Office of the Vice Provost for Research

Research Updates - 2020

OVPR Research Updates

December 2020

COVID-19 Updates
Reminder: Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund is Open for Proposals
OVPR's Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund (CDRF) supports the establishment of research partnerships within chartered centers and institutes or between two or more diverse disciplines that encourage strong applications to externally funded opportunities. Proposals are due by 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 17, 2020.
UPDATE: Transition to the "Pod" Model for Sponsored Research Administration
Per the August 13, 2020 announcement, school-led pods comprising both school and central research administrators, will manage the complete lifecycle of a sponsored research project and provide continuity from inception to award closeout. The decentralization of research support is currently underway with some tasks being transitioned from Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) to the pods.
  • Pod and OSP leadership meet regularly to develop guidance for decentralizing roles and tasks;
  • Pod managers and OSP staff hold regular meetings to discuss and resolve emerging issues;
  • The Roles and Responsibilities Matrix (GW login req'd) has been updated to reflect the division of tasks under the new pod structure; and
  • OSP has launched two helpdesks, focused on pre-award and post-award activities, to assist pod managers and staff transition into their new roles.
During this period, OSP will continue to work closely with the pods to provide additional support and ease the transition. The GW research community can view the Office of Sponsored Projects website for pod portfolio assignments and contact information
 
New Indirect Cost Rates on Sponsored Research and Activities
The university's new Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rates have been approved. The rates, also known as overhead, support claims for indirect costs on sponsored projects. Although the new rates were effective July 1, 2020, implementation of the new on-campus rate of 61.5% will begin on January 1, 2021.
Expiration of Federal COVID-19 Award Flexibilities
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum that allowed federal awarding agencies to grant various administrative, financial and audit requirement flexibilities to their recipients. These flexibilities were intended to provide short-term relief without compromising federal accountability requirements.
As of today, all but one of these flexibilities have expired or been rescinded. The extension of the original memorandum, OMB M-20-26, expired on September 30, 2020. The remaining flexibility covers Extension of Single Audit Submission and COVID-19 Emergency Acts Fund Reporting (2 CFR § 200.512), and is set to expire on December 31, 2020.
Automation of Effort Reporting
In order to improve the effort-reporting system, and to remove the need to circulate, print and scan PDF documents, Grants and Contracts Accounting Services (GCAS) has implemented a new electronic effort reporting system. Effective September 1, 2020, all employees who worked on a sponsored project in which salary was directly charged or contributed during the effort reporting period will have effort reports in the system. These reports will be automatically routed for review and certification through the GWeb Information System, the same location where copies of paychecks can be found.
Rebecca Eberle Named Interim Director of the Office of Human Research
As you may know, Debra Paxton has left the university and her role as director of the Office of Human Research (OHR). Until OHR can begin and complete its recruitment efforts for a new permanent director, Rebecca Eberle will serve as OHR's interim director. Questions about research involving human subjects can be sent to Rebecca at [email protected] or to Sheila Garrity, associate vice president for research integrity, at [email protected].
Reduced GW Share for Hiring Federal Work Study Positions
The GW Student Employment team has shared some exciting news regarding Federal Work Study (FWS) positions for Spring 2021. Effective January 10, 2021, the percentage that GW employers must contribute towards FWS positions will drop from 25% to 10%. The other 90% of the FWS student employee’s earnings are paid through funds allotted to GW via the Department of Education. If your research project could benefit from support from a student employee, please consider offering FWS-eligible students the opportunity to work with you, grow professionally, and earn funds that will help them support themselves.
Reminder: Check Funding Opportunities for Limited Submission Requirements
Sponsors sometimes limit the number of proposals that an institution may submit in response to a funding opportunity. These opportunities are known as "limited submission" or "limited proposal" opportunities. In such cases OVPR must initiate and conduct an internal competition to determine the proposal(s) that may move forward and to ensure the university's compliance with the requirement. OVPR encourages all investigators to review opportunities for these types of limitations early, and if such a limitation is identified, please notify [email protected] as soon as possible.
ICYMI: New Access to Digital News Subscriptions
All GW students, faculty, and staff now have free, full online access to The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.  
CTSI-CN Winter 2020-2021 Voucher Awards
The Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Children's National (CTSI-CN) is now accepting applications for Voucher Awards. Voucher Awards of up to $4K each are available for multidisciplinary research teams engaged in biomedical or community research aimed at translating discovery to improved health. Research teams must include 2 or more independent investigators, with one designated as the PI for the entire application. The purpose of this voucher opportunity is to support research that will eventually lead to collaborative or multiple PI proposals. Proposals are due by Friday, January 1, 2021.

