We believe that long-term success for the IU-MSI STEM Initiative is built on strong faculty networks between MSIs and IU. Such connections among diverse peers strengthens collaboration, sparks innovation, and serves to develop research potential for all partners. Collaboration activities currently include Faculty Exchanges and the Faculty Research Development Institute (FRDI).

Faculty Exchanges occur during the academic year and the FRDI is an annual summer event that includes a series of workshops designed to build research connections, identify new funding sources and support research projects for faculty and student researchers.

During these events, faculty also can discuss potential students in their respective institutions who might pair well with an IU faculty member that lead to a spot in the STEM Summer Scholars Institute. These gatherings will foster on-going discussions around mutual research interests.