uconn

EMERGE Phase 3 – Bridge Support

Overview

The University of Connecticut EMERGE Phase 3 program provides essential bridge support when funding for an ongoing, externally funded project has been completed, and anticipated follow-on funding has not yet been secured. The purpose of this OVPR support mechanism is to maximize the potential of applicants to re-establish extramural research funding with the shortest possible period of interruption. Applicants must provide evidence that they are actively pursuing renewed external support.   

Timeline

Program opens on 7/1/2026

There are no deadlines for this program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The EMERGE Committee will meet whenever a need arises.

Eligibility

UConn faculty are eligible to apply for EMERGE Phase 3 funding if the following conditions have been met:

  • Applicant is a full-time UConn Faculty member. UCH faculty are encouraged to explore the HCRAC Emergency Grant program.
  • Applicant is the PI / Program Director of an externally reviewed and funded grant that has ended (beginning 7/1/26) or is due to end in the next 3 months.
    • For established faculty (Associate Professor rank and higher), the qualifying externally funded grant must have been funded for at least three years prior to ending.
    • For early career faculty (Assistant Professor rank), the qualifying externally funded grant must have been funded for at least one year before ending.
  • A clear, specific, and feasible external funding plan is presented
    • Preference is for evidence that a new external funding proposal has already been submitted.
    • In place of a submitted proposal, applicants may provide an overview of their external funding strategy, including details about anticipated submissions (targets, timelines, analysis of competitiveness).
  • Applicants who have more than $10,000 in unrestricted individual investigator accounts (IDC/DCA, Startup, research support, etc.) should be prepared to contribute to be eligible for an EMERGE Phase 3 grant.

Award Details / Conditions

  • EMERGE phase 3 awards will be proportional to the size of the base grant (the previously externally funded grant that has ended) or the pending grant (a new external grant that is being pursued). 6-month awards will be capped at 20 percent of average annual direct costs of the base grant, or 20% of estimated average annual direct costs of the pending grant, whichever is least. 
    • Example: A base grant had annual direct costs of $500K, and the pending grant is expected to have annual direct costs of $700K. The maximum amount available under phase 3 would be $100K for the 6-month period.  If the pending grant had annual direct costs of $400K, the maximum would be $80K.
  • Renewal is possible for additional six-month periods upon further application if the applicant meets the required conditions. See below.
  • Funds may be used for personnel salary (research staff, grad students, postdocs, special payroll), fringe benefits, supplies, animal care, participant costs, contractual services, etc.
  • Funds may not be used for tenured/tenure track faculty salary, faculty summer salary, conference travel, publication costs, or course buyouts.
  • If new extramural grant funds become available to the investigator during the period of the emergency award, any unspent balance in the EMERGE Phase 3 project will be returned.Awardees must report new external funding awards to the EMERGE committee.

Renewals

1st renewal (Second Six-month Period) Beyond the first six-month award, a second six-month award is conditional upon the demonstration of substantive progress toward the goal of re-obtaining extramural funding. Expected milestones will be established at the time of the initial award, and may include:  

  • Submission of a new external funding proposal, if one hasn’t already been submitted (submitted proposal must be shared)
  • Receiving strong reviews on new funding proposals (reviewer feedback or scores must be shared)
  • Correspondence from their program officer related to the status of the grant (i.e. likelihood of funding).
  • An overview of progress to date on efforts to restore external funding.

2nd renewal (Third Six-month Period) Third six-month period bridge is available only in extreme circumstances with strong justification. If a third bridge is needed, the PI should reach out to the OVPR for guidance on the criteria needed for justification.

Application Guidelines

Applications may be submitted through the UConn Quest Portal, (you may be prompted to first log in and then to click the link again to access the application) and must include the following components:

Faculty Applicant Information Form (some information may pre-populate into the form): Application Form – available on the Quest Portal

 

Applicant Information

  • Submitting PI Name
  • Home Department
  • School/College 
  • Email
  • PI Home Department
  • PI School/College
  • PI associated Center or Institute
  • Faculty/Academic Rank

 

EMERGE Phase 3 Application form

Eligibility justification: please select the justification that best fits this project

  • Indicate by checking the box which one describes the applicant
    • Established faculty (Associate Professor rank and higher)
    • Early Career Faculty (Assistant Professor rank)
  • Information about the ended external funding award
    • InfoEd Record Number of ended external funding award 
    • Start and end dates of prior external funding award
    • Prior External Funding Source 
    • Average annual direct costs of prior external funding award
  • Information about new pending external funding proposals, if available
    • InfoEd Record Number of pending new external funding proposal
    • Anticipated start and end date of pending external funding proposal
    • Anticipated average annual direct costs of pending external funding proposal
  • Describe plans for continuing to seek external funding opportunities you have targeted (sponsor, specific funding opportunity, targeted submission dates)

 

 

Budget Spreadsheet (uploaded as PDF) Note: we have not yet established a particular format for the budget spreadsheet.

