̽̽’s (̽̽) second annual Research, Innovation, Sustainability and Entrepreneur (RISE) Summit is attracting local, regional and national voices who will gather June 24 and 25 to share knowledge, to network and create conversations on this year’s theme “Partners in Place.”

“This summer ̽̽ will continue to ask big questions to advance innovation and partnership,” said ̽̽ Vice President of Research, Kirk Dombrowski. “What elements of a place inspire innovation? What tools are needed to create thriving, sustainable, and healthy communities? How do partners tap a land grant institution for research and support, and how do they learn from each other?”

In 2023, ̽̽ brought together the region’s entrepreneurs, business and community development leaders with faculty and students to introduce an intensive partnership approach to building a prosperous future for Vermont and the region. The first RISE conference attracted over 900 participants.

Two national voices have been named RISE keynote speakers to date:

  • Tony Pipa, senior fellow in the Brookings Institution’s Center for Sustainable Development, and host of the podcast, “Reimagine Rural”, will speak about placemaking in rural areas.
  • Chavonda Jacobs-Young, under secretary for research, education and economics and USDA’s chief scientist, will offer thoughts on the role of research in creating healthy, prosperous and purposeful places.

Retired U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy will present ̽̽’s first annual Partnership Award to a faculty member with exceptional engagement in the community. Panels, presentations and opportunities for networking will be offered to in-person and virtual attendees, and more events and speakers will be added. Vermont’s will emcee and offer theatrical reflections on our themes.

The event is sponsored by ̽̽’s Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, which will highlight early results from its partnership work in rural education, food systems, tech innovation, resilient energy solutions, municipal capacity-building, and refugee resettlement, among others. The Leahy Institute recently awarded $1.7M to help Vermont communities tackle rural challenges.

Learn more about RISE 2024 and register for free.

DAY 1: PLACEMAKING IN PRACTICE

  • Place-based Research, Institutes for Rural Partnerships consortium members
  • DIY Tech Hub, workshop with Vermont’s VGaN Tech Hub
  • Community-based Placemaking for Health, Prosperity, and Purpose

DAY 2: PLACEMAKING TOOLS

  • Placemaking for Sustainability, keynote by USDA chief scientist.
  • Equity of Opportunity for Rural Places, panel with regional and national voices
  • University Partnerships in Support of Placemaking, breakout sessions for rural development, infrastructure and housing, tech innovation, disaster recovery.

The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships operates alongside the Office of Engagement with the mission to provide engagement opportunities and partnerships with ̽̽ for the benefit of our rural places. The Leahy Institute brings financial and technical assistance, access to ̽̽ research, faculty expertise, student projects and internships, and established ̽̽ startup and engagement programs.