Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions about the Lawrence B. Dumas Domain Dinner series. Any additional questions may be directed to Megan Blackwelder, Associate Vice President, in the Office of Administration and Planning.
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What is the primary purpose of the Domain Dinner series?
The Lawrence B. Dumas Domain Dinner series was founded in 1998 as a mechanism for stimulating interdisciplinary faculty connection and collaboration. Beyond its utility in connecting scholars at Northwestern, the series seeks to advance priority areas of research by highlighting and catalyzing cross-disciplinary research initiatives at Northwestern University. -
Who is invited to Domain Dinners?
Due to space limitations, attendance at Domain Dinners is by invitation only and is aimed primarily toward tenure-line faculty at Northwestern University. -
I received an invitation to Domain Dinner. Can I bring a guest to the event?
Attendance at Domain Dinners is limited to the faculty to whom the invitation was originally extended. However, exceptions can be made in some special cases if the additional invitation would advance research efforts at Northwestern University. For instance, if the dinner could advance a department’s faculty recruitment efforts. -
How can I recommend a Domain Dinner topic?
Topics may be suggested by individuals in the Northwestern community by emailing Megan Blackwelder, Associate Vice President in the Office of Administration and Planning, at megan.blackwelder@northwestern.edu or by completing the Domain Dinner Topic Proposal Form. -
How are Domain Dinner topics chosen?
Upon receiving recommendations, the topic suggestions are recorded for consideration in future Domain Dinners. On a periodic basis, the Office of the Provost, Office of Administration and Planning, and Office for Research provide input on the proposed topics and identify those that are of highest potential impact. The Office of Administration and Planning then works with potential faculty presenters to better understand how a Domain Dinner might catalyze Northwestern’s research in the proposed area, and a final list of three topics is solidified for Domain Dinners in the academic year. -
Who can present at a Domain Dinner?
In order to achieve the series' mission of enhancing interdisciplinary connection and research, Domain Dinner faculty presenters must be tenured or tenure-line faculty of Northwestern University; represent multiple departments and schools across Northwestern University; demonstrate the value of Northwestern’s interdisciplinary approach to research and education; and have the ability to deliver a compelling and engaging presentation. -
How are Domain Dinner presenters chosen?
Presenters for Domain Dinners are selected in coordination with the Office of the Provost, Office of Administration and Planning, Office for Research, and faculty leaders in the proposed topic area. -
What dinners have been hosted in the past?
A complete list of past Lawrence B. Dumas Domain Dinner topics can be found here.