Welcome from the Office of the Provost

Greetings!  We hope your year is going well.  Here at the Provost Office, we have been pleased to see many of you at the New Faculty Workshop series and at various other events on campus.  We hope you will join us for the New Faculty Breakfast with Provost Wallace Loh on November 12, 8:30-9:30 a.m., a workshop on Mentoring on December 3, 9-11:00 a.m., and the end-of-the semester New Faculty Reception, December 8, 2008, 4:30-6:00 p.m.  For more information about these events or to RSVP, please go to the Faculty Development Programs website.

In this issue we are please to highlight a vital campus resource:  The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR).  Scholarship is a critical part of the University’s mission, and for many scholars funding is the key to success.  As you will read, the OVPR is committed to your success and offers numerous resources to support you.

We wish you the best as you complete the semester.  If we can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to email us at NewFaculty@uiowa.edu.

Susan R. Johnson, M.D., M.S.

[Back to top]

People You Want to Know

Interim Vice President for Research Jordan Cohen

From the Staff of the Office of the Vice President for Research:

Outstanding research, scholarship, and artistic creation are hallmarks of a great University.  In the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) we are dedicated to providing an environment in which the collective and individual imaginations of faculty members, staff members, and students can flourish.  Our success hinges on advocating for research, providing a high level of service to faculty and staff, creating innovative partnerships, and expecting excellence.

• We foster interdisciplinary collaborations among our constituents and assist them in creating such alliances.
• We pride ourselves on a service philosophy that helps facilitate all aspects of research and economic development at the University of Iowa.  
• We promote research development by maintaining state of the art core facilities and making strategic investments to initiate and maintain programs with promise for success.  Through an internal network of grant administrators and support staff we assist investigators and departments in cultivating external research support.   
• We hold ourselves to a high level of integrity as we navigate through complex compliance issues in the pursuit of scholarship.  In doing so, we assist in understanding and complying with relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
• We work to increase engagement and partnerships across departments, colleges, industries, other universities and the State of Iowa.
• We provide expertise and support to faculty and staff in the commercialization of University intellectual property and help bring these new ideas to the marketplace.

In sum, we advocate for academic excellence.  Our website is one of the tools we use to articulate the vision of the OVPR and to outline the various services we provide.  We are here to help you succeed so that we can all enjoy the invigorating environment of a great University.

[Back to top]

Campus Units You Want to Know

In each issue, campus resources will be featured, including how they can support new faculty members’ success on campus and in the community. Featured in this issue is the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR).

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) oversees all aspects of research at The University of Iowa with a focus on working with colleges, departments, interdisciplinary centers and individual faculty to support applications for extramural support, providing funding for competitive grant proposals, equipment, core facilities, and supporting scholarships in the arts and humanities through a variety of support programs.  This unit also oversees all areas of research compliance and coordinates the University efforts related to technology transfer, commercialization and economic development.  In addition to all of these research support activities, the OVPR is home to several administrative programs or units that focus on particular facets of the research process which emphasize interdisicplinarity.  

Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) – The DSP supports faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students in their efforts to seek, acquire, and manage external funding for research, training, artistic creation, scholarly activity, public service projects, and other educational endeavors. The DSP staff is available to assist in the search for funding opportunities; to assist with application guidelines and eligibility requirements; to guide budget preparation; and to clarify the institutional policies and procedures for requesting and accepting external support. The DSP also reviews and authorizes, on the institution’s behalf, grant applications, contracts, and partnership agreements for conducting research and sharing resources.

Clinical Trials Office – The CTO processes industry-sponsored clinical trials and pre-clinical studies.  This office negotiates written agreements with corporate sponsors, serves as a resource for faculty and staff concerning the clinical trials process, and coordinates activities with the Human Subjects Office for review and approval of studies. 

