Thank you for your participation at the Strategic Energy Institute Retreat. The level of active participation was significant and the input generated will help define the future of SEI and its role at Georgia Tech. Your suggestions, comments and ideas will form a foundation upon which SEI will continue to build the premier Georgia Tech "Global Energy Community." Attached is a compilation of the commentary and suggestions made in each of the four breakout sessions for your review.
A few overarching themes emerged as a result of conversations during the panel session Q & A and the breakout discussions. These include:
General Support for a Broad Vision/Consensus
- Building the Georgia Tech Energy Community (creating synergies)
- Being an Honest Broker across broad constituencies and disciplines
SEI/Energy Research as a Georgia Tech Priority
- Energy should be one of the key research clusters at Georgia Tech
- Support should Include Bottom-up and Top-down strategies
Global Energy Interactions
- Link energy research agenda with GIT international campuses and activities
SEI as a Facilitator of Resources
- Need ongoing, more focused versions of retreat to propel research efforts
- Engagement via Consortia with Industry and other Partners
Communication
- Internal and External mechanisms needed to promote Georgia Tech Energy Research
- Annual Workshops, Coordinate and/or link Seminars under SEI Umbrella
- Newsletter, Website, Other Avenues to Increase Visibility for Energy Activities
Need for Political Engagement
- Broaden and expand links with federal and state relations and development components of GTI
Need for Student Engagement
- Immediate
Several action items will be pursued as a result of the retreat:
• Formulate a draft Strategic Plan for SEI that will be circulated for comment.
• Initiate a series of 'mini-workshops' in broad technical areas in order to nucleate faculty interest groups.
• Develop mechanisms for active student engagement.
• Initiate planning for next GIT Energy Symposium.
• Develop support for a communications support position.
Once again, thank you for your participation.
Sincerely,
Roger Webb
Interim Director