Funding multi-institution centers of research excellence (CREs) has become a common means of supporting collaborative partnerships to address specific research topics. However, there is little guidance for those planning or managing a multi-institution CRE, which faces specific challenges not faced by single-institution research centers. We…

This paper examines the characteristics and organizational issues associated with university-based research centers. The first section sketches general characteristics and functions of centers. The second section examines major issues concerning the organization of centers, including funding and sustainability, center autonomy, and relations with…

Reflects on the process used by the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA) to establish its 2001-2006 strategic plan, addressing such questions as: What are the underlying principles of strategic planning? What implications does a new strategic plan portend for an organization? (EV)