UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute, recently convened its Advisory Board for a dynamic two-day meeting focused on shaping the organization's strategic direction and research priorities. The meeting, held January 14–15, 2025, at FSRI's offices in Columbia, Maryland, brought together leading experts and stakeholders in fire safety research and innovation.

ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute Advisory Board Helps Set the Stage for the Future

The meeting opened with an inspiring presentation by ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute vice president and executive director Steve Kerber, who set the tone for two days of strategic discussions and collaborative planning by recapping the advancements of 2024 and the plans for 2025 research initiatives. Advisory board members, representing various organizations and areas of expertise, participated in a comprehensive examination of ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute's current position and future opportunities. 

Through structured sessions and dynamic group discussions, participants explored what's working well, identified areas for improvement, and mapped emerging trends that will shape fire safety research in the coming years.

Strategic Priority Setting

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to identifying and prioritizing research initiatives. Through breakout sessions focused on macro issues affecting the field, participants generated innovative research topics and opportunities. The group then engaged in a systematic evaluation process to determine which initiatives FSRI should prioritize, could pursue with appropriate resources, or should not undertake at this time. The process highlighted the organization's commitment to strategic focus while maintaining the flexibility to respond to emerging challenges in fire safety.

Strengthening Collaboration

Day two of the meeting centered on enhancing collaboration and maximizing impact. Discussions focused on concrete ways to strengthen partnerships between ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute, its Advisory Board, and external stakeholders. Participants explored strategies for amplifying research findings and increasing the real-world impact of ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute's work.

"The insights and expertise shared during this advisory board meeting will directly influence our approach to addressing critical challenges in fire safety research," said Kerber. "The collaborative spirit and strategic thinking demonstrated by our board members will help ensure ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute continues to advance life-saving research and innovation."

Next Steps

ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute will incorporate the advisory board's input into its strategic planning process and begin implementing key initiatives identified during the meeting. Progress updates will be shared with stakeholders through regular amplification channels such as fsri.org and social media.