LIMITED SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITY

National Science Foundation: Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program supports the acquisition or development of a multi-user research instrument that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs. GW may submit up to three proposals to this limited submission funding opportunity.
OVPR will administer a competitive review to determine which GW proposals will be developed and submitted to NSF. Interested PIs must submit required documents to OVPR via InfoReady by 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. OVPR will notify PIs of decisions by Thursday, January 7, 2021. Full submissions to NSF are due by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Curated List of Funding for Research Infrastructure
OVPR's Research Enhancement Unit has curated a list within Pivot of external funding opportunities to support research infrastructure. The list, which automatically updates on a weekly basis, is also visible to all GW users when they visit the "Curated Opps" tab from the home dashboard of Pivot.
Pivot is a searchable database of funding opportunities from federal and non-federal sources including foundations and commercial sponsors. The university's subscription to this service allows GW users to create customized searches and funding alerts.

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

GW New Venture Competition Application is Open
The 2021 GW New Venture Competition (GW NVC) is currently accepting applications. Whether you're a GW entrepreneur or a dreamer with a startup, business, or social purpose idea, GW NVC has a route for you. Refine your innovative idea, learn how to pitch to real investors, and compete for over $500,000 in total prizes to help get your idea off the ground. Applications are due by February 3, 2021.
InnovateGW I-Corps Site Program and Support for Innovators
GW has received a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Site grant to educate the university community on entrepreneurial principles and to provide seed funding for exploring the commercial potential of new technologies. After completing the three-hour Introduction to Lean Innovation course, each successful team will receive up to $3,000 for customer discovery and prototyping. GW faculty, staff, postdocs, grad students and undergraduates are eligible to apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

Registration Open for Spring RCR @ GW and Beyond Course
Registration is now open for RCR @ GW and Beyond, a weekly seminar course designed to develop and strengthen ethical problem-solving skills and foster sensitivity to ethical issues in the conduct of research. The semester-long course launches on January 14, 2021. Participants will engage in discussions and active learning mechanisms facilitated by active researchers and administrators. Registration is open to the entire campus community including undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, researchers, staff and research administrators. Registration will be capped at twenty participants.

Search for Funding Opportunites >>>

October 2020

University Facilitating Fund (UFF)

OVPR's University Facilitating Fund (UFF) fosters the creation of new research projects and scholarly activities that encourage application to externally funded opportunities, bring external recognition to the PI and the university and/or demonstrate significant impact in the applicant's field.

Applicants must be regular full-time university faculty who are continuing in service at the university the following academic year. Faculty in SMHS, GWSPH, and Law may participate, but may not serve as the PI of a UFF proposal.

UFF awards range from $5,000-$20,000 but are typically less than $15,000.

  • Full proposals are due by 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 3, 2020.

Proposals must be submitted via OVPR's InfoReady portal.

More details about UFF are available on the OVPR website and in InfoReady.

Start an Application in InfoReady

In InfoReady, select "University Facilitating Fund (UFF) FY22" from the list of opportunities.

Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund (CDRF) 
OVPR's Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund (CDRF) supports the establishment of research partnerships within chartered centers and institutes or between two or more diverse disciplines that encourage strong applications to externally funded opportunities.
CDRF awards provide up to $50,000 per year with the opportunity for a second year of competitive renewal funding.
  • Full proposals are due by 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 17, 2020.

​Full proposals must be submitted via OVPR's InfoReady portal.

More details about the CDRF are available on the OVPR website and in InfoReady.
 
In InfoReady, select "Cross Disciplinary Research Fund (CDRF) FY22" from the list of opportunities.
 
Virtual Open Door Sessions for Intramural Competitions Support
OVPR administrators will host weekly open-door sessions via WebEx to support applicants for intramural funding competitions and answer questions. No appointment required.
Open Door sessions will be held through December 18:
 
OVPR Faculty Awards
The deadline to submit a nomination for the annual OVPR Faculty Awards has been extended to Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Distinguished Scholar Award, the Distinguished Researcher Award, the Early Career Scholar Award, the Early Career Researcher Award and the Research Mentorship Award.
The scholar awards are geared toward faculty who work in social sciences, the arts and humanities. The researcher awards are for those who conduct scientific research (e.g., in engineering, medicine, public health, psychology, and nursing, among other disciplines).
The mentorship award is for a faculty member who has had a significant impact on the academic and professional development of students and trainees in the areas of research and scholarship. 
  • Deadline Extended: Nominations are now due by Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
  • Supporting materials are due by Friday, January 22, 2021.
Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted via OVPR's InfoReady portal.
More details about the OVPR Faculty Awards are available on the OVPR website and in InfoReady.
 
In InfoReady, select "2021 OVPR Faculty Awards - Nominations" from the list of opportunities. 
 
Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Prize for Scholarship (Research)
This award is presented annually to a tenured member of the faculty that has made significant original contributions to research and/or creative endeavors. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding research accomplishments while they are being made rather than years afterward. 
  • Deadline Extended: Nominations are now due by Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
  • Supporting materials are due by Friday, January 22, 2020.
Nominations and supporting materials for this prize must be submitted via OVPR's InfoReady portal.
More information about the Trachtenberg Prize for Scholarship (Research) and additional faculty awards for teaching and service are available on the Office of the Provost website and in InfoReady.
 
In InfoReady, select "2021 Trachtenberg (Research) Award - Nominations" from the list of opportunities.

September 2020

New "Pod" Model for Sponsored Project Administration

After a comprehensive review conducted by a working group of faculty, leadership and subject matter experts, GW will implement a “pod” model to support faculty with their sponsored project administration.
This change continues efforts that began a few years ago to decentralize research support and represents the next evolution of this decentralization principle to accelerate progress toward our goal of achieving preeminence as a comprehensive global research university.
More details about the pods, including portfolio assignments and points of contact, will be coming soon. 
COVID-19 Updates
myResearch: Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Project Update
New Name!
The new electronic research administration system will be called myResearch. Thank you to everyone that responded to our call for suggestions.
Current Status
The myResearch team is finalizing decisions that will inform the upcoming design and iteration phase during which stakeholders will create, configure, validate and refine systems and process changes in preparation for testing and deployment.
The newly announced "pod" model for research administrators has led the team to review workflows and more to improve efficiencies further. The myResearch project will continue with only minor revisions to its scope or timeline.
Process for Requesting Rush Review of IRB Submissions
The Office of Human Research (OHR) is experiencing a larger-than-normal volume of submissions and modifications as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, investigators can expect 4-6 weeks for review of any type of submission once it has been assigned to an analyst.
However, OHR is prioritizing the review of submissions due to funding deadlines, graduation deadlines, and COVID-19 related research. To request a rush review for those reasons, investigators can submit the Rush Review Request Form. If an investigator would like to request a rush review for any other reason, they may send a detailed email to [email protected] including the reason and any relevant project timeline. In all requests, the more information applicants can provide up front, the better OHR can respond and manage its current volume of submissions.
Newly Enhanced Process for Chartering a Research Institute
OVPR has announced enhancements to the process for chartering a research institute. The definition of a research institute has been refined, and a new online workflow streamlines the submission and review of applications. The new definition and application were developed in close collaboration with a working group of research deans and faculty from across the university.
The process for chartering a research center is currently under review.
NSF Issues Proposal Preparation and Award Administration FAQs
National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on proposal preparation and award administration related to NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 20-1). Some of the topics addressed in the FAQs include conference proposals, cost sharing, deadline dates, indirect costs, international activities/considerations and participant support.
Engaging Students in Mentored Research Opportunities
GW students have made important contributions to research projects by collecting data, assisting in writing grant proposals and even co-authoring articles. Faculty expand the capabilities of their research programs when they provide well-structured opportunities for undergraduates to participate.
GW faculty can now reach a broad audience of GW students by posting for-credit and other experiential opportunities on GW Student Research Commons. Postings are easy to create and faculty can choose to receive applications directly or customize an online application template.
 
