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Office of the Vice Provost for Research

 

Research Updates - 2021

OVPR Research Updates

October 2021

INTRAMURAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

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 principal investigator (PI) and university and/or demonstrate significant impact in the field to which it belongs.
 
Applicants must be regular full-time faculty who are continuing in service at the university the following academic year. The PI must be in a school other than GW Law, SMHS or GWSPH. Faculty in SMHS, GWSPH and Law may participate, but are not eligible to 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 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, 2021.

Proposals must be submitted via OVPR's InfoReady portal. More details about UFF are available on the OVPR website and in InfoReady.

Start a UFF Application in InfoReady

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 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2021.
Full proposals must be submitted via OVPR's InfoReady portal. More details about the CDRF are available on the OVPR website and in InfoReady.
 

Virtual Open Door Sessions for Intramural Competitions Support

OVPR administrators will host weekly online sessions via Zoom to support applicants for intramural funding competitions and answer questions. No appointment required. These sessions will be held November 1 through December 10, 2021:

POSTDOC UPDATES

The university recently announced an initiative to enhance the postdoc experience at GW, which will include greater support for postdocs and their faculty mentors.

  • Read additional details about the postdoc initiative on the OVPR website
Transition to New Postdoc Category
Effective January 1, 2022, postdocs will no longer be categorized as staff and will have access to a new benefits program.
 
For postdocs with start dates between now and December 31, 2021, OVPR would like to work closely with faculty mentors to ensure a smooth transition. OVPR has prepared language that mentors or HR business partners can share with postdoc candidates and new hires. Please email [email protected] for more information.
 
Recruiting Postdocs
OVPR has posted guidance for mentors that wish to recruit a postdoc. The key takeaway is to loop OVPR into discussions early so that OVPR can provide individualized support to faculty mentors.
 
Faculty mentors are encouraged to email [email protected] as they launch postdoc recruitments. OVPR will coordinate with the faculty mentor and appropriate offices to ensure that postdoc candidates and/or finalists get the information they need.
 

July 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES

  • Guidance from GW offices and sponsors
  • COVID-19 research funding

NEWS

GW Faculty Awards for Research and Scholarship
GW’s 11th 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): Lisa Bowleg, Psychology, CCAS
  • OVPR Distinguished Researcher Award: Ahmed Louri, Electrical and Computer Engineering, SEAS
  • OVPR Distinguished Scholar Award: Martha Finnemore, Political Science and International Affairs, CCAS and ESIA
  • OVPR Early Career Researcher Award: Dmitry Streletskiy, Geography, CCAS
  • OVPR Early Career Scholar Award: Celeste Arrington, Political Science and International Affairs, CCAS and ESIA
  • OVPR Research Mentorship Award: Christopher Cahill, Chemistry and International Affairs, CCAS and ESIA
 
Interim Vice Provost for Research Announced
While the search for a permanent vice provost for research is underway, Dr. Carla Berg, professor in the Department of Prevention and Community Health in the Milken Institute School of Public Health and associate center director for population sciences and policy in the GW Cancer Center, will serve as interim vice provost for research. Her appointment was effective June 1.
Research Reopening Phase 3
As announced, GW is in Phase 3 of its phased restart of research activities effective Friday, June 11, 2021. Phase 3 marks a total resumption of on-campus research activities. New on-campus research projects may be started, all research facilities will be reopened, and undergraduate researchers will be allowed back in laboratories subject to public health and safety guidelines.
 
Research personnel not already in the on-campus cohort may return so long as their supervisor approves of their return, they are fully vaccinated, their vaccine documentation has been uploaded and verified, and they have completed their first COVID-19 test. 
Reminder: COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
GW will require students, faculty, and staff who are in person this fall to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please upload your documentation to the medical portal before August 1 to avoid campus access issues when the new school year begins.
myResearch: Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Project Update
Stakeholders from the research administration pods, the Office of Sponsored Projects, GW Information Technology, and others continue to work with Huron to design and develop the myResearch tool for the GW research community.
 
