ARIS Announces the 2026-2028 ORIC Cohort

Posted On: 04-01-2026

The cohort is Clemson University, Texas State University, University of North Carolina Wilmington, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Texas at El Paso.

The Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) today announced the 2026-2028 ORIC Cohort: Clemson University, Texas State University, University of North Carolina Wilmington, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Texas at El Paso. These institutions were selected for the Organizational Research Impact Capacity (ORIC) program based on their commitment to strengthening and expanding their institutional capacity for Research Impact.

ORIC helps universities and organizations build the internal skills, systems, and strategies needed to assess, communicate, and scale Research Impact. Through this two-year cohort experience, the selected institutions will strengthen their approaches to Broader Impacts with faculty support, partnerships, and institutional impact practice.

As a part of the program, each institution commits to intensive training, organizational assessment, monthly engagement with ARIS leaders and subject matter experts, regular internal team meetings, BI certification for BI professionals, and a poster presentation at the ARIS Summit.

The 2026-2028 ORIC cohort will join a growing ORIC community of nearly 50 institutions and the largest impact network in the U.S. Together, their teams of Research Impact professionals and administrative leaders will learn from peers, exchange effective practices, and advance work that makes the societal benefits of research more visible, connected, and meaningful.

“The ORIC Program provides tools for institutions to build their capacity for engaging in meaningful broader impacts,” said Susan Renoe, ARIS Executive Director. “ARIS is happy to support them as they enhance their ability to engage in research that truly benefits society.”