Dear colleagues:

Many of you are likely aware of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), two key parts of the University of Illinois System’s research and innovation agenda. The DPI/IIN project has received quite a lot of attention in recent weeks, particularly after the state announced an allocation of $500 million to support DPI/IIN in its budget for the current fiscal year.

We know everyone is interested in learning more about the initiatives, so we are setting up a series of informal DPI and IIN Information and Discussion Forums at each of our universities later this month. These meetings will be open to all faculty and staff.

During the DPI and IIN Information and Discussion Forum meetings, Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation Ed Seidel and I will outline the impressive progress that has already been made on DPI/IIN, a statewide research enterprise that will accelerate discovery, job creation and economic growth.

Much has happened in the few short months since these initiatives were announced, including opening an office in Chicago, establishing new academic and corporate partnerships, organizing our first educational programs, and helping secure the $500 million in funding from the state. During these meetings, there also will be plenty of time for you to share your insights and get answers to your questions about how DPI and IIN might impact you, your units, your campuses, your students, and the state of Illinois.

Here is the schedule for the meetings, open to all faculty and staff:

• University of Illinois at Springfield – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 28, Student Union, Ballroom
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – 3:30 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, Illini Union, South Lounge
• University of Illinois at Chicago – 3:30 to 5 p.m., Thursday, August 30, Student Center East, Rooms A & B

I hope you can find time to join us, and thank you for everything you do for the U of I System.

Sincerely,

Tim

The DPI and IIN Information and Discussion Forum meetings have been designated as an approved event for non-exempt civil service employees. These employees may attend, without having to charge a benefit, operations permitting and with prior supervisory approval.