  • Eligible Personnel costs, including university fringe benefit rates.pdf, broken down by individual
  • Other research-related costs (materials and supplies, equipment, animal costs, participant costs, contractual fees, facility use fees, etc).
  • Itemize contributions from PI, department, school/college, affiliated centers/institutes
  • Separate sheet listing all active PI accounts, including foundation accounts, indicating:
    • Current balance
    • Overlap with current request, if any
    • Existing short/near term commitments for available funds, if any

 

Appendix (uploaded as PDF)

  • Letter of support commitment from department head/chair and/or center/institute director

Review Process

  • After submission, the request will be routed to Department, Center/Institute, and School/College leadership for review and approval. 
  • The EMERGE Review Committee, which consists of at least 5 members with representation from the following groups: OVPR Research Development, Center/Institute directors, Associate Deans for Research, and Deans, will review the applications.  If they need additional information, they will contact the applicant prior to issuing a decision.

 

Decisions will be based upon the following criteria: 

  • Meeting the eligibility criteria set forth in the EMERGE Phase 3 guidelines
  • All available accounts related to the request will be reviewed. For PIs, uncommitted fund balances above $10K (cumulative across all unrestricted accounts) must be included as part of the PIs contribution to the bridge project.
  • Future funding plans will be reviewed to ensure that they are complete and well justified. OVPR will rely upon the judgements of unit leaders regarding their support for the proposed bridge project in their letter confirming support included with the application.
  • Reviews will be performed every 2 weeks with a goal for decisions within 3 weeks of submission. The three weeks begin once the application has been approved by unit leaders, as described above in #1.
  • Awards will be dependent on availability of funding

Program Contacts

If you have questions about the application process, the materials needed, or regarding a funded request, please contact the OVPR EMERGE Team at research@uconn.edu.

UConn Transformative Research Impact Award

Overview

The UConn Transformative Research Impact Award recognizes the positive and profound impacts that UConn researchers / research teams have on their institution, field of research, and the community, regionally, nationally, and internationally.  “Impacts” are the direct changes in the world that stem from our research, scholarship, and creative works.  Impacts can include policy changes; medical discoveries and enhancements; improved systems, designs and processes; and the enrichment of people’s lives.

The OVPR is offering this competitive recognition award to faculty researchers / research teams whose work has been completed within the last five years, and that makes a compelling story of the impact that their work has had.

Award Details

  • Up to 10 Transformative Impact Awards in the amount of $5,000.
    • The faculty member on the awarded project will be awarded funds for unrestricted use for their team (this could be for a course buy-out, materials & supplies, or support for a graduate student or postdoc or to be used for further project impact dissemination, etc.)
  • Awarded teams will be formally recognized by UConn and OVPR Leadership
    • The awarded impact stories will be highlighted in UConn Today.
    • The awarded teams will work with OVPR and UConn Communication to share the story with via social media and with media outside of UConn.
    • Certificate for team members (including GAs/ postdocs) to document their contributions
  • While awardees will receive separate recognition, all Transformative Research Impact Award Program applications will be posted on the OVPR's website: UConn Research: Real Stories. Real Impact.

Timeline

  • The Transformative Impact Award Program will open for submissions on August 17, 2026 at 12 am
  • Applications must be submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal by Monday, October 5, at 12 noon.
  • Award announcements are expected in the second half of the fall semester

Transformative Research Impact Categories

Research Impact comes in many forms!  We've created broad categories for some of the most common varieties for easy of tracking.  Applicants may choose all the categories that apply.

