Greetings from Notre Dame.
On September 9th the University announced that I will step down as Vice President for Research (VPR) at the end of my third term on June 30, 2022. The search for my successor as VPR at Notre Dame has begun. The position description and application process will be publicly announced soon. From my perspective, I would have preferred that the announcement be delayed. It is a long time until June and there is much to do! But, the formal search process is important and it was time to get started.
Since the September announcement, I have received many congratulatory messages and well wishes from friends and colleagues across the research community. And though I joke with friends that this feels like a walking eulogy, I have been deeply touched by these sentiments and remain very grateful for the opportunity to know and work with such an outstanding group of people.
As I look back on my time at Notre Dame, it has been interesting to sort through the journey, comparing my initial plan and expectations to results and lessons learned. The intent from the beginning was to “skate to where the puck will be” for leading 21st-century research universities. Now, more than ever, I believe academic stature and research reputation will be measured by “impact.” I firmly believe that our distinctive Catholic mission and Notre Dame faculty members’ collective commitment and dedication to that mission – to be a “powerful means for doing good in the world” – makes us well-positioned to realize such expectations and aspirations.
Over the past 14+ years, we have put in place human and physical infrastructure for our research programs with an objective to allow our faculty and students to do what they do best. We have been in momentum-building mode to identify and seize opportunities, build on our strengths, and align research programs with our mission. In the midst of the journey it is hard to see the distance traveled. But, upon reflection, I see that progress has been significant. And, my reading is that the University is committed to continuing this journey of research growth and expansion without pause or interruption.
Therefore, to those of you who might have an interest in the Vice President for Research position, I say without hesitation that my successor will have the best job in the academy. To those curious about the University’s stature, keep an eye on Notre Dame. There is more to come.
Sincerely,
Bob Bernhard
Vice President for Research
