The Madison Research Club brings together JMU faculty and staff interested in externally funded research to share insights, develop collaborations, and learn from experts. Whether you are new to seeking external grants or an experienced PI, we welcome you to join MRC to network, learn about grant application supports, and help strengthen our JMU research community.
Why Attend the Madison Research Club?
Learn and Network!
- Hear directly from JMU’s research leadership and successful faculty.
- Get tips on funding priorities and trends.
- Learn about proposal development tools.
- Meet potential collaborators from across the University.
Who Should Attend?
All faculty and staff who are interested in pursuing external funding for their research, scholarship, and creative works.
WHEN: MRC will be hosted monthly, on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 8:30 - 9:50 am during the academic term. (September, October, and November in the fall, and February, March, and April in the spring).
WHERE: Taylor Hall 304, Zoom
Fall 2026 Meetings
Research Leadership Discussion Panel
Date/Time: September 9, 2026 Wednesday - 8:30-10:00 AM
Location: Taylor Hall 304, Zoom
Join research leaders from each of JMU’s colleges as they share their perspectives on securing external support for research, scholarship, and creative endeavors. Learn how external funding advances college priorities, gain practical tips for turning ideas into strong proposals, and build connections with colleagues from across the university as we launch the new academic year.
Panelists:
- Melinda Adams - CAL
- Katie Dredher - CoE
- Kirk Armstrong - CHBS
- Afzal Upral - CISE
- Steve Whitmeyer - CSM
- Eric Guinivan - CVPA
International Development and Diplomacy
Date/Time: October 14, 2026 Wednesday - 8:30-9:55 AM
Location: Taylor Hall 304, Zoom
Madison Research Club’s October Session catalyzes interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing researchers together in Interdisciplinary International Development and Diplomacy Research Cluster designed to surface shared interests and spark new connections. This approach has already supported the launch of emerging clusters, including our Interdisciplinary Health & Wellbeing Research Cluster, Interdisciplinary AI Research Cluster, and Interdisciplinary Sustainability Research Cluster.
Objectives
- Build collaborative convergence networks with researchers who share an interest in international development and diplomacy research, broadly defined.
- Identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration by learning about others’ expertise, tools, and ongoing projects.
- Expand perspectives on international development and diplomacy research by engaging with diverse approaches and methodologies beyond one’s own discipline.
- Formulate potential collaborative ideas by integrating diverse methodologies, tools, and datasets.
- Propose research questions or projects that apply interdisciplinary insights to international development and diplomacy challenges.
Structure
- 8:30-8:35 Welcoming and introduction
- 8:35-8:45 ORD Updates
- 8:45-9:15 3-min talks
- 9:15-9:50 Structured Networking
- 9:50-9:55 Current international development and diplomacy research-related opportunities (also available as a hand-out)
Introducing Horizon Europe
Date/Time: November 11, 2026 Wednesday - 8:30-9:55 AM
Location: Taylor Hall 304, Zoom
Join the Office of Research Development for an introduction to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program. This Madison Research Club session will help JMU researchers understand pathways for participating in European research consortia, including opportunities through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, European Research Council grants, and Horizon Europe collaborative projects. Participants will learn how to identify potential European partners, explore the CORDIS database, and consider how international collaboration can strengthen future proposals and research networks.
Past Meetings
Spring 2025
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - Artificial Intelligence: Interdisciplinary Collaborations
This session of Madison Research Club will feature a series of 3-minute lightning talks on Artificial Intelligence, designed to foster connections and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers working on these topics. Each presenter will briefly introduce themselves and share insights into their research. This session offers a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow researchers across campus who share similar research interests.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - Sustainability: Interdisciplinary Collaborations
This session of Madison Research Club will feature a series of 3-minute lightning talks on Sustainability, designed to foster connections and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers working on these topics. Each presenter will briefly introduce themselves and share insights into their research. This session offers a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow researchers across campus who share similar research interests.
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 -Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Cluster
Madison Research Club’s April Session catalyzes interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing researchers together in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Cluster designed to surface shared interests and spark new connections. This approach has already supported the launch of emerging clusters, including our Interdisciplinary Health & Wellbeing Research Cluster, Interdisciplinary AI Research Cluster, and Interdisciplinary Sustainability Research Cluster.
Fall 2025
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - Research at JMU
We begin the academic year with a panel discussion of Research Leadership from each College in the University who will share perspectives on external funding for research, scholarship, and creative works. Learn how external funding fits into each college’s priorities, hear practical advice for moving from idea to competitive proposals, and network with other researchers at JMU.
Speakers: Panel of college leaders, including Associate/Assistant Deans & Executive Director of Research & Scholarship.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - Engaging Undergraduates in Research
Madison Research Club’s Undergraduate Research Panel and Workshop will feature a panel of experienced faculty sharing strategies for aligning undergraduate learning outcomes with research agendas, securing funding, and fostering effective mentoring. Following the panel, a hands-on workshop will facilitate discussion and brainstorming, helping you explore new possibilities for integrating undergraduates into your research projects and grant proposals.
Panel speakers: Dr. Mollie Godfrey, Dr. Isaiah Sumner, Dr. Tom Moran
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - Health and Wellbeing: Interdisciplinary Collaborations
Madison Research Club’s November session will feature a series of 3-minute lightning talks on Health and Wellbeing, designed to foster connections and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers working on these topics. Each presenter will briefly introduce themselves and share insights into their research. This session offers a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow researchers across campus who share similar research interests.
Spring 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Speaker & Topic 1: Changes in the Federal Funding Landscape (ORD)
Speaker & Topic 2: What do PIs Need to Know About Research Integrity Compliance? (IRB & Office of Research Integrity)
Speaker & Topic 3: Funding Opportunities in Partnership with Small Businesses: Dr. Patrice Ludwig, following by a panel discussion with Patrice. Dr. Keith Holland, and Leigh Evans
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Speaker: Yasmeen Shorish, JMU Libraries
Topic: Public access & data management
Fall 2024
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Speakers: Panel discussion of Associate Deans of Research
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Speaker: Corporate and Foundation Relations
NOTE: Due to the Thursday football game, this meeting has been moved to Tuesday.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
In plact of MRC, we will be hosting a Broader Impacts and Community Engagement Resource Fair
Location: The Forum, Hartman Hall 2021