  • Academic -is the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to academic advances, across and within disciplines, including significant advances in understanding, method, theory and application.
  • Cultural – contribution to people’s understanding of ideas and reality, values and beliefs.
  • Economic – contribution to a company’s revenues and profits (micro level), and economic returns through increased productivity or economic growth (macro level)
  • Educational – contribution to education, training and capacity-building, including through curricula, educational tools, and qualifications.
  • Environmental – contribution to managing the environment, such as protecting natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, improving weather forecasting, and tackling the climate crisis.
  • Health – contribution to public health, life expectancy, health-related quality of life, prevention of illness, and reduced health inequality.
  • Legal - contribution to how legal decision makers (courts, legislators and policy makers) understand and develop the law in ways that promote justice, fairness and democratic values.
  • Political – contribution to how policymakers act, to how policies are constructed, and to political stability.
  • Social – contribution to community welfare and quality of life, and to behaviors, practices, and activities of people and groups.
  • Other

Eligibility

The Transformative Impact Award is available to: UConn/UConn Health faculty researchers and their teams who worked on a research project that was completed (or had significant deliverables) within the last five years and who is a/an

  • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors in a tenured/tenure-track position
  • Clinical and extension faculty
  • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors-in-Residence

Application Guidelines

Transformative Impact Research Award Program applications must be submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal by Monday October 5th (if the date falls on a weekend, a grace period in the system will allow applications to be accepted beyond the deadline until 9am of the next business day) and will require the following information:

Faculty Applicant Information Form (The form needs to be completed in the QUEST portal faculty account). 

  • Faculty researcher name
  • Home Department(s)
  • School/College
  • Faculty researcher email address
  • Faculty/Academic rank
  • Primary employer
  • Team size and overview

UConn Transformative Research Impact Award Application Form

Impact Categories (Select all that apply)

  • Academic-Contribution to advances across and within disciplines, including significant advances in understanding method, theory and application
  • Cultural – contribution to people’s understanding of ideas and reality, values and beliefs.
  • Economic – contribution to a company’s revenues and profits (micro level), and economic returns through increased productivity or economic growth (macro level)
  • Educational – contribution to education, training and capacity-building, including through curricula, educational tools, and qualifications.
  • Environmental – contribution to managing the environment, such as protecting natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, improving weather forecasting, and tackling the climate crisis.
  • Health – contribution to public health, life expectancy, health-related quality of life, prevention of illness, and reduced health inequality.
  • Political – contribution to how policymakers act, to how policies are constructed, and to political stability.
  • Social – contribution to community welfare and quality of life, and to behaviors, practices, and activities of people and groups.
  • Technological – contribution to the creation or improvement of products, processes and services.
  • Other

Title of the transformative Research Impact (maximum100 characters) A short, easy-to-understand title in plain English that describes the impact of the research (not the research itself).

Section 1. Upload (PDF) a brief written summary of the impact and the research that led to it. This section will give reviewers context for evaluating your story of impact.

  • A concise summary of the main impacts, their reach, and significance (no more than 120 words). How widespread are the impacts and how important are they to each beneficiary?
  • A concise overview of the research and key findings (no more than 250 words), avoiding jargon and technical language. It is a good idea to start with the results and then say how you got there. Include the timeframe (when the project ended and the impact began) and address how the research (and associated impact activities) was funded.

Section 2. For the application form aspects below, applicants can choose to submit the following part of the application in a written format, or by addressing the aspects in any form of modality, such as, but not limited to, audio, video, images, infographic, or a combination, etc. The story of the impact should be limited to 5 minutes or if in a written format, 500 words.

Provide a Narrative (story of impact), with supporting evidence, to explain the nature and extent of the impact (including how the research made a distinct contribution).

Be as clear as possible about exactly WHAT the impact was, adding precise quantification wherever possible. Numeric data and indicators need to be meaningful and contextualized to clearly support the case being made (not used as a substitute for a clear narrative). Avoid generalized or exaggerated statements about impact.

Clearly identify specifically WHO has benefited from the work or which groups/organizations have changed something because of it (bear in mind that this may include ‘intermediary’ organizations as well as your intended ‘end users’ or audiences). Describe how you engage with these users and beneficiaries. It can be useful to indicate the number of people impacted and WHEN these impacts occurred. Also relevant is WHERE the impact occurred, particularly whether it is local, national or international in scale.

Section 3. Research and Impact documentation

Upload evidence of impact and research evidence (a pdf with links can be uploaded in lieu of full text documents): (maximum 200 words, if written)

  • Evidence of impact Include sources to corroborate the impact, e.g. policy documents, news articles, videos, testimonials. Case studies can be greatly improved with quotes that illustrate the impact, especially if they are from people with high profiles and relevant job titles.
  • Research References: Include (no more than 10) references to support the research e.g. publications, web links, awards, reviews, peer review or other quality assurance processes. If referring to publications, please include a link and the Digital Object Identifier (DOI).

Review Criteria

Transformative Research Impact Award Program applications will be evaluated on three main criteria: Before submitting your application, ensure your application addresses each criterion as detailed in the descriptions below.

Articulation: How clearly is the impact or potential impact communicated?

