Thermal Biology Institute Mission, Role and Scope, and Strategic Plan

The Thermal Biology Institute conducts and promotes research and education focused on the biology and interrelated physical and chemical processes of geothermal environments in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Programmatic Vision

Our vision for the Thermal Biology Institute includes:

• Development of an international center of excellence for the study of thermal biology, recognized by and engaged with the scientific community and the public.

• A record of outstanding scientific achievements, including international recognition for excellence in research as demonstrated by seminal contributions and professional recognition.

• A highly visible education and outreach program that has successfully enhanced the knowledge and awareness of geothermal biology to audiences of all ages.

• Interdisciplinary training for graduate students and postdoctoral associates focused on the biology and interrelated physical-chemical factors important in geothermal environments.

• A balanced portfolio of basic research, education, and industrial alliances to promote long-term sustainability focused on thermal biology.

• A supportive and collaborative environment for scientists sharing interest in geothermal biology in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Strategic Plan and Implementation

A. Research (70 % Emphasis)

1. TBI will support individual faculty-initiated research proposals that meet those priorities articulated in the role and scope. Annual review of research projects will be conducted by the Director, Associate Director, and the Scientific Advisory Board to achieve goals of maximum scientific impact. Optimally, the research program will be expanded to include new investigators as appropriate to achieving breadth and excellence in thermal biology; likewise, research programs will be eliminated if there is not compelling evidence that they have contributed to the programmatic vision outlined for TBI.

2. TBI will support acquisition of instrumentation unique to the needs of thermal biology research, emphasizing multiple user facilities, and opportunities to match TBI funds with other sources. TBI faculty will be encouraged to initiate or collaborate on equipment proposals to garner additional external support whenever possible.

3. TBI will promote the hiring of new faculty members that have interest or direct focus in research related to thermal biology.

4. TBI will support a weekly seminar series that includes participation by internationally recognized scholars.

5. TBI will support a visiting scholar program directed towards the following goals and criteria:

• Bring additional expertise that enhances programmatic focus
• Increase visibility in the international community
• Establish collaborative relationships with external scientists
• Provide direct interaction with TBI faculty, staff, and students

6. TBI will help support TBI faculty, staff, and students to engage in off-campus research opportunities including visits to learn or utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation, and attend workshops and/or short courses.

B. Education/Outreach (15 % Emphasis)

1. TBI will develop a focus on education and outreach that includes activities such as:

• Development of educational materials for all audiences
• Organization and participation in workshops and/or short courses independently and in cooperation with the Big Sky Institute, YNP staff, and other agencies
• Participation in films and/or documentaries regarding thermal biology in YNP.

2. TBI will host and cosponsor a biennial national/international workshop related to life in extreme environments.

3. TBI will develop a team-taught graduate course (500 level) in thermal biology that emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of thermal biology related activities.

4. In support of these goals, TBI will support an M.S.-level Communication-Outreach Specialist focused exclusively on coordinating outreach and educational programs.

C. Service (10 % Emphasis)

1. TBI will promote the use of TBI resources and facilities to support scientific activities of international or domestic visitors, and serve as a liaison for outside visitors whenever practical (tours, information, facilities).

2. TBI will purchase instrumentation, upgrade analytical capabilities, and/or support technical staff in campus-wide core facilities that support research efforts in thermal biology.

D. Industrial Alliances/Partnerships (5 % Emphasis)

1. TBI will develop industrial alliances for the purposes of (i) enhancing the research and education mission of TBI, and (ii) securing gifts or sponsored research to build an endowment that will be used for long-term sustainability.

2. TBI will directly engage the Techlink Center (MSU) in the protection of intellectual property and identification of products that may have commercialization potential, for the purpose of identifying revenue streams that may contribute to sustainability.

E. Sustainability of the Thermal Biology Institute

1. TBI will develop a plan for promoting long-term sustainability that will include:

• Endowments and fund raising
• Industrial partnerships
• Indirect cost returns negotiated among the Office of Research and Creative Activities, and appropriate Colleges and Departments at MSU
• Grant efforts in research and education that support institute-wide objectives

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 6/29/07