Submit an E-Poster to Present at AAAS Annual Meeting
The 2021 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting will convene online from February 8-11, 2021. The meeting's theme is "Understanding Diverse Ecosystems." OVPR encourages student, postdoc and faculty researchers to consider presenting e-posters at the meeting. The submission deadline for e-posters is Thursday, October 22, 2020.
Resources for Social Media Research
CrowdTangle is a public insights tool from Facebook that makes it easy to follow, analyze, and report on what’s happening across social media. CrowdTangle has opened a public application for university-based researchers and academics. If accepted, researchers will receive access to all of CrowdTangle’s tools and API, as well as training and resources to support their research.
Reminder: Obligation to Track Teleworkers' Compensable Hours
GW Payroll Services has shared a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Labor reminding employers that all hours worked by our non-exempt employees must be tracked and paid regardless if the hours are worked outside of regularly scheduled hours.

Funding Opportunities

NIH Loan Repayment Programs
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) repay up to $50,000 annually of a researcher's qualified educational debt in return for a commitment to engage in NIH mission-relevant research. Research funding from NIH is not required to participate in the LRPs, and awardees may apply for subsequent, competitive renewal awards as long as they meet program eligibility. On average, nearly 50% of all LRP applications are funded! Applications are due by Friday, November 20, 2020.
Early Career Faculty: Alkermes Pathways Research Awards®
The application period for the 3rd annual Alkermes Pathways Research Awards® program is now open. Pathways awards are open to junior investigators and in this round will support research projects focused on substance use disorders, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. The annual Pathways program provides an individual grant amount of up to $100,000 per project. Applications close Friday, October 30, 2020.

Intramural Funding Opportunity 

Technology Maturation Award
GW's Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) is seeking proposals for its Technology Maturation Award (TMA) program. The program provides funding to increase the marketability of technologies that have promising commercial potential and societal impact. TMA supports commercial potential demonstration projects for academic research outputs in any science and engineering discipline. This demonstration is achieved through proof-of-concept, prototyping, animal studies, technology development, and/or scale-up work. Funded projects will receive up to $50,000 for 6-12 months per award. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through Wednesday, September 30, 2020.

June 2020

COVID-19 Updates

A Phased Return to On-Campus Research Activity

GW began ramping up on-campus research activities on June 8, 2020, allowing some researchers to resume those aspects of their work that must be carried out in campus laboratory spaces. The increase in in-person research will continue to adhere to evolving directives from local, state and national public health authorities. OVPR has established a number of guidelines under which increased activity can resume. Those guidelines are posted on OVPR's COVID-19 webpage.

Research Ecosystem Review: Phase Two Report

A new faculty-led report identifying how to strengthen GW’s research ecosystem has been released, marking an important milestone in the second phase of work to review the university’s research efforts. The report examined four key areas—the operation and utilization of shared facilities, big data and high-performance computing infrastructure, workforce development, and resource allocation. OVPR is reviewing the recommendations, engaging stakeholders across campus and evaluating solutions for challenges raised. Read more in GW Today. View the report's executive summary (PDF).

Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Project is Underway

In response to GW's strategic initiative to enhance the research experience, OVPR is spearheading the implementation of an enhanced electronic research administration (eRA) tool. The new system will address a number of recommendations made through the faculty-led ecosystem review and reduce administrative burden for more than 3,000 investigators and research staff. Read more about the eRA project goals and timeline.

Help Us Name the New Tool!

The project team is calling upon the creativity of the GW community for suggestions to name the new online research administration tool. Submit your suggestion(s) by emailing [email protected] before Tuesday, June 30, 2020.

A Spotlight on Student and Trainee Research

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, events that celebrate the research contributions of students and trainees had to be canceled. The organizers of these events wish to acknowledge the hard work and research accomplishments of GW’s students and research mentors by publishing digital booklets containing all of the abstracts that were received. The submissions exemplify the high-impact research, scholarship and creativity that is being conducted at GW.

Increase of Human Subjects Submissions Due to COVID-19 Research and Modifications

There has been a notable increase in human subjects protocol submissions due to COVID-19 related studies and modifications. Office of Human Research (OHR) staff and members of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) have quickly adapted to the increase by prioritizing COVID-19 research and implementing a number of process enhancements. Additionally, OHR continues to support researchers with guidance and one-on-one consultations. Investigators may experience delays as the university ramps up on-campus research activities. OHR appreciates the community’s understanding as it works to minimize risks for volunteer research participants in as efficient a manner as possible. Guidance for COVID-19 related research and modifications is posted on the OHR website. The research community is encouraged to contact [email protected] with any questions or to request a consultation.

GW Joins University Network to Advance Public Interest Technology

GW has joined 35 other colleges and universities in the Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN). PIT-UN is dedicated to growing a new interdisciplinary field around public interest technology. Its aim is to place people, especially those most vulnerable or marginalized, at the center of technology development and grow "a new generation of civic-minded technologists and digitally fluent policy leaders." A group comprising representatives from schools and divisions across the university is actively engaged in the network and the topic of public interest technology. Interested faculty may lend their expertise and request to join this group by emailing [email protected]. Read more in GW Today

A virtual GW Public Interest Technology networking event will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 2:00-3:00 pm. Email [email protected] for the WebEx link and additional details.

Revised Financial Disclosure Form and Guidance Now Available

The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) has revised the PHS Financial Disclosure Form and its associated cover memorandum to clarify the significant financial interests and foreign affiliations that must be disclosed pursuant to GWs Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment for Faculty and Investigators, Appendix C. The revisions were implemented in response to federal regulatory activity on these topics. All investigators are required to complete the PHS Financial Disclosure Form in advance of applying for federal funding or commencing work on a federally funded project and then annually thereafter. The disclosure form and memorandum may be accessed online. Questions may be directed to ORI at [email protected].

GW Commercialization Advising Network

GW's Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) announces a new virtual collaboration and networking tool, the . Join GW CAN. If you need help joining GW CAN, please email [email protected].

Virtual Access to Research Enhancement Services

The Research Enhancement Unit (REU) partners with researchers to identify funding opportunities and potential collaborators and provides consultations and services to help investigators form successful teams and develop winning proposals. To make all of these services more accessible, REU will host weekly open-door sessions via WebEx. These virtual sessions are open to anyone in the GW community that is looking for information about applying for sponsored research funding. REU Open Door sessions will be held most Tuesday mornings from 9:00 – 10:30 am. No appointment required, just “walk in” and join the conversation! Read more about the Virtual Open Door sessions and view the link to join.

