The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) has opened applications for the RIO Faculty Fellows 2026 cohort, which will be accepted through October 31. Selections will be announced in November. 

RIO Faculty Fellows identifies and develops tenured and tenure-track assistant or associate professors who are poised to lead significant collaborative projects, develop vision and deliver novel and impactful scholarly work. The cohort-based program framework includes both retreats and periodic shorter meetings, as well as the development of a scholarly network that extends beyond the formal training itself.

“This program is making a positive impact across campus and will be especially valuable for faculty seeking to lead and thrive even in challenging times,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene. “I’ve seen it first-hand—it is a powerful and unique program that is creating more resilient, effective leaders and collaborations across our research and innovation ecosystem.”

The program identifies a network of campus research leaders who are experts in their respective fields, and equips them with the skills and capacity to lead collaborations across campus while strengthening the university’s reputation nationally and globally through collaborations beyond the campus.  

RIO Faculty Fellows engages fellows as individuals and as a cohort on:

• Research and creative work leadership
• Collaboration and systems thinking
• Team building and academic management
• Scholarly communication and values
• Personal and professional coaching

“Our program creates a community of scholars who are interested in sharpening their leadership and collaborative skills,” said Senior Director of Research Leadership Development Kirsten Rowell. “Being part of this cross-campus network and learning new tools to improve their capacity has already begun to pay off for these faculty.”

Complementing other prominent faculty leadership programs on campus, the RIO Faculty Fellows program is an investment in CU Boulder faculty and in the university as a global leader in research, innovation and impact.

Please visit the Faculty Fellows website to learn more or submit an application, or contact Kirsten Rowell with additional questions at kirsten.rowell@colorado.edu.