Strategic planning

The Beckman Institute's strategic plan is tackling the question:

"What grand challenges will we conquer together to position Beckman Institute as a global hub for innovation in the next 5 years?"

The Beckman Institute's strategic plan is tackling the question:

"What grand challenges will we conquer together to position Beckman Institute as a global hub for innovation in the next 5 years?"

About the strategic planning process

In 2025, the Beckman Institute went through a full strategic planning process. It included an all-Beckman survey, focus groups and the creation of a Strategic Planning Team representing all areas of the institute. The team met for six workshops throughout the year, and ended with a list of 12 tasks to accomplish in 2026.

Read on for more information about these tasks and the people working on them. Watch the Beckman Bulletin and this web page for more updates throughout the year.

This process is creating changes throughout Beckman, which is always challenging. You can share your questions and concerns with the Beckman leadership team.

  • Quantifying connection graph of Beckman research

    • Mariana Kersh

    • Brad Sutton

    • Kazi Uddin

    • Jay Cournoyer

    • Will Barley (IGB)

    • Matthew Singh


  • Update mission and vision statement

    • Theme leads

    • Zan Luthey-Schulten

    • Brad Sutton

    • Adam Steel

  • Campus Coordination Task Force

    • Aaron Anderson

    • Nathan Schroeder

    • Amy Leng Fernandez

    • Paul Camacho

  • Beckman efficiency survey

    • Andréa Aguiar

    • Amy Leng Fernandez

  • Incentive program for community engagement

    • Brianna Salgado

    • Deana McDonagh

    • Florin Dolcos

  • Mentor program framework

    • Teppie Peyton

    • Florin Dolcos

    • Hollis Wildermuth

  • Themed informal gatherings with topical experts

    • Benjamin Auerbach

    • Jay Cournoyer

    • Mariana Kersh

    • Deana McDonagh

    • Dan Llano

  • Updated policy on space use and allocation

    • Dan Llano

    • Rita Miller

    • Jaclyn Patrick

    • Andréa Aguiar

  • Defined metrics on space use

    • Dan Llano

    • Rita Miller

    • Jaclyn Patrick

  • Updated space application

    • Erik Hege

    • ITS Group

  • Updated data connection with Carle

    • Aaron Anderson

    • Erik Hege

Documents from the strategic planning process

The working summary includes updates from the Environmental Scan Workshop, Practical Vision Workshop, Challenges Workshop, Strategy Workshop and Year One Accomplishments Workshop. (Downloads as a PDF.)

Documents from the strategic planning process

The working summary includes updates from the Environmental Scan Workshop, Practical Vision Workshop, Challenges Workshop, Strategy Workshop and Year One Accomplishments Workshop. (Downloads as a PDF.)

An overview of the entire planning process

A recap of the planning process from team members Marni Boppart and Mariana Kersh

Feedback from Beckman's External Advisory Committee

In October 2025, Beckman hosted its External Advisory Committee for a five-year review of the entire institute. To ensure the review aligned with Beckman's strategic planning process, comittee members participated in a strategic planning session with facilitator Stephen Kemp.

Download the report

Feedback from Beckman's External Advisory Committee

In October 2025, Beckman hosted its External Advisory Committee for a five-year review of the entire institute. To ensure the review aligned with Beckman's strategic planning process, comittee members participated in a strategic planning session with facilitator Stephen Kemp.

Download the report

Contact Beckman's leadership team

 Steve  Maren directory photo

Steve Maren

Email: smaren@illinois.edu

Cristina Alvarez Mingote directory photo

Cristina Alvarez Mingote

Email: alvarez9@illinois.edu

Shawna Graddy directory photo

Shawna Graddy

Email: sgraddy@illinois.edu

Meg Dickinson directory photo

Meg Dickinson

Email: megd@illinois.edu

Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology

405 N. Mathews Ave. M/C 251

Urbana, IL 61801

217-244-1176

communications@beckman.illinois.edu

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