RCR @ GW and Beyond: Weekly Seminar Course Launches September 3, 2020

Registration is now open for RCR @ GW and Beyond, a weekly seminar course designed to develop and strengthen ethical problem-solving skills and foster sensitivity to ethical issues in the conduct of research. The semester-long course launches September 3, 2020. Participants will engage in discussions and active learning mechanisms facilitated by active researchers and administrators at the university. Registration is open to the entire campus community including undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, researchers, staff and research administrators. Registration will be capped at twenty participants. View the course description, course dates, and register online.

NIH Fast-Track Program for COVID-19 Test Development and Distribution

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) is urgently soliciting proposals and can provide up to $500M across multiple projects to rapidly produce innovative SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests that will assist the public’s safe return to normal activities. Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx), is a fast-track technology development program that will support novel solutions that build the U.S. capacity for SARS-CoV-2 testing up to 100-fold above what is achievable with standard approaches. The program is now accepting proposals for support on a rolling basis until further notice. Project proposals are being accepted through online RADx portal. Learn more about the RADx funding program.

Search for Funding Opportunities >>>

April 2020

Covid-19 Updates

  • Visit OVPR's COVID-19 updates page for the latest guidance from GW offices and external funders.
  • View the COVID-19 research funding page for opportunites and resources.
  • An intramural funding program, the COVID-19 Research Fund, has been launched to support new research projects and scholarly activities in the xploration and understanding of COVID-19. Additional details can be found in this e-  newsletter 

GW Faculty Awards for Research and Scholarship

GW’s 10th Annual Faculty Awards for research and scholarship have been announced. Please help us congratulate the following faculty on their contributions to the university and to their respective fields:

  • Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Prize for Faculty Scholarship (Research): Sarah Binder, Political Science, CCAS
  • OVPR Distinguished Researcher Award: Elizabeth Thom, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, GWSPH
  • OVPR Distinguished Scholar Award: David J. Silverman, History, CCAS
  • OVPR Early Career Researcher Award: Adelina Voutchkova-Kostal, Chemistry, CCAS
  • OVPR Early Career Scholar Award: Eric Kramon, Political Science and International Affairs, CCAS
  • OVPR Research Mentorship Award: Arshad Ali, Educational Research, GSEHD

Ordinarily, the award winners are celebrated at the annual Faculty Honors Ceremony and Reception. In light of health and safety concerns stemming from the global pandemic, this year’s live ceremony and reception will be postponed.

Read more about the recipients of the 2020 OVPR Faculty Awards.

Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities in Sponsored Projects Administration

In response to the faculty-led Research Ecosystem Review, the Office of Sponsored Projects has published a matrix that clarifies the role of various research administrators in pre-award, award management and post-award activities. For each phase of a sponsored project, the document outlines tasks, responsible staff, and links for additional information. Review the roles and responsibilities document (GW login required).

NSF Issues Revised Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released a revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 20-1). The new PAPPG will be effective for proposals submitted or due, and awards made, on or after June 1, 2020. Significant changes include:

  • Required use of an NSF-approved format in submission of the biographical sketch and current and pending support documents, once the PAPPG (NSF 20-1) becomes effective. NSF is partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to use SciENcv: Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae as an NSF-approved format for preparation of both documents. View GW resources to help proposers with this transition.
  • New requirement for proposing organizations to submit government-wide representations and certifications in the System for Award Management (SAM).
  • New requirement for providing e-mail documentation of Program Officer approval for the submission of RAPID and EAGER proposals.
  • Clarifications to current and pending support coverage as well as other changes throughout the document.

Watch NSF's webinar covering these changes.

While this version of the PAPPG becomes effective on June 1, 2020, in the interim, the guidelines contained in the current PAPPG (NSF 19-1) continue to apply.

FY21 Fringe Rates

Please be reminded that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a revised agreement with the university which establishes the following fringe rates for sponsored projects effective July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021:

  • Regular Employees: 25.10%;
  • Temporary & Student Employees: 6.50%.

These rates should be used in any new proposals. View the agreement (PDF). View GW's institutional information for sponsored projects proposals.

New Tool for Building Protocols Involving Human Subjects

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research is piloting a new resource to help investigators develop their research protocols involving human subjects. Protocol Builder assists investigators with developing quality and consistent research protocols that make internal and IRB review processes more efficient. Protocol Builder offers a wide range of protocol templates that can be utilized by clinical researchers as well as social and behavioral researchers. GW's institutional license provides free access to the GW research community. Learn more and request access to Protocol Builder.

Streamlining Submission of Grantee Approved No-Cost Extensions

Effective immediately, principal investigators (PI) or department staff will no longer need to enter Grantee Approved No-Cost Extension (NCE) requests in both the GW and sponsor systems. Going forward, a PI or their designee will initiate GW’s Grantee Approved NCE request webform on SharePoint. Once that request is approved, OSP staff will notify the sponsor by entering the details into the sponsor’s system. View more details about the Grantee Approved NCE. Feedback and suggestions can be sent to [email protected].

Submit All Sponsor Prior Approval Requests Using OSP’s Webform

Effective May 1, 2020, all Sponsor Prior Approval Requests must be initiated via the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) SharePoint webform. OSP will then complete any required sponsor forms. If that is not possible, OSP staff will communicate directly with the PI or designee to coordinate the submission to the sponsor. Read more about Sponsor Prior Approval Requests. Feedback and suggestions can be sent to [email protected].

Intramural Funding Opportunities

COVID-19 Research Fund

The COVID-19 Research Fund will support new research projects and scholarly activities in the exploration and understanding of COVID-19 through the use of GW shared facilities and resources. The COVID-19 Research Fund focuses on supporting:

  • pilot projects that generate rapid preliminary data;
  • projects that engage multiple investigators who bring diverse expertise and resources;
  • projects that address aspects of telehealth;
  • projects that propose studies on the repurposing of existing drugs/therapies; and
  • projects that emphasize the use of GW’s core facilities and services.

The funding range for this program is $5,000-$25,000. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis through Monday, June 1, 2020. View more details and download the call for proposals. Submit an application via OVPR’s InfoReady Portal (choose "COVID-19 Research Fund (FY21)" from the list of opportunities).

GW University Seminars Funding Program (Academic Year 2020-2021)

The University Seminars Funding Program was established to foster sustained discussion of issues that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries among members of the GW faculty, possibly including their distinguished counterparts in universities, research centers, federal agencies, international organizations and private industry throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The goal is to connect the traditional research and scholarly endeavors of the academy across disciplines, thereby ensuring an exchange of perspectives and information. Each seminar receives funding up to $4,000 annually, and may be renewed for up to two additional years. Regular active-status faculty are invited to submit proposals by Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 12:00 noon. View more details and download the call for proposals. Submit your application via OVPR's InfoReady Portal (choose "University Seminars Funding Program 2020-21" from the list of opportunities).

Search for Funding Opportunities >>>

January 2020

Using SciENcv to prepare NSF Biographical Sketches

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is now encouraging researchers to begin using SciENcv for preparation of the PDF Biographical Sketch. The SciENcv-PDF will be the NSF-approved format required upon implementation of the revised Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG), anticipated for release in the coming months. Once effective, NSF will only accept the SciENcv-PDF for all biographical sketches within an NSF proposal submitted via FastLane/Research.gov.

The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) recommends that GW researchers use ORCID for listing NSF publications to simplify entering and updating publications in one place, and then import the publication records into other systems, including SciENcv. University Librarians will be assisting GW researchers, faculty and staff with setting-up and working within ORCID. Read more and view resources available to support GW researchers.

New Tool to Manage Payments to Human Subjects Research Participants

Effective February 17, 2020 the university will make available a new tool to the research community that will streamline the payment of participants in human subjects research and reduce the administrative burden associated with these transactions. The tool, Forte Participant Payment, must be approved on any IRB protocol before an investigator can start using it to manage payments.

