Meeting Summary
Conducting Cutting-Edge Research
Carey Balaban, Professor in the
Department of Otolaryngology, discussed methods to develop cutting-edge
research projects. These projects often
integrate multiple disciplines while maintaining the rigor associated with each
discipline’s research tradition. They
also usually utilize the expertise of senior faculty both to provide guidance
for the project and to develop new lines of research for junior faculty.
Some government agencies, such as
DARPA, specialize in nontraditional research programs. They use an iterative process to develop
projects. An “advanced concepts group” invites
research groups to submit white papers or brief proposals, selects several
groups to continue to the “proof of concept” stage, and then funds the most
promising projects. Projects are
evaluated on a periodic basis by advisory group(s) and may take five to ten
years to reach fruition.
Report from the
Office of Research
Allen DiPalma, Director of the
Office of Research, discussed standardized procedures for three of the
Office’s electronic initiatives: Internal Grants Management Software (InfoEd), ERA Commons, and Grants.gov. The Office will test InfoEd’s
proposal-tracking module during December, January, and February and then
release it for general use. This module will capture all relevant
pre-award and immediate post-award information. Electronic reporting and
tracking capabilities then will be developed.
Members of the Office staff are developing standardized
procedures to use the functions available through the NIH ERA Commons. Several
departments are currently participating in a limited pilot project. These procedures should be completed before
the end of the year. Office
of Research staff are also developing standardized procedures to enable
faculty and staff to properly utilize the Grants.gov system. A year-long
training program geared towards users of Grants.gov will be instituted early
next year.
Miscellaneous
Other topics of discussion included: