WHO WE ARE
At the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR), we build bridges that connect researchers, students, and staff with the resources, expertise, and opportunities to drive innovation and discovery. Our office oversees a network of research administration units, fostering collaboration across disciplines and creating pathways for groundbreaking ideas to transform into real-world solutions. By actively supporting research at every stage, we empower the University of Utah community to tackle complex challenges and deliver meaningful impact locally and globally.
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT OF RESEARCH
Dear Colleagues,
For more than 170 years, the University of Utah has been a leader in advancing knowledge and solving critical challenges. Our commitment to innovation and discovery drives research that improves lives, powers economic growth, and expands our understanding of the world. From pioneering medical breakthroughs to developing transformative technologies and addressing societal complexities, these achievements are made possible by the creativity and dedication of our researchers, students, and staff.
We are quickly approaching the 80th anniversary of a pivotal moment in our institution’s research history. In 1946, Dr. Maxwell Wintrobe, a world-renowned hematologist, secured the National Institutes of Health’s first research grant ever awarded—a $100,000 annual grant that was subsequently renewed for 23 years. This landmark grant, which focused on studying muscular dystrophy and other hereditary and metabolic disorders, was also the first extramural research grant at the University of Utah. Dr. Wintrobe’s leadership and dedication to worldclass care, research, and education set a foundation for excellence and innovation that continues to guide our institution today.
The university’s strength lies in its collaborative spirit and the diversity of expertise that spans disciplines, programs, and colleges. This collective effort allows us to pursue bold ideas and translate them into solutions that have meaningful and lasting impact. As we continue to build on this foundation, we are committed to fostering a research environment that prioritizes excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunity.
At the Office of the Vice President for Research, our mission is to support and amplify your work, providing the resources, partnerships, and pathways needed to achieve transformative discoveries. Together, we are shaping the future of research and creating a legacy of impact for generations to come.
Thank you for your dedication to excellence and for being an essential part of the “U.”
Sincerely,
Erin Rothwell, PhD
WHAT WE DO
In 1968, the Office of the Vice President for Research was created to promote and build research
excellence at the University of Utah. Through strategic leadership and planning,
the VPR Office is dedicated to providing effective resources that serve the
university’s research community and drive innovation and discovery at the U.
CORE VALUES
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INTEGRITY
We value responsible and ethical practices that align with compliance and regulation policies. The importance of honesty and transparency is essential to conducting responsible quality research. -
COLLABORATION
We value collaboration and teamwork that reflects interdisciplinary fields of research. Working together as a unified institution is integral to achieve the university’s collaborative research mission and goals. -
RESPECT
We value a respectful research culture that encourages civility and consideration of others. We strive to facilitate a welcoming and safe research campus that acts on courtesy, compassion, and awareness of all groups and individuals. -
INNOVATION
We value innovation and creativity to find impactful solutions that address the challenges we face as a society. We are focused on conducting transformative research that will result in groundbreaking discoveries in all fields of study.