Course I: Introduction to Research Administration

RAC 9010

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the complex environment that supports the partnership between the federal government, industry, and academic and clinical research institutions. The goal of these partnerships is to spur innovations in a variety of fields including biomedical research, engineering, and others. This course provides an overview of the sources of funds that support research with a focus on the relationship between universities, hospitals, research institutions and the federal government. Students are given an overview of the various administrative and compliance roles and career paths that support research. Core competencies such as negotiation, leadership and ethics are explored. The course outlines the entire life cycle of grants and contracts, starting with the development and submission of a proposal. Note the focus of the session is not on grant writing. The course provides an overview of the legal framework for acceptance and management of research funding.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the importance of research funding in achieving public objectives and the U.S. government process and structure for providing research funding
2. Identify sources of funding (foundations, federal agencies, industry) and understand the process of developing a grant application
3. Understand definitions for key areas (e.g. grants, contracts, gifts) and legal implications
4. Become familiar with a variety of resources including reference material, professional organizations and other information networks
5. Define roles and responsibilities of key individuals, explore different organizational structures.
6. Interact with experienced research administrators to explore career paths
7. Explore the concepts of stewardship of funds, accountability, customer service and compliance with regulatory and other requirements
8. Introduce the legal and regulatory environment for research administration

Breakdown of Topics

Week 1
The U.S. research environment and the partnership between sponsors and performers of research.

Week 2
Introduction to key concepts and definitions, roles and responsibilities and organizational structures in the academic and research environments. Outline of career paths for research faculty.

Week 3
Developing the grant application from the administrator's perspective.

Week 4
Award acceptance and negotiation.

Week 5
Research compliance considerations (involvement of human subjects, animals, biosafety, intellectual property).

Week 6
The legal framework (OMB Circulars, Federal Acquisition Regulations).

Week 7
Overview of award terms and conditions, sponsor policies and regulations.