myResearch will replace functionality in Cayuse and other tools, providing researchers a more comprehensive system for managing sponsored research activity. We have completed initial design meetings that covered all aspects of the tool, from proposals through reporting.
REDCap Now Available for the GW Research Community
REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) is a secure web application for building and managing online surveys and databases. While REDCap can be used to collect virtually any type of data, it is specifically geared to support online data capture for research studies and operations. REDCap surveys and databases are HIPAA compliant and include audit trails. There is no usage charge of REDCap for current GW faculty, staff, students, and affiliates (faculty and investigators at Children’s Hospital).
CITI Training Requirements for Human Subjects Research
Please be reminded that all members of teams conducting research with human participants must have up-to-date CITI training. Each team is responsible for ensuring its compliance with this institutional requirement. Proposed studies and continuing reviews (renewals) cannot be approved without demonstration of compliance.
If a renewal request isn’t approved by the study’s expiration date, all research activities must stop once expired, except where the investigator judges it's in the best interest of already enrolled subjects to continue participation. In this case, GW OHR/IRB must be notified promptly by calling 202-994-2715 or emailing [email protected].

SPONSOR UPDATES

NSF Issues Revised Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a revised version of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 22-1). The new PAPPG will be effective for proposals submitted or due on or after October 4, 2021. In the interim, the guidelines contained in the current PAPPG (NSF 20-1) continue to apply. You are encouraged to review the by-chapter summary of changes provided in the Introduction section of the PAPPG. NSF plans to conduct a webinar covering these changes. Visit the NSF policy outreach website to sign up for notifications about this and other outreach events.
 

Reminder: eRA is Phasing out use of Internet Explorer Web Browser

eRA is phasing out the use of Internet Explorer (IE) for all eRA systems due to security concerns. By July 19, 2021, eRA systems will no longer be available when using the IE browser. Please switch to one of the other supported browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari (and Microsoft Edge once IE is phased out), when using eRA systems.
 

NSF 101: Five Tips for Your Broader Impacts Statement

How does your research impact society? Scientists and engineers funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) are accountable to taxpayers for conducting research, and collectively moving their research beyond the lab to impact the public good, thereby benefitting the economy, society and discovery itself. This is what NSF defines as "Broader Impacts." The Broader Impacts statement is a critical component of any research proposal submitted to NSF. In a recent blog post, NSF shared five tips to help you with your Broader Impacts statement.
 
Podcast: NIH Loan Repayment Programs
Did you know that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) can actually help pay off some of your educational debt? The NIH All About Grants podcast has posted two episodes on the NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). Dr. Ericka Boone, director of the Division of Loan Repayment within the NIH Office of Extramural Research, discusses the different extramural LRPs available, what exactly is “qualified educational debt” (and, importantly, what it is not), considerations for applying, benefits to participating, and much more.

INTRAMURAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

IDDP Research Grants
The Institute for Data, Democracy & Politics (IDDP) is pleased to announce a call for funding proposals in support of research projects aligned with IDDP’s mission. IDDP's mission is to help the public, journalists, and policymakers understand digital media’s influence on public dialogue and opinion, and to develop sound solutions to disinformation and other ills that arise in these spaces. Any faculty member employed by GW is eligible to apply for funding. IDDP anticipates funding 3-6 research projects, at a range between $25,000 and $100,000 each. Proposals should be submitted via email to IDDP Associate Director David Broniatowski ([email protected]) by Thursday, July 15, 2021. Any questions may be directed to Dr. Broniatowski.

Search for Funding Opportunities >>> 

May 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES

  • Guidance from GW offices and sponsors
  • COVID-19 research funding

INTRAMURAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

University Seminars Funding Program (Academic Year 2021-2022)
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. Regular active-status faculty are eligible to apply.
Humanities Facilitating Fund (HFF)
The Humanities Facilitating Fund (HFF) supports the generation of original scholarship by faculty in the humanities at GW. Regular-status faculty in humanities disciplines as defined by the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, and faculty from the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design are eligible to apply.

