III. Plans for 1998-99

For HERI, 1997-98 was a year marked by both success in sponsored research activity and publication, and significant attention paid to internal organizational development. HERI members continue to exchange ideas about basic and applied research in the areas of risk assessment and risk communication, and to benefit by bonds of collegiality that are renewed and strengthened each time the group meets.

In 1998-99, HERI efforts will be directed by a Steering Committee consisting of the following individuals elected at the May, 1998 meeting:

Dr. Christopher Auffrey	Assistant Professor	School of Planning (DAAP)
Dr. Robert Bornschein	Professor	Environmental Health (Medicine)
Dr. Stephen Depoe	Associate Professor	Department of Communication(A&S)

In the coming academic year, the efforts of HERI faculty and staff will be directed by goals articulated in the organization's Strategic Plan (see ATTACHMENT D). Under the first area identified in the Strategic Plan (Development of HERI and Participating members), efforts will focus on Goals 3 and 4. Goal 3 states that HERI will develop a full-time Director position. During 1998-99, HERI members will develop both a job description for a Director and a plan for funding such a position. Goal 4 states that HERI will provide professional benefits for its members. During 1998-99, the Steering Committee will implement a number of measures outlined in the action plan for this goal, including providing travel, mentoring, and other support for junior faculty, and promoting student involvement in HERI activities.

Under the second area identified in the Strategic Plan (Applied Research and Product Development), efforts will focus on Goals 5 through 8, all of which lead toward the development of a market for applied research, products, and services in the areas of risk assessment and risk communication. Goal 5 states that HERI will determine principal areas of research strength and interest. This will be accomplished by developing a database that lists specific interests of each HERI member and quarterly availability for work on applied research projects. Goal 6, the identification of customer needs in applied research areas, will be met by developing and implementing a market survey. Goal 7 involves the identification of specific products and services that are within HERI capabilities and faculty interests. HERI faculty will work together to conduct meaningful applied research and other services, such as community workshops and independent technical reviews. Goal 8, market development, will be accomplished by promoting HERI capabilities through a number of communication channels.

Under the third area identified in the Strategic Plan (Service to the State and Community), HERI will attempt to reach out to other Ohio colleges and universities to collaborate on projects that serve the State of Ohio and the various academic disciplines that study risk. Collaboration across Ohio's campuses is Goal 9. Goal 10 states that HERI will provide workshops and seminars on environmental health issues for local businesses, governments, and communities. It is hoped that the September, 1998 HERI Workshop will mark the beginning of a series of educational programs and services provided to Ohioans by HERI members.

The work accomplished together by HERI members since they began meeting in 1994 has been impressive. HERI embodies the important goal of interdisciplinary collaboration, a goal of central importance to the mission of the University of Cincinnati.