The Finance Division and the Office of Human Research will co-host two orientation sessions to provide an overview of Forte and the process for seeking IRB approval to use the system:

  • Wednesday, January 22, 2020; 11:00 am - 12:30 pm; University Student Center 307 
  • Thursday, January 30, 2020; 1:00 - 2:30 pm; University Student Center 404 

RSVP to attend either training by emailing [email protected]. Visit the Finance Department's website to read more about Forte and related documentation.

In response to feedback from faculty and the Research Ecosystem Review, systems like Forte Participant Payment have been implemented to reduce administrative burden for GW researchers and administrative partners. Read more about the research initiative and its accomplishments.

Enhancements to University-Wide Research Event in 2020

We are excited to announce enhancements to this year’s university-wide research event. GW Research Showcase (formerly GW Research Days) will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. The event will be held on one day instead of two and is moving to the Charles E. Smith Center. We hope to announce new types of programming and more affiliated events in the coming months. Please spread the word and encourage your undergraduate and graduate student mentees to present their work. All disciplines are eligible to participate! Abstract submissions are due by Monday, March 2, 2020. Visit the GW Research Showcase website for more details and future announcements.

Applications for GW New Venture Competition Due February 5th

The 2020 GW New Venture Competition (GW NVC) is currently accepting applications. Whether you're a GW entrepreneur or a dreamer with a startup, business, or social purpose idea, GW NVC has a route for you. Refine your innovative idea, learn how to pitch to real investors, and compete for over $500,000 in total prizes to help get your idea off the ground. Applications are due by February 5, 2020 at 1PM ET. Contact Jasmine Bautista at [email protected] for more information. Start your GW NVC application.

PCORI Launches 2020 Cycle of Funding Opportunities

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has announced a number of new research funding opportunities across a spectrum of healthcare issues, with special emphasis on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and maternal mortality. The Broad PCORI Funding Announcement will also prioritize genetic sequencing to guide cancer treatment, peripheral artery disease, and suicide prevention. Letters of Intent are due Tuesday, February 4, 2020. View a list of PCORI's current funding opportunities.

NAM Health Longevity Catalyst Awards

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is accepting applications for NAM Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards through February 24, 2020. A two-page application is all it takes to be considered for one of up to 24 awards worth $50,000 each plus travel to the 2021 Innovator Summit in Washington, DC. Individuals and teams residing in the United States are invited to submit applications detailing bold, innovative, and potentially transformative ideas to improve the mental, physical, and social well-being of people as they age.

Agilent Early Career Professor Award

The nomination process for the 2020 Agilent Early Career Professor Award is now open. The topic of the 2020 award is “Contributions to the development of breakthrough live cell analysis technologies for measuring cellular responses to chemical/pharmaceutical treatments and genetic manipulations, including those that could advance cell-based therapies”. The winner will receive an unrestricted research award of $100,000 to the university in the professor's name paid over 2 years. Nominations are due by February 28, 2020. View the eligibility requirements and application process.

CTSI-CN Winter 2019 Voucher Awards

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Children's National (CTSI-CN) is now accepting applications for Voucher Awards that may be used for CTSI-CN services, or for specific community outreach activities intended to initiate groundwork for future applications for community engagement awards offered by CTSI-CN. Multiple awards up to $3,000 each are available. All GW faculty are eligible. Proposed research must be high impact, innovative and scientifically rigorous. Support is not limited to pediatric research--any project relevant to health and well-being throughout the lifespan is eligible. Proposals are due January 21, 2020. View the Request for Applications for more details and to apply (PDF).

NIH Regional Grant Administration Seminar

Learn about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants process directly from NIH experts. The upcoming NIH Regional Seminar will be held April 20-22, 2020 in Baltimore, MD. Over 100 experts will provide the latest policy and process information on program funding and grants administration. Pre-docs, post-docs, or grad students qualify for discounted registration. Visit the NIH Regional Seminar website to learn more and register to attend.