NEWS

Students Share Projects in GW Research Showcase
GW students submitted more than 380 projects to the GW Research Showcase, a multi-day event previously called GW Research Days. Participants across disciplines presented their work in subject-specific Zoom sessions throughout the week. Additionally, the showcase featured panel discussions centered around the barriers facing women scientists, how to get involved with research as a student and the emerging field of public interest technology, among others.
Student Startups Awarded Cash and Other Prizes in 2021 NVC
Organized by the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the annual New Venture Competition (NVC) provides students with the opportunity to work with mentors to craft a business model for a new business idea and compete for cash and non-cash prizes that can be used to jumpstart their ventures. The 2021 NVC Awards Show was held on Thursday, April 15, 2021. Over 160 judges from all over the world have chosen the 2021 winners in the Tech, New, and Social Ventures tracks and awarded 11 other cash specialty prizes.
myResearch: Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Project Update
myResearch, the project to implement a new electronic sponsored research lifecycle tool, is well underway and on target to be rolled out in December 2021.
The project team, including stakeholders from the research administration pods, GW Information Technology, and the Office of Sponsored Projects, is working with developers from Huron to finalize the design and develop the tool to GW's specifications. The tool will include functionality to manage proposals, budgets, new awards, award modifications and research agreements. The detailed myResearch phases webpage highlights some of the features that GW’s research community can expect when the tool is launched.
 
We want to thank the faculty and staff stakeholders that are reviewing design decisions and providing critical feedback!
Summer Institute at the Milken Institute School of Public Health
The Summer Institute at the Milken Institute School of Public Health is an opportunity to engage in key public health issues. Several graduate level short courses are offered in a flexible format and are taught by leading research and public health faculty. Classes take place Monday through Friday, June 7-18, 2021, entirely online. View the Summer Institute website for course schedules and tuition rates. GW employees eligible for tuition remission may apply this benefit to these courses. The deadline to apply for the GWSPH Summer Institute is Monday, May 31, 2021.
 
Spring 2021 NSF Virtual Grants Conference
Join the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Spring 2021 NSF Virtual Grants Conference, to be held during the week of June 7-11, 2021. Registration is free of charge. Visit the conference webpage for more information and to register.
 
CREATE Studio Supports Digital Storytelling
GW Libraries and Academic Innovation (LAI) offers resources and tools for researchers at all levels - from undergraduate to postdoc and faculty. The campus community can use its free access to Adobe Creative Cloud to create videos, podcasts, research posters and more. The CREATE digital studio can support you with equipment to check out, and AV production studio, classroom instruction on various tools, and personalized assistance.

LIMITED SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITY

Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) Challenge Grants
The Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) has launched its latest PIT University Network Challenge. The Challenge aims to support the development of programs within academia that apply technology and technological expertise for the public good, which could include policy development, governance or service provision. As a PIT-UN member, GW may submit up to three new Challenge applications. If interested in being among GW’s applicants, please submit a two-page project summary and investigator(s) resumes/CVs as a single pdf via OVPR’s InfoReady Portal by 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. View the full limited submission details, including budget ranges and sponsor deadline.
 
W. M. Keck Foundation Research Program
The W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting projects in two areas: (1) medical research and (2) science and engineering research. Projects should be novel and distinctive in their approach, question the prevailing paradigm, or have the potential to break open new territory in their field. Grants range from $500,000-$5 million and are typically $2 million or less. GW is eligible to submit one application for the medical program area and one application for the science and engineering program area. If interested in being GW’s applicant, please submit a single-paged concept paper and a five-page NIH biosketch via OVPR's InfoReady portal by 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. 

SPONSOR UPDATES

Updates to NIH Biosketch and Other Support Format
The updated National Institutes of Health (NIH) Biosketch and Other Support formats for applications, Just-in-Time responses, and progress reports are required for submission dates on and after January 25, 2022, and can be used for submission dates on and after May 25, 2021. Researchers with an existing NIH Biosketch in SciENcv will be able to transfer their current Biosketch information to the new format. The SciENcv template for NIH Other Support will be available beginning in FY22. Failure to follow the updated formats on and after January 25, 2022 may cause NIH to withdraw your application from consideration.
New NSF Proposal Types Available in Research.gov
Three new National Science Foundation (NSF) proposal types have been enabled in Research.gov for proposal preparation and submission: 1) Equipment, 2) Travel, and 3) Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED). In addition, proposal withdrawal is now available for single submission (with or without subawards) and separately submitted collaborative proposals from multiple organizations.
OMB Memo Allows Flexibilities by Federal Granting Agencies
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued memorandum M-21-20 regarding implementation of the American Rescue Plan Act and stewardship of taxpayer resources. Appendix 3 of the memo provides federal awarding agencies the authority to grant exceptions to recipients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the flexibilities mirror many of those announced early in the pandemic, the latest guidance applies to recipients with awards not related to COVID-19. The Office of Sponsored Projects is updating the Impacts of COVID-19 on Research Activities webpage as sponsors release guidance.

