Be the Destination for Collaboration, Expertise and Problem-solving
Given
Through deliberate relationship-building and strategic positioning, the College of Engineering will become the go-to institution where industry leaders, research organizations, community stakeholders, and media converge to address complex challenges, access cutting-edge expertise, recruit a skilled workforce and drive innovation.
Given
COE will systematically leverage Chicago’s unique metropolitan advantages — including proximity to world-class national laboratories, Fortune 500 corporations, emerging technology companies, and diverse community organizations — to transform the College into the region’s destination for high-impact partnerships and authoritative expertise, with emphasis on growth areas identified in this plan.
Plan Goals
Be Chicago’s research institution of choice for industry collaboration, workplace talent and translational research
The demand for university-industry partnerships has never been greater — companies are actively seeking academic partners who conduct cutting-edge research, solve complex technical challenges, and provide access to workplace-ready talent.
Regional and national partners need what COE has to offer: basic and applied research capabilities, authoritative multidisciplinary expertise, and faculty and graduates prepared to apply a diverse lens to address contemporary challenges.
Strengths, Goal, Impact
SGI
Our Strengths
COE has exceptional faculty who have earned global recognition for research in areas of interest to industry, such as biomedical engineering, energy systems, materials science and computational sciences, with nationally recognized expertise spanning electronic visualization, robotics, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, medical diagnostics, rehabilitation engineering and sustainable energy. The College also has a strong reputation for preparing highly skilled graduates who make a difference in public, private and nonprofit sectors.
Our Goal
COE seeks to be the translational research hub and premier partner for research collaboration and talent acquisition in the Chicago region and beyond. UIC’s central location, skilled and diverse student body, and exceptional faculty with wide research expertise create the foundation for transformational industry partnerships. Strengthening current and forming new relationships with partners in the public, private and nonprofit sectors requires moving from an ad-hoc, individually driven model to a more institutionally strategic approach, with the goal of developing structured, effective and rewarding partnerships that provide mutual value through cutting-edge research collaboration, knowledge translation, and a robust talent pipeline.
Desired Impact
Through coordinated outreach, systematic partnership development and comprehensive student preparation, we will transform from a valued regional resource into an indispensable strategic partner locally and nationally.
Be the go-to destination for engineering and computing scholarly expertise
Be the go-to destination for engineering and computing scholarly expertise
As Chicago’s leading public engineering college, COE sits at the nexus of world-class research infrastructure — including Argonne and Fermilab national laboratories — Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, a thriving startup and venture capital ecosystem, and diverse community partnerships.
This positioning creates a compelling opportunity: to be the first call for industry leaders and funding agencies seeking solutions to complex technical challenges. Our faculty can be the primary voices media consult on topics ranging from quantum and AI to biomedical engineering, urban infrastructure and energy resilience. We can attract top students and faculty seeking research with immediate real-world impact — and ensure policymakers and peer institutions recognize UIC’s contributions to advancing knowledge and addressing critical societal challenges.
Strengths, Goal, Impact
SGI
Our Strengths
COE faculty bring research-driven expertise to critical areas of great public interest; cybersecurity, energy independence, electronics, health technology and more. Through research centers and international scholarly associations, we host seminars and symposia that draw diverse regional audiences — activities we can expand in strategic areas of excellence and through key partnerships.
Our Goal
We will establish COE as the go-to destination for engineering and computing scholarly expertise through a deliberate strategy to increase visibility, demonstrate thought leadership, and create platforms for collaboration. We will host high-impact events — such as national and international conferences, symposia, and workshops — that bring together experts and stakeholders to engage on today’s most pressing technological and societal issues. We will also promote and support our faculty as visible experts in the media, ensuring COE is consistently recognized as a trusted source of knowledge and innovation.
Desired Impact
COE’s visibility and reputation will rise among current and prospective students, academic peers, policymakers, and industry leaders. As a result, we will expand partnerships, enhance recruiting, and raise recognition of our educational and research strengths.
