Stony Brook University and the State University of New York (SUNY) have announced the launch of the SUNY Research Leadership Academy. This year-long initiative aims to develop a new generation of research leaders who will enhance SUNY’s research efforts by engaging the public, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) fields across New York State.
The program is based on the Alda Method and offers participants hands-on training in inclusive leadership practices, science communication, and public engagement. The Academy is supported by the Henry Luce Foundation. Participating faculty must receive $5,000 in funding plus travel support from their home campuses. Applications are open online until August 15, 2025.
The first cohort will start in Fall 2025 with an initial meeting at Stony Brook University. The Academy is led by several departments at Stony Brook University in collaboration with the SUNY System Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development.
Alan Alda commented on the initiative: “For fifteen years, the Center for Communicating Science has enabled women and men in STEMM to be better communicators. It’s made them better leaders.” He added that they are excited to extend their training throughout SUNY.
Kevin Gardner stated: “We are seeking visionary researchers prepared to lead… With essential support from SUNY and the Henry Luce Foundation, the Leadership Academy will provide our faculty with… a dynamic collaborative network to pursue groundbreaking… research.”
Laura Lindenfeld emphasized effective communication as key to leadership: “Research that serves society demands leaders who listen… To grow research, we have to find new ways to elevate those leaders.”
Judith Brown Clarke expressed enthusiasm about expanding leadership pathways: “This is a powerful opportunity… providing bi-directional outcomes for individual program participants and for research across the SUNY system.”
The program supports up to 30 STEMM faculty from SUNY campuses who are associate professors or higher actively engaged in research committed to equity and collaboration. Participants will also design a capstone project aligned with equity-driven research leadership goals.
For more information about the Academy, visit their website or contact research_academy@stonybrook.edu
