The Research and Graduate Studies (RGS) Roadmap to 2030 is our comprehensive plan to advance research excellence, empower graduate education, and foster innovation at Portland State University.
This milestone is the result of an inclusive, collaborative process spanning faculty listening sessions, focus groups, retreats, task force recommendations, open forums, and public comments. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed—faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
The Roadmap aligns directly with the university’s Future in Focus strategic plan, emphasizing the pivotal role of research and graduate studies in achieving PSU’s broader vision. It embodies our collective dedication to:
- Driving impactful, interdisciplinary research that addresses societal challenges, including sustainability, public health, transportation, and economic revitalization.
- Championing graduate student success through innovative programs, equitable access, and robust mentorship initiatives.
- Fostering partnerships with local industries, public agencies, and global collaborators to strengthen our research enterprise.
- Enhancing operational excellence by modernizing infrastructure and streamlining processes.
Notably, the Roadmap introduces several transformative initiatives, including:
- The establishment of the Institute for Public Impact Research, a hub for interdisciplinary and community-engaged research addressing critical societal challenges.
- Launching the Graduate Mentorship Academy to improve mentorship quality and foster strong mentor-mentee relationships, essential for student success.
- A renewed focus on the health and vitality of graduate programs, with strategies to enhance recruitment, retention, and student support.
- Strengthening use-inspired and industry-engaged research, fostering collaboration with local industries, and positioning PSU as a leader in innovation and applied research.
- The expansion of the Research Development Office and its services, including grant-writing workshops, proposal development assistance, and mentorship programs, to empower faculty in securing external funding and advancing research goals.
This Roadmap is more than a document—it’s a commitment to lead with purpose, innovate with intention, and deliver meaningful impact for our students, faculty, and the communities we serve. Explore the full document here.