Strategic Research Clusters
Encouraged by CUNY Central’s Cluster hiring initiative in early 2022, Baruch College in broad consultation with students, faculty, and academic leadership of the three schools, identified three strategic interdisciplinary research clusters, listed in alphabetical order: (1) Data Science, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Informatics; (2) Climate Studies and Environment; and (3) Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In AY22-23, CUNY Central authorized 12 new tenure-track faculty hires into these clusters with a starting date of Fall 2023. These three clusters organize existing faculty members across the college with research interests in the areas of foci and interlink with one another through the lens of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. These clusters offer additional opportunities for networking and collaboration among members of the three schools at Baruch College.
The formation and sustainability of these three clusters is aligned with one of the strategic priority areas outlined in the new Baruch College Strategic Plan (2023-2028): Promoting Excellence in Research. Their existence also embodies the five core value principles guiding the college: collaboration and connection, excellence, impact, inclusion, and innovation. The three clusters had their initial convening in the Spring of 2023.
The three interdisciplinary research clusters serve as networking spaces for faculty across the college working on similar research streams, and they showcase how Baruch faculty is engaged with modern topics to address some of the most pressing problems faced by the world today. Excellence in these research areas will translate into the classroom when these faculty members lead discussions, design assignments, or choose projects. Given the strategic value of these clusters, the Office of the Provost lends logistical and financial support to promote their growth and sustainability over time.
(1) Data Science, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Informatics