Friday Focus: New year, new opportunities, new obligations
January 9, 2020
— by Larry Hinzman, vice chancellor for research
In our hectic lives, we seldom take the time we need for self-reflection and assessment. What have we accomplished? What do we really want to do? The end of the year is a great time to look back. As the days and weeks go by, it is difficult to really grasp everything that we actually accomplish, which by the end of a year can build to a substantial record. So, take the time to look back and consider everything that you did and relish in your achievements.
The beginning of a new year is the time to look forward. This is the time to both stand on your laurels and build on your accomplishments. As a research university we must continually evolve and adapt. What are the challenges facing our state and nation? How can we use our strengths and capabilities to win the opportunities availed to us?
All of our successful programs, such as the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, the Wilson Alaska Technical Center, the Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning, and the Center for Alaska Native Health Research took years of preparation, promotion and planning before they grew into the research dynamos they have become. Even they must continually explore new options and adapt to new opportunities. These research centers present good models as they demonstrate their capabilities to address new problems and create their unique opportunities.
Even our most productive researchers understand that success does not come to them; it must be solicited, cultivated and pursued.
The One Health initiative at UAF is an example of the slow but steady growth from idea to reality. I've watched the patience and tenacity of people like Stacy Rasmus, Brian Barnes and Arleigh Reynolds who see the vast potential in UAF to help synthesize information about the Arctic and sub-Arctic from the people who live there, and to work with researchers and communities throughout the circumpolar North to expand on and share their findings.
What started as ideas became research centers, and now One Health will host a major international conference this March 11-14. I don't know what lies beyond that, or what new initiatives and relationships will develop as a result, but I know nothing great can be achieved without insight, foresight and energy.
Creating new research opportunities is a challenge that is sometimes met with frustration. But it is also a gratifying endeavor filled with achievements, valued contributions, personal and professional rewards, and the path to discovery, knowledge, information and understanding. The new calendar year 2020 will bring UAF some new and some continued challenges, but it also brings the time for us to stand upon our accomplishments and our expertise.
This is the time to work with our colleagues across campus and our allies and partners around the world to expand knowledge and help our state and nation enter the new decade stronger and more resilient than we have ever been.