Steven Walsh named 2026 Community Engaged Research Lecturer

University of New Mexico researchers will gather in PAIS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for two events. The day begins with the annual Principal Investigator reception. It runs from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. and is held in person only. Registration is required for attendance.

At 5:30 p.m., the Community Engaged Research Lecture begins. Steven Walsh, a distinguished professor at UNM, will deliver the keynote. His talk is titled “Basic and Applied Research is a Team Sport.” The lecture is available both in person and via Zoom.

Walsh has held the Ellis School’s Economic Development Endowed Chair since 1998. He teaches in the James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership. His work focuses on technology commercialization and firm growth. He also studies industry revitalization and technology entrepreneurship. His research touches on fusion, quantum, aerospace, pulsed power, micro- and nanotechnologies, and bio-based technologies.

Walsh belongs to the Management of Technology, Project Management, and Technology Entrepreneurship research group. The group has operated for more than 20 years. Published rankings have recognized it as a leading research center. It helped establish the foundation for New Mexico Small Business Assistance grants. These grants have supported more than 580 firm-assistance projects. Over 2,000 UNM students have taken part in the program.

The professor has authored or co-authored more than 400 academic and practitioner articles, books, book chapters, and other publications. He often shares a specific philosophy with his students: “Never Lie. Help Others. Be Fair to All. Be Accountable to Yourself.” He credits colleagues, students, and research partners for his work.

The Community Engaged Research Lectureship Award is the highest honor for community-engaged scholarship at UNM. It recognizes scholarly work that affects the relationship between the university and the larger community. Nominees must be active full professors or exceptional associate professors at the time of submission. The scholarship must be of the highest quality and tied to the faculty member’s expertise.

The PI Reception is hosted by The Office of the Vice President for Research. It honors the research and scholarship conducted by Lobo researchers each year. The event provides an opportunity to connect and discuss new collaborations among scholars. Both the reception and the lecture celebrate UNM researchers across the campus.