Initiatives

UIDP initiatives are collaborative, action-oriented efforts that bring members and other partners together to address pressing and emerging challenges in university-industry research partnerships. Through working groups, listening sessions, workshops, research, and pilots, participants identify common needs, share expertise, develop practical guidance and tools, and test new models for collaboration. The goal is to turn collective insight into solutions that strengthen partnerships and improve research and innovation outcomes.

Get Involved

UIDP members are invited to help shape the work of the UIDP community by contributing to a current initiative, sharing expertise or a case study, joining a working group or listening session, or exploring participation in a pilot. Members may also suggest a challenge or opportunity that UIDP should address.

We invite members to complete the Member-Only UIDP Programs Interest Form to tell us what interests you and how you would like to contribute. Our Programs team will follow up to explore relevant opportunities.

*Must be logged in to see this form

Not a UIDP Member?

Participation in UIDP programs and initiatives is one of the many benefits of membership. Learn how UIDP membership connects organizations and their employees with opportunities to collaborate, exchange knowledge, access practical resources, and help advance university–industry partnerships.

Industry-Integrated PhD (I-PhD) Scholars

UIDP’s nationwide pilot initiative designed to enhance STEM doctoral education through joint co-investment, dissertation-integrated research, and cross-sector mentorship between universities and industry partners

Strengthen and Modernize Initiative (SAMI)

UIDP’s initiative to strengthen and modernize cross-sector partnerships and dramatically increase impact from collaborative innovation.

Partnership Advantage Network (PAN)

Strengthen higher education–industry partnerships with PAN, a professional community offering peer learning, industry insights, practical resources, and more.

Engineering Research Visioning Alliance

The Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA), is a UIDP-administered initiative with funding support from the National Science Foundation Engineering Directorate.

UIDP HBCU Initiative

The purpose of the UIDP HBCU Initiative is to develop guidance that provides representatives from companies, federal agencies, HBCUs, and other universities with best practices for developing a mutually beneficial engagement strategy.