Higher Education Research Council

The Higher Education Research Council (HERC) is responsible for implementing and administering the Board’s higher education research policy and the grant programs created by it. These programs are designed to stimulate competitive research at Idaho’s institutions.

HERC has worked diligently to attract projects that serve to strengthen the research capabilities and contribute to economic development in the state of Idaho. HERC was formed in the Fall of 1998 as a result of the Idaho State Board of Education’s interest in promoting basic and applied research at Idaho’s public, four-year institutions. Learn more about each institution’s research office below.

Institutional Research Offices

HERC Members

  • Dr. Mark Rudin, Chair
    Vice President of Research & Economic Development
    Boise State University
  • Dr. Haven Baker
    Vice President of New Market Initiatives
    JR Simplot Co.
  • Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt
    Director, Nuclear and Laboratory Operations
    Idaho National Laboratory
  • Mr. Bill Canon
    Director of Strategic Business Development
    Valmark Interface Solutions
  • Dr. Cornelis Van der Schyf
    Vice President for Research & Dean, Graduate School
    Idaho State University
  • Dr. Janet Nelson
    Vice President of Research & Economic Development
    University of Idaho
  • Dr. Lori Stinson
    Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs
    Lewis-Clark State College
  • Ms. Robin Woods
    President
    Alturas Analytics, Inc.

For more information, see the Higher Education Research subsection of the governing policies and procedures.

Higher Education Research Council Programs

These programs are designed to stimulate competitive research at Idaho's institutions, under the direction of the Higher Education Research Council.

Funded Research Centers

The State Board of Education has funded seven research centers through the Research Center Grant Program. The most recent recipient of the research center grant was awarded to Boise State University for their Institute for Musculoskeletal Research.