Dear faculty,

The new year is already off to an exciting start with the naming of our colleague Erik Luijten as Northwestern's next provost. Erik is an exceptional scholar, a clear-sighted academic leader and a dedicated member of our community who has shown his commitment to advancing Northwestern's excellence with 17 years of service. I am thrilled with his appointment.

Until the end of the academic year, I will work closely with Erik to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes for him to take the helm as provost. I have no doubt Erik will do tremendous work and serve as a thoughtful and forward-thinking champion of our amazing faculty, staff and students.

The next several months will be busy, and, indeed, even more change lies ahead as the search for the next University president intensifies. Faculty input is important for this critical decision, so I hope you will take part. Last week, the Presidential Search Committee announced a series of listening sessions for the University community, and I want to take this opportunity to share the details for the session planned for faculty:

Presidential Search Faculty Listening Session
Friday, Jan. 16
10-11 a.m.
Register for the Zoom meeting

If you are unable to attend the faculty listening session, there are other ways to engage in the process:

• Submit feedback via the input form.
• Email the committee at presidential-search@northwestern.edu.
• Submit nominations through the search firm at northwesternpres@spencerstuart.com.

This is a significant moment for Northwestern. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with all of you as we enter a new year and new beginnings for our world-class University.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost 
First Chicago Professor of Finance

News and notes

The new Northwestern University Energy Innovation Lab has launched and programming is underway. Over the next several months, the Lab and Kellogg School of Management will host a series of faculty lunches that will explore topics at the intersection of energy and emerging technologies. Register for lunches and sign up for the Lab’s mailing list. Mark your calendar for the Lab’s April 17 inaugural conference, titled “Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies." Co-sponsored with the Institute for Policy Research, NNCI, Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy, Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, and Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience, the event will include sessions focused on data center strategies; AI, quantum and geospatial data in energy systems; space-based energy; investment; and geopolitics.

Faculty-in-residence position open for Fall 2026

Residential Services has launched the application process for the North Area Faculty-in-Residence (FIR) position located in Elder Hall. Application materials and timelines can be found on the Residential Services website and will be collected through Feb. 23. Questions about the FIR position can be directed to Amanda Mueller, Director of Residential and Academic Engagement, at amanda.mueller@northwestern.edu. 

Participate in the Computation and Data Exchange (CoDEx) Symposium 
CoDEx is an annual campus-wide event that provides opportunities for University researchers to make connections, start collaborations and discuss successful practices and challenges in research computation and data science. Hosted by Northwestern Information Technology, this year's symposium will take place on April 21. Participate and present your research. 

Faculty funding opportunities

• The Alumnae of Northwestern University Grants:  This funding supports projects not included in the University's current budget, such as the purchase of equipment and supplies, the creation of exhibitions, conferences, symposia, innovative programs, and support for valuable research. Last year’s awards ranged between $800 and $10,000. Use this link to submit your application or click on "Grants" under the "Monetary Awards and RFPs" tab on the website. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 16 or when 100 applications have been received, whichever comes first.
• Humanities in Translation Prize Competition: The Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, the Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities and Northwestern University Press have announced the Humanities in Translation (HiT) Prize competition for 2026-27. The goal of the prize is to encourage new translations of important literary and scholarly works from around the world, particularly from non-Western and less commonly translated languages. The deadline is Jan. 16. Learn more. 

• Pat & Shirley Ryan Family Research Acceleration Fund: This fund provides seed grants to faculty to speed up the commercialization of innovative and high-potential research in the life sciences. The application deadlines are Sept. 1 and March 1 at 9 a.m. CST every year until Sept. 1, 2031. Learn more.

• Buffett Global Working Group Grants: This grant supports Northwestern faculty working on a global problem in an interdisciplinary context, offering up to $200,000 spread over two to five years. The deadline is Feb. 16. Learn more. 
• The Office of the Provost's Career Development and Writing Support Grant and Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Grant: Information and application links for 2026 will be posted to the websites in early February and due later that month. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by March 20.

In case you missed it

• Northwestern’s MLK commemoration will be a tribute to "Beloved Community" with a campus celebration that includes a candlelight vigil and keynote panel of experts.
• Interim President Henry S. Bienen delivered dual State of the University addresses on Jan. 8.
• Luna’s Pub and Grill, which features expansive views of Lake Michigan and classic pub fare, is now officially open at Norris University Center.
• Human Resources shared important information with employees enrolled in Northwestern's 2026 healthcare plans.
• View more news from around the University.

Faculty Support and Services

Faculty mentoring training program

The Office of the Provost’s Advancing Mentoring Excellence training program will offer How Coaching Techniques Can Help You Become a Better Mentor (Feb. 25), Communicating Feedback Effectively (April 9) and Managing Conflict in Mentoring Relationships (April 30). These sessions are open to all faculty whether or not they are taking the five core sessions for certification. Learn more and register here.

2026 University Practicum

Registration is open for the University Practicum, one of Northwestern’s most well-regarded programs for pedagogical development. Now in its sixth year, the Practicum is an impactful space for dialogue and discovery, bringing together colleagues from across the University who care deeply about student learning. This year’s theme, The Science of How Students Learn, was selected by Northwestern instructors. There are two opportunities to participate, both online: Winter: Feb. 16-March 12, and Spring: April 7-30.

Mark your calendar

Featured events 

• Jan. 16: Absolute Resolve and its Aftermath: Assessing U.S. Action in Venezuela and What’s Next, a panel discussion hosted by Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
• Jan. 20: MLK Commemoration 2026 keynote panel moderated by Sylvester Johnson, Chair and Professor of Black Studies
• Jan. 22-23: Global Disinformation in a Post-Moderation World, a two-day symposium (part of the Roberta Buffett Institute's 2025–26 event series on Brave New Futures)
• Jan. 26: Faculty Leaders Series: Building Trust and Community
• Jan. 29: I'm First Celebration, an evening of mingling , food and fun, with performances by Latin Music Ensemble and Dante Espinoza and the I'm First Awards presentation. RSVP by Jan. 19.
• Feb. 25: How Coaching Techniques Can Improve Your Mentoring
• Mar. 2: Faculty Leaders Series: Effective Developmental Feedback

Key dates

• Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (University closed)
• March 1: Honorary degree nominations due

More resources

• Faculty Resources
  • Academic Calendars
  • Career Development and Support Programs
  • Faculty Handbook
  • Past Newsletters

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