Who we are
The HIBAR Research Alliance (HRA) is a volunteer-driven organization of individuals and institutions that recognize that today’s universities can and should engage more effectively with the research and innovation ecosystem as a whole, strengthening academic excellence while also addressing the needs of society.
Our efforts focus on Highly Integrative Basic And Responsive (HIBAR) projects. These projects are co-led by academic researchers and societal experts, embracing the academic character and purpose of basic research while addressing a societal challenge.
Shared goals and shared decision-making are essential components of these projects, because the diverse perspectives that co-leaders bring to the effort mean that, together, they make wiser decisions about the project direction, participants, and activities – from the start and throughout. The label “HIBAR” was developed in 2017 to emphasize its integrative and recursive characteristics. HIBAR projects have always existed in universities, but they have been less common than the usual forms of basic or applied research.
What we do
The HRA is tackling a key problem: Today, some practices at universities unintentionally discourage researchers from participating in HIBAR projects, and this in turn impedes the ability of universities to respond to the needs of society. A gentle shift in the culture of the university system is needed to help more faculty members and students to participate in these types of projects. Contributors to the HRA believe that this cultural shift can be achieved through a coordinated combination of bottom-up, top-down, and cross-sector efforts. HRA activities are carried out by a coordinated system of volunteer committees working with leading experts throughout the worldwide research community.
Join us
The HRA invites individuals, from all areas of the research and innovation ecosystem, to participate in its activities aimed at catalyzing cultural and structural change within universities so they can be more active partners in the larger innovation ecosystem. Contact us here.