Compliance – There are several offices under the OVPR umbrella that are responsible for appropriate compliance with all human subject and animal research requirements as well as all elements of health protection, including radiation and biologically hazardous materials.  In addition this office manages institutional issues related to conflict of interest and ensures responsible conduct of research.  Specific offices with links on our web site include the Office of Animal Resources, the Human Subjects Office, and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Economic Development – This component of our mission continues to grow and includes commercialization of University developed intellectual property, assistance to Iowa businesses, and workforce development.  Individual units within the VPR office are consolidated under the IOWA Centers for Enterprise which provide assistance to start-up companies and offer a comprehensive program that promotes economic development and technology transfer to new and existing businesses.  Key units under this umbrella include the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), the UI Office of Corporate Partnerships, the UI Research Foundation (UIRF), the UI Small Business Development Center, and the UI Research Park (formerly Oakdale Research Park)  including its BioVentures Center and Technology Innovation Center.

Interdisciplinary Research Centers - The OVPR is also home to several interdisciplinary research-intensive units. These include the University Hygienic Laboratory, the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute at UI, the Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation, the Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing, the Center of Global and Regional Environmental Research, the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, the Injury Prevention Research Center, the Public Policy Center, the Central Research Support Facilities, and the Office of the State Archaeologist.

[Back to top]

Featured UI Policy

Highlighting specific University policies of potential interest to new faculty.  For a general overview of both University and college-specific policies, please see the links on the sidebar at the top left of the newsletter.  For additional information, please see your collegiate representative or email your question to the Provost Office (NewFaculty@uiowa.edu) for assistance in locating the appropriate resource. 

The University of Iowa Operations Manual (Part II, chapter 27 and Part V, chapters 5 and 30) outlines several other key policies that govern research and intellectual property.

PART II, CHAPTER 27: RESEARCH

27.1 Principles for Determining the Suitability of Research Done in the University
27.2 Principles Governing Access to Research Information
27.3 Process for Access to Research Information
27.4 General Policy and Procedures for Review of Research Projects Involving Use of Human Subjects
27.5 Administrative Surveys and Questionnaires
27.6 Ethics in Research
27.7 Corporate- and Industry-Sponsored Projects
27.8 Anti-Retaliation Policy for Reporting of Misconduct in Research
27.9 General Policy and Procedures for Review of Research and Instruction Projects Involving Use of Animal Subjects

PART V, CHAPTER 5:  POLICY AND PROCEDURES ON GIFTS, GRANTS, AND CONTRACTS

5.1 General
5.2 Processing Applications for Gifts, Grants, and Contracts for Which Applications Are Required
5.3 Project Management Responsibilities
5.4 Transfer of Grant/Change of Project Director
5.5 Facilities and Administrative Costs
5.6 Gifts and Grants
5.7 Gifts and Grants Involving Alteration of an Existing Structure or New Construction
5.8 Other Policies Governing Externally Sponsored Activities

PART V, CHAPTER 30:   INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY

30.1 Intellectual Property Policy Statement
30.2 Administration of Intellectual Property Policy
30.3 University of Iowa Patent Policy
30.4 University of Iowa Copyright Policy

[Back to top]

New Faculty FAQs

Featuring frequently asked questions by new faculty about the University and the local community. All faculty are encouraged to submit a question. No question is too mundane, and none too challenging. If we don’t know the answer, we will find someone who does: NewFaculty@uiowa.edu

Question: What resources are available for new faculty interested in pursuing extramural support for their research, service and creative activities?

Response: The OVPR Office of Research Development (ORD) is eager to assist faculty and staff in their pursuit of external funding.  ORD administers the OVPR’s Internal Funding Initiatives (IFI), which are designed to fund preliminary studies and pilot projects that will enhance the competitiveness of faculty and staff applications for external funding.  The department also advertises and oversees the selection of nominees for prestigious awards such as the Pew Scholars Program, the Searle Scholars Program, the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipends competition, and other grant and fellowship awards for early-career faculty.  In cooperation with the Division of Sponsored Programs, ORD assists faculty and staff in identifying appropriate funding agencies to support their activities.  ORD and Sponsored Programs also sponsor grant writing workshops and other training activities for faculty and staff.    

Question: Who can I call for assistance?

