February 28, 2025
Connecting K-State scholars: Building bridges through collaboration
Do you have a research poster that was presented once and is now rolled up in a corner of the lab? Or a poetry piece, painting, photograph or design that deserves to be seen by a campuswide audience? If so, please sign up for Posters, Pinot and Partnerships.
Collaboration and innovation drive groundbreaking research and scholarship, and Kansas State University is reinforcing these ideals through a new initiative. Beginning in spring 2025, the Office of the Vice President for Research is launching a series of networking events aimed at fostering interdisciplinary connections, sparking new ideas and celebrating the university's broad community of creativity and scholarship.
"This initiative is about more than showcasing research — it's about creating a space for dialogue and discovery," said Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research. "We're committed to cultivating connections that inspire and advance the extraordinary work happening at K-State."
By bringing scholars together across disciplines, K-State is strengthening its creative ecosystem, accelerating discoveries and positioning the university as a leader in addressing complex challenges. This initiative, which is directly aligned with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan, prioritizes innovation, collaboration and global impact and will play a vital role in fostering partnerships that drive meaningful discoveries — on campus, in Kansas and beyond.
The Posters, Pinot and Partnership series will feature posters and creative works from faculty across disciplines, providing a platform for sharing ideas and forging new partnerships. Attendees can expect a blend of academic rigor and artistic exploration, all within a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
The first session is set for Thursday, March 13, and a second session will take place on Thursday, April 10. Both events will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the Hemisphere Room at Hale Library. Attendees will enjoy light snacks and wine while engaging with their colleagues' work. Each session will highlight a theme from the Opportunity Agenda of K-State's Next-Gen plan.
The March event will spotlight Health and Well-Being, underscoring the relationship between physical, social and cultural factors that shape health outcomes and community cohesion. Faculty presenters will delve into topics such as:
- Foundational biomedical research addressing diseases and other health challenges impacting Kansas and the nation.
- The physical, social and cultural features of communities.
- Social dynamics and cohesion within community settings.
- Drivers of health disparities, including social determinants of health and health care policies.
- Structures, policies and practices that enhance educational access.
The sessions are more than networking events — they're opportunities to bridge gaps between fields, identify potential collaborators and spark ideas that transcend traditional boundaries. Faculty and staff from all disciplines are encouraged to attend, whether they're presenting their work or simply looking to engage with peers.
"It's rare to find opportunities where the humanities, sciences and arts converge so seamlessly," said Ruth Welti, university distinguished professor of biology and director of core facilities. "This series promises to be a catalyst for innovation and deeper understanding across disciplines."
Faculty and staff interested in attending or presenting their work at the March session — or any future session — are encouraged to register. A second session will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, with additional follow-up events in fall 2025, each with a unique focus area aligned with K-State's strategic priorities. Please register to attend the event or to present your poster or creative work at one of the spring 2025 sessions.
By bringing together a wide spectrum of expertise and creativity, the Office of the Vice President for Research hopes to continue to cultivate a vibrant, interconnected scholarly community that propels K-State's mission forward. Whether through meaningful conversations, new collaborations or simple moments of inspiration, these networking events promise to leave a lasting impact on faculty and staff alike.