University of Chicago RDS

We act as an active mentor, long-term partner, and accelerator to large-scale complex research projects. This process begins by working with faculty and administrative leaders to plan, initiate, and manage research initiatives and proposals at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Marine Biological Laboratory, and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

Realizing that research rarely comes in a one size fits all package, we use an adaptive accelerator strategy for each of our portfolio projects that relies on constant organizational learning and innovation. Our deep network of relationships allows access to University leadership, community leaders, research and industry partners helping ideas become impactful research initiatives or projects.

Our accelerator process begins with:

COLLABORATION

  • Convene interdisciplinary partnerships across the University
  • Collaborate with National Labs
  • Convene and manage University support and leadership
  • Collaborate with other University offices
  • Bridge institutional gaps at University
  • Engage external partners and community leaders

FUNDING

  • Develop integrated and holistic funding strategy
  • Help funders achieve their funding visions
  • Invest institutional support in early stage ideas
  • Prepare for site visits
  • Engage foundations
  • Engage federal agencies

STRATEGY

  • Facilitate research feasibility and agenda-setting workshops
  • Develop research agenda
  • Launch centers and institutes, from conception to hiring dedicated staff
  • Scale up and expand program scope
  • Develop business plan
  • Develop communications strategy
  • Facilitate strategic, long-term institutional planning
  • Develop programs and initiatives
  • Integrate institutional goals and research agendas

BIG IDEAS GENERATOR

Arete’s Big Ideas Generator (BIG) supports early-stage, risky research with the potential for high impact. One of BIG's goals is to minimize the risks of pioneering research and create a protected space where big ideas and theories are encouraged to grow. We do this by providing different levels of funding, operational guidance, and access to a network of UChicago colleagues who share an enthusiasm for charting novel research directions.