I. Background

As the boundaries between the sciences, engineering and computation continue to blur, Brown University must review and improve its structures to support integrative applied research that transcends disciplinary boundaries to maintain its leadership in global research and education. We are at a critical juncture where the most pressing societal challenges — from quantum information to climate resilience — may require a coordinated approach that no single program can provide in isolation.

To this end, this Task Force on Facilitating Research in Applied Sciences, Computing and Engineering will convene to evaluate opportunities to enhance and stimulate new, large-scale collaborative research activities between the School of Engineering, the Department of Physics, the Department of Computer Science, the Division of Applied Mathematics and other programs, centers and institutes.

II. Charge

The task force is charged with exploring opportunities for new and expanded research directions in applied sciences, computing and engineering that build on the strengths of our programs, identifying resources that would promote new programs, and recommending an administrative and research framework that supports departments and disciplines and creates new structures that can achieve unprecedented scale and impact.

Specifically, the task force will address the following:

• New Synergistic Research Programs: Assess existing research strengths in our applied sciences, computing and engineering units that could be strengthened and transformed to field-leading centers of excellence through targeted investment and/or improved organization.
• Research Infrastructure: Assess needs for physical and digital infrastructure, personnel, graduate and postdoctoral programs and other resources to promote new directions while ensuring efficient use of resources through shared high-capital instrumentation.
• Increased Federal, Corporate, Foundation and Philanthropic Funding: Identify structures, resources and programs that could enhance Brown’s competitiveness for philanthropy and large-scale grants that require a demonstrated pipeline from fundamental theory to application.
• Educational Impact: Explore how such structures can enhance the educational experience for graduate and undergraduate students through expanded research opportunities. Review the potential for new master’s programs.
• Organizational Architecture: Evaluate administrative structures (e.g., an integrated school, new or combined departments, transdisciplinary centers and institutes) that would promote agile, cross-departmental research endeavors, faculty hiring and other synergistic activities.

III. Guiding Principles

The task force’s recommendations should be guided by Brown’s commitment to:

1. Academic Excellence: Ensuring that the rigor of fundamental disciplinary discovery is preserved and enhanced.
2. Organizational and Financial Efficiency: Ensuring that the structures that are created serve to lessen bureaucratic barriers rather than add to them. Maintaining a commitment to financial responsibility.
3. The Open Curriculum: Maintaining the flexibility that allows students to bridge physical sciences with the humanities and social sciences, as well as other schools and institutes.
4. Inclusion and Equity: Designing a structure that reflects Brown’s commitment to openness and diversity of ideas, perspectives and experiences.

IV. Timeline and Deliverables

The task force will consult broadly with faculty, students, alumni, exemplar institutions and industry across the areas of interest. A preliminary report outlining high-level opportunities and structures is due to the provost by November 2026, with a final recommendation and implementation roadmap to be presented to the Corporation in February 2027.

Task Force Composition:

• Chair: James Russell, Deputy Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
• Members: Faculty of the four constituent units