Cluster Hiring Initiative at Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) recognizes that research universities achieve distinction by continually pushing the frontiers of research, scholarship and creative work.  Some of the most exciting and important advances in research are at the borders and connections among disciplines, requiring multidisciplinary collaborations and integration of concepts from many different areas.  Thus, while it is important to build on our strengths in core disciplines, we also must facilitate cross-disciplinary work in order to be at the forefront of research, scholarship and creative activities. 

In 2008, FIU began to strategize in order to enhance existing faculty clusters and form new clusters in other important areas not currently addressed.  The Cluster Hiring Initiative is also intended to improve cross-disciplinary student learning and, given FIU’s priorities in health related research and the environment, should benefit the local and state quality of life and economy. 

The following ideas inform the Cluster Hiring Initiative objectives at FIU:

• Attract a critical mass of researchers and scholars to an important area of knowledge that cannot be adequately addressed through existing faculty, resources or structures;
• Further encourage and foster cooperation within an already strong faculty and staff cluster;
• Provide for new research tracks and collaborative opportunities among clusters;
• Address complex questions at the frontiers of knowledge;
• Create new crucial curricular offerings at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Assist in fulfilling the research mission at FIU and its aspirations of research excellence.