Life D'Andra Mull has advice for Buffs to celebrate and connect.

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State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise: Celebrating a year of impactful discovery

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 20:47:39 +0000

State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise: Celebrating a year of impactful discovery Megan M Rogers Tue, 10/21/2025 - 14:47

Massimo Ruzzene, senior vice chancellor for research and innovation and dean of the institutes, highlighted key insights, initiatives and accomplishments from last year, as well as future aspirations for the university's research and innovation enterprise.

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On the federal government shutdown: A letter from Massimo Ruzzene

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:43:45 +0000

On the federal government shutdown: A letter from Massimo Ruzzene Megan M Rogers Wed, 10/01/2025 - 10:43

In addition to ramifications related to research funding, the current shutdown may impact a range of important operations and services at �Ͼ�Ʒ��. Read more from Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation Massimo Ruzzene.

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Take care this fall

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 18:54:03 +0000

Take care this fall Megan M Rogers Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:54

Vice Chancellor for Student Life D'Andra Mull encourages students to prioritize their well-being this fall by enjoying seasonal activities and practicing healthy habits.

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Welcome to campus, grad Buffs

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 14:51:47 +0000

Welcome to campus, grad Buffs Megan M Rogers Fri, 08/29/2025 - 08:51

As we navigate this moment of change, Dean Scott Adler urges graduate students to make the most of this year with student success resources from the Graduate School.

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Leadership Corner

Prioritizing research and innovation: A look back and ahead with Massimo Ruzzene

How has �Ͼ�Ʒ�� advanced in research and innovation this semester?

What projects are you most excited about for the year ahead and why?

How can faculty, staff and students help achieve these goals?

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Graduate students: Congratulations for a semester well done

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Prioritizing sustainability: A look back with Andrew Mayock

How has �Ͼ�Ʒ�� advanced in sustainability this semester?

What projects are you most excited about for the year ahead?

How can faculty, staff and students help achieve these goals?

Related Articles

Making progress on campus priorities—a Q&A with the chancellor

What three adjectives would you use to describe the fall 2025 semester?

Last spring, you announced four institutional priorities for the campus. Can you tell us about some of the key accomplishments achieved so far?

What is one leadership habit or mindset you strengthened this year—and one you still want to improve going forward?

What obstacles or legacy challenges have you uncovered that will require longer-term solutions, and how are you planning for them?

Achieving ambitious, campuswide goals is often a matter of delegation, but there are some tasks best accomplished by the chancellor directly. Where do you plan to focus your personal efforts next semester?

What are you most looking forward to in the spring semester?

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New CU Secure Wi-Fi: What you need to know

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State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise: Celebrating a year of impactful discovery

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On the federal government shutdown: A letter from Massimo Ruzzene

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