University Research Council

October 16, 2008

Meeting Summary

Council Charge

James V. Maher, the University’s Provost, delivered the Council’s charge.  He asked Council members to continue to sponsor the Multidisciplinary Small Grant Program and the Central Research Development Fund.  These programs enable faculty members to transform promising ideas into nascent research programs, which then can form the bases of proposals for external funding.  He also asked the Council to maintain its support for the annual Federal Agencies Trip.  This program provides an opportunity for the University’s faculty members to interact with project managers from various federal agencies.

Simulation and Modeling Center

The Center for Simulation and Modeling, which will be formally established later this month, will support computational research and education across the university.  It will draw faculty members and students from a wide range of disciplines, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, and medicine.  The Center will be located in Bellefield Hall.

Multidisciplinary Programs

The Provost’s Office is working with University researchers to develop a multidisciplinary program on traumatic brain injury.  Problems associated with these injuries have been highlighted by events in Iraq.  Faculty members in the Departments of Bioengineering, Biology, Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Physics are participating in the project.

Report from the Office of Research

Allen DiPalma, Director of the Office of Research, discussed federal funding of academic research.  The federal government is currently operating under a continuing resolution.  Federally funded University researchers will receive up to 90 percent of the previous fiscal year’s financing until this fiscal year’s budget is established.

Mr. DiPalma also discussed:

  • Proposal resubmissions to the NIH
  • Conflict of interest and disclosure of financial interests
  • Grants.gov and Adobe-based forms
  • Research administrator forums
  • Intellectual property and consulting

Miscellaneous

Council members also discussed whether individuals who have served on review panels or study sections can mentor junior faculty on issues related to grant proposals.  The Department of Psychiatry has developed an excellent model.  Faculty members in the department submit their proposals to an internal review board before the proposal is delivered to an external agency.