Search for Funding Opportunities >>>

March 2021

COVID-19 UPDATES

NEWS

Sylvia Ezekilova Named Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Projects
We are pleased to announce that Sylvia Ezekilova has been promoted to Executive Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects. Since September of 2019, Sylvia has been serving as Interim Director of that office, shepherding the transition to a shared service model and advancing a number of process enhancements, including myResearch, the new electronic research administration tool. Sylvia has more than twenty-five years of experience in various aspects of sponsored research administration, including 17 years at GW. She is an expert research administrator and a tremendous colleague. Please join us in congratulating Sylvia on this well-deserved promotion!
 
myResearch: Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Project Update
The myResearch project to implement an electronic sponsored research lifecycle tool at GW is well underway and on target to be rolled out in December 2021.
Currently in the design and iteration phase, the team is working through nine iterations to fully create, configure, validate and refine the myResearch solution for GW. Design decisions are being reviewed with a group of faculty and staff stakeholders on a periodic basis to get their input.
FY22 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, 2021 - June 30, 2022:
  • Regular Employees: 24.00%;
  • Temporary & Student Employees: 6.80%.
 
Enhanced Clinical Research Training Courses
GW SMHS makes available online Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) clinical research training at no cost to GW and MFA participants to enhance the quality and safety of our clinical and translational research.
High Performance Computing Support for Data-Intensive Courses
Research Technology Services has deployed and is managing Cerberus, a shared-resource High Performance Computing cluster for education. Cerberus is a batch queuing system that serves courses requiring powerful computing such as parallel processing, data storage, and hardware accelerators like graphical processing units. Cerberus is currently utilized by courses from Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Public Health, and more. Faculty who are interested in using Cerberus for their courses are encouraged to contact [email protected].
 
GW Research Showcase 2021
GW Research Showcase, formerly GW Research Days, will be held virtually the week of April 12-16, 2021. This annual event highlights the breadth of innovation and creativity of GW students across all disciplines. This year's week-long event will be a mix of poster sessions and programming.
U.S. - India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) Partnership

The U.S. India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) Initiative provides a unique opportunity for the world's two largest democracies to strengthen their strategic partnership by focusing on AI cooperation in critical areas that are priorities for both countries. USIAI will serve as a platform to discuss opportunities for bilateral AI R&D collaboration, share ideas for developing an AI workforce, and recommend modes and mechanisms for catalyzing the partnerships. USIAI is a program of the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF).

 

RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT

Consultant Support for Faculty Developing Federal Grant Proposals
Consultant services from the Research Enhancement Unit (REU) provide conceptual, strategic and editorial subject matter expertise to faculty during the developmental phase of federal grant proposals. Typical services include:
  • review of funding opportunities/solicitations;
  • strategic guidance and feedback on proposal readiness and responsiveness;
  • management of the submission process to ensure required deadlines are met;
  • complete proposal review (responsiveness, style, etc.); and
  • proposal editing (writing style, cohesion, grant packaging).
Complete the REU service request form or contact [email protected] for more information.
 
Virtual Access to Research Enhancement Services
The Research Enhancement Unit (REU) hosts biweekly open-door sessions via Zoom. 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 are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month between 9:30–10:30 a.m. No appointment required. Email [email protected] for the Zoom link. Please note: there will be no REU Open Door session on Thursday, March 18, 2021 due to the university Spring Break holiday.

LIMITED SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITY

Pew Biomedical Scholars
GW anticipates an invitation from The Pew Charitable Trusts to nominate one candidate for a 2022 Pew Biomedical Scholars award. The Pew Biomedical Scholars program supports assistant professors demonstrating outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health. The award provides $300,000 in support ($75,000 per year for four years). Eligible, interested faculty may submit a research project summary, CV, and letter of recommendation from their chair to OVPR as part of the internal selection process. Internal submissions are due by 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. View the full details and timeline and submit materials by visiting OVPR's InfoReady Portal.

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Video Series: GW I-Corps Program
A new video series highlights the positive impact of the I-Corps experience on research and professional development. To learn more about the GW I-Corps program, register to attend an Introduction to Lean Innovation workshop. The workshops are held on the third Friday of every month.