Final
Report to the Faculty Senate
2002 -
2003
Charge
to the Research Council
The
Research Council is charged with providing advice on (1) formulation, review,
and application of policy and guidelines for University research and its funding
both from within and without the University; (2) questions concerning the
compliance of research with University policies; (3) developing methods for
informing University members about research opportunities and for stimulating,
evaluating, and rewarding good research. Additionally, the Research
Council is charged with providing a forum to which faculty and students may
refer questions and recommendations concerning University research policies and
procedures (2001 University of Iowa Operations Manual, Chapter 2.8, Section
(19)b).
Council
Meetings
The
Research Council met eleven times during the 2002-2003 academic year.
Council
Activities
An
ongoing agenda topic during the 2002-2003 year for the Research Council was the
discussion of strategies to (1) inform the University of Iowa research community
regarding internal and external funding opportunities, and (2) identify new
opportunities to enhance research and scholarship at the University of Iowa.
Activities related to these and other issues addressed by the Research Council
during the year have included:
The VPR and Associate VPR reviewed the internal funding and OVR budgetary constraints. Internal seed grant funding was suspended last year but was reinstated for 2002-03.
A new version of the OVPR WEB site was constructed during the past
summer. Comments, suggestions and
critical evaluation were requested of the council. Recommendations from the previous council were implemented.
The Research Incentive Plan (RIP) was discussed at length. Questions were raised regarding the level of funding, the mechanism of distribution of funds at the college level and the overall appropriateness of the program as a whole. Additional information was sought from the collegiate Deans regarding the mechanisms of distribution and faculty input on the decisions for fund allocation. This is an ongoing discussion. RIP will be reevaluated as part of the 2003-04 council agenda.
Met with President Skorton to discuss potential effects of
state funding climate on research opportunities at the University of Iowa.
Also met with Associate Vice President Derek Willard who described in
greater detail the current state and federal funding levels and what is planned
by the University of Iowa and peer institutions to improve funding
opportunities.
Continued
discussion seeking mechanisms for providing sufficient travel funds for
maintaining scholarly activities. A
one-time allocation ($50,000) was identified to assist the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences with funding scholars to present their work at national and
international meetings. This item
remains on the council’s agenda for the following year.
The Research
Administration group described the challenges facing the university with regards
to human subjects protection, the Institutional Review Board, research involving
animals and clinical trials. Changes
in interpretation of regulations were identified as the most demanding issue
facing the university at present and how these impact researchers involved with
biological and medical sciences.
Modifications were made to the Internal Funding Initiatives (IFI)
to broaden the scope of participation and to make the application process
easier. At present opportunities
and funding levels of the IFI will remain intact for the next year.
The council reviewed the report on the Task Force on Research
Support Staff Concerns and Issues. Recommendations
include 1) Elevate awareness, 2)
Review compensation and classification, 3)
Create a web-based information resource, 4) Develop orientation/training program, 5)
Offer targeted staff development, 6)
Give recognition and 7) Continue
attention to these issues.
Conclusions
The
Research Council continues to support and encourage the participation of
researchers, scholars, and creative artists throughout the University of Iowa in
the discussions of issues related to the enhancement of research, scholarship,
and creative works. This is an
on-going effort. While the climate
may appear to be less opportunistic that in the past, research funding avenues
exist. The Research Incentive
Program and the Internal Funding Initiatives offer mechanisms to jump start
faulty and staff in the research endeavors.
The Research Council supports these directions and is working with the
Vice president for Research to expand potential funding opportunities.
As
chair of the Research Council, I am very appreciative of the efforts of
President David Skorton (former VPR), Interim Vice President for Research
William Decker and commitment of time by the members of the Research Council.
The highly capable administrative support offered by Lawrence Rettig,
Special Assistant to the Vice President for Research and the other members of
the OVPR make this job rewarding.
Respectfully
submitted,
Richard
Hichwa, Chair
Research
Council