Catherine Corr, associate professor C&I SPED, was a member of the 2025-26 Emerging Research Leaders Academy (ERLA). In a recent article from the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, she reflected on her experiences in the program.
She credited ERLA with helping her “lay the groundwork” for a new partnership between the College of Education and the newly formed Illinois Department of Early Childhood.
“I want to make sure [the university] is well-positioned to ‘connect the dots’ in ways that will build a cohesive early childhood research ecosystem for Illinois,” Corr told IHSI. “Many of the lessons I take away from this experience have helped in that process.”
Designed to support mid-career faculty and researchers, ERLA provides vital leadership and team science training that will help faculty pursue large, multi-PI grants, lead campus research initiatives, enhance their own research programs, and ultimately position the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for even greater research excellence.
IHSI is accepting nominations for the 2026-27 ERLA program. We are seeking associate or recently promoted full professors who have not yet led a large, multi-PI grant or campus initiative, as well as non-tenure track faculty and research scientists with a record of independent funding as single-PIs who are now looking to lead larger efforts. Nominations are vital to the success of the Emerging Research Leaders Academy, helping the Selection Committee to identify and support future leaders who will drive innovation and excellence in research.
Participants must be nominated by a department head, dean, or director before applying. Nominations are due May 29, 2026.
Read the full article from the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute.