• Animal Research Office, 335-8611, for questions on the use of vertebrate animals in research.
• Division of Sponsored Programs, 335-2123, for information on external funding opportunities and corresponding policies/procedures.
• Clinical Trials Office, 335-9575, for questions on the procedure for clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.
• Environmental Health & Safety Office, 335-8501, for questions on research involving biological safety and/or chemical safety issues and corresponding regulations.
• Grant Accounting Office, 335-3801, for questions on financial accounting practices and procedures.
• Human Subjects Office, 335-6564, for questions on human subjects research requirements.
• IOWA Centers for Enterprise, 335-3999, for questions on IP commercialization, support for Iowa businesses, and efforts in relation to workforce development.
• Office of Research Development, 335-2131,  for information on internal funding initiatives and institutional nomination programs.
• UI Research Foundation, 335-4546, for questions on publication copyright and other intellectual property issues.

[Back to top]

Upcoming Campus-Wide Events Promoting Faculty Success

Numerous offices hold events and workshops that may be of particular interest to new faculty and/or early career faculty.  The following events are sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research.  For a calendar of campus-wide events, please see NewFaculty@IOWA Workshops and Events.  Several colleges and units on campus also offer college-specific programs; contact the Dean’s office in your respective college for more information.

[Back to top]

Academic Career Development Resources

Featuring national resources that support faculty development in teaching, research, and service. A different resource will be highlighted in each newsletter.

• Grant Writers’ Tools, UI Division of Sponsored Programs:  Success in grant writing continues to gain importance in the economy of the academic research institution. Expectations for knowing how to write grants crosses all disciplines and ranks. To some, grants represent the lifeblood of an ongoing research program. Thus, the pages and links contained within Grant Writers' Tools represent a cross-section of what experts, agency program officers, foundation staff, and others with grant writing experience have to say about gaining advantage in the highly competitive and charged environment of the grant writer.

• Principal Investigator and Research Administrator Human Resources Management:  Managing a research program is similar to running a complex business. The demands made on a Principal Investigator and staff can seem overwhelming at times. The Principal Investigator (PI), Research Administrator, and Clinical Research Coordinator must have not only the research expertise to conduct the research, but must understand complex funding agency regulations and employment laws and policies--and manage staff as well. This site is designed to assist the PI and Research Administrator with the management of staff, budgeting, and other related responsibilities of grant or contract projects.

[Back to top]

Community Resources

Featuring cultural and recreational resources in Iowa City and surrounding communities to assist new faculty in settling in to the community and maintaining balance in their lives. Previous issues have explored local trails system, Live From Prairie Lights, and Iowa City/Coralville Bus Transportation. 

The mission statement of The Iowa Children's Museum “is to inspire every child to imagine, create, discover, and explore through the power of play. The museum serves this mission through interactive exhibits, engaging hands-on programs and community outreach. With an annual visitation of approximately 120,000 children and adults, The Iowa Children's Museum is one of the largest cultural attractions in Iowa . . . . The Iowa Children's Museum offers permanent and changing interactive exhibit environments where children 'play to learn' about diverse concepts important to their development. Parents, caregivers and educators are provided unique resources--encouraging them to become actively involved in their child's learning process.”  The public can enjoy this local resource by participating in a membership program or by purchasing tickets for individual admission.  The Museum is located in the Coral Ridge Mall, 1451 Coral Ridge Avenue, Coralville, Iowa.  For more information visit their website or call (319) 625-6255.

Touch the Earth Outdoor Rental Center

Whether we like it or not, winter is upon us and the snow will soon make getting outdoors for exercise a little more challenging.  Unless, that is, you are prepared to enjoy the thrills of cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and sledding!  The UI Division of Recreational Services helps you to do just that by offering Touch the Earth Outdoor Rental Center.  Touch the Earth is part of the UI Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex.  Through its Rental Center you can rent many supplies for outdoor activities (e.g., tents, camping gear, kayaks, water equipment, bicycles) AND for those colder months:  snowshoes, cross-country skis, pulk sleds, and toboggan sleds.  SO do your body (and mind) a favor--don’t let the winter weather keep you indoors!  And, while you’re on the UI Division of Recreational Services site, check out their Adventure Trips, which are also open to UI faculty/staff/students and the public.

[Back to top]