University Research Council

October 8, 2003

Meeting Summary

SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

Each item in the Provost’s charge will be addressed by a Council subcommittee.  Subcommittee members are:

Electronic Research Administration Subcommittee: Mike Crouch, Jan Dorman, Esther Gal-Or, Mike Madison, Anne Robertson, Daniel Shaw, Pei Tang, Raman Venkataramanan, Craig Wilcox

Integrated Proposal-Writing Program Subcommittee: Michael Cascio, Phyllis Coontz, Gene Gruver, Irving Lowe, Susan Sereika, Robert Weyant

NSF Educational Program Subcommittee: John Beuthin, Janelle Greenberg, Steve Husted, Lauren Yaich

National Preparedness Subcommittee: Lisa Barsom, David Brienza, Patricia Dowling, Pat Loughlin, David Tipper

REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH

Mike Crouch, Director of the Office of Research, discussed the reorganization of the Office’s operations.  The Office will introduce a system for electronic research administration so that it can more efficiently process grant applications.  Unfortunately, off-the-shelf products do not fit the University’s needs.  The Office hired an information technology professional to help it develop an electronic grant processing system.  The Office also will conduct benchmarking and site visits to help it accomplish its goals.

Mr. Crouch also discussed:

  • The new clinical trial template that will be posted on the Office’s web site.
  • An upcoming National Science and Technology Council meeting that will address government-university relations.
  • Restrictive clauses in contracts related to homeland security.
  • The upcoming International Society for Research Administrators meeting.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS

The Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) recently held a public meeting that addressed biological and chemical counterterrorism measures.  Representatives of the agency described how to apply for HSARPA grants in these areas.  Several members of the University faculty attended the meeting.

The Council also discussed:

  • The University’s Center for National Preparedness
  • Keystone Alliance grant applications
  • UPMC and University Medical School biosecurity initiatives

MISCELLANEOUS

Several other issues were addressed:

  • The Provost’s Office will sponsor an open house on “predicting the future” at which faculty members who use modeling and simulations will present their research.
  • The Technology Commercialization Alliance and the Provost’s Office are sponsoring a class on “Academic Entrepreneurship.”
  • The University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University, Carnegie Mellon University, and several private firms are working on issues related to fossil fuels.
  • Members of the Council discussed the Duke vs. Madey patent infringement case and the experimental use exemption from patent infringement claims.