  • Presented / written concisely, in plain English, avoiding technical jargon. Stay within the word limit.
  • Makes a clear and focused case for how the outcomes of the research created impact in one or more of the following areas: academic, cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health, political, social, technological.
  • Include a snappy title that captures the impact (not the research)
  • Convey the impact in a way that would hold the attention of a lay person (average adult member of the public)

Engagement and Attribution: How have the beneficiaries been engaged with, and what evidence is there that the research contributed to the impact?

  • Outline the beneficiaries (e.g. individuals, communities, government bodies, organizations, businesses, environments, animals). Be as detailed as possible.
  • Describe how you helped or are fostering impact by engaging with the beneficiaries (e.g. via public presentations, media, steering groups, stakeholder workshops, white papers, consultation responses, community partnerships, and co-production.
  • Include data, metrics, and testimonials to corroborate the impact. Convince the reader that your research played a significant role. * Outline how potential impacts may be captured in the future.

*Research Impact can be 'conceptual' or ‘instrumental’. Conceptual impact, for example, might include evidence of having influenced public debate on an issue, or having better informed policymakers, or having enabled wider thinking about cultural issues. On the other hand, instrumental impact includes more direct effects of research, like specific inventions or changes in the law. Plausible evidence is required to justify both types. 

Reach and Significance**: How widespread are the impacts and how important are they to each beneficiary?

**The reach and significance of the impact should be judged relative to the academic discipline and the scale of the research.

  • Describe, with evidence, how many beneficiaries there are. Are the impacts at a local, regional, national or international level?
  • Describe, with evidence, the intensity of the impact. How meaningful or valuable is it to each beneficiary?
  • Describe, with evidence, the social media engagement/digital impact – restacks/distributions, testimonials, pick up by schools, oral histories, etc. if relevant
  • Describe the time horizons. Are your impacts short-, medium-, or long-term? If possible, give specific timeframes.

Program Contacts

Administrative Contact:

Program Directors:

 

UConn Quantum Venture Capital Conference Award (QuantumVenture) Program

Overview

UConn Quantum Venture Capital Conference Award (QuantumVenture) Program

The Quantum Venture Capital Conference Award Program (QuantumVenture), made possible through investments by the Connecticut Office of Innovation, supports the derisking of use-inspired innovations centered on quantum and quantum adjacent technologies through Academic / Industry partnerships.  The program provides awards of $10K-$25K to help accelerate the translation of developed quantum and quantum adjacent technologies / applications for real world impact. QuantumVenture is open all Connecticut Quantum Startups.

Note: Because additional funding has been identified, this program is being re-opened to enable additional startups to apply.  The maximum award size has been increased to $25K.  Up 1-3 (depending on budget size) additional awards may be supported, and first round applicants will have the opportunity to revise their applications and budgets.


Funds can be used for

  • Establishing partnerships with CT universities that can support students or other personnel to conduct experiments designed to de-risk the technology for targeted applications
  • External validation of the technology and/or its use cases with an industry and/or startup partner, and/or
  • Use of in-house or external resources critical for de-risking the technology


Important Dates (all due dates by 12 noon) 

  • 5/20/26 Program Reopened
  • 5/28/26 Round 2 deadline.
  • 5/7/26 – program opens
  • 5/15/26 - full proposal deadline (see proposal guidelines below)
  • Submissions are made via Kuali Build
  • Award notifications are expected by June 5, 2026


Award details

  • UConn OVPR anticipates funding between 3 and 5 awards of approximately $10,000
  • Financial Award will be provided with award decision
  • QuantumVenture awards are intended to support the translation of quantum-related research into innovations developed
  • No post award considerations 

Eligibility

The QuantumVenture program is available for any quantum startup in Connecticut.  

  • Location: Headquarters in Connecticut, Majority of Employees in Connecticut, or Commitment to establish operations in CT within 12 months. 
  • Startup: Company must be a startup. This opportunity defines startup as: 
    • Less than 7 years old from date of incorporation 
    • Has fewer than 25 employees 
    • Is engaged in development and commercialization of innovative technology or intellectual property 
    • Has not reached sustained profitability, OR is still in a pre-growth/scale phase 
    • Is independently owned 
  • Operates around a core quantum technology. Quantum technologies refer to technologies that leverage the principals of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum coherence, to enable new or significantly enhanced capabilities. To qualify, the company must demonstrate that quantum mechanical effects are central to the technology’s function or value proposition, not merely a downstream application or marketing label 
  • Eligible categories: 
    • Quantum computing 
    • Quantum algorithms 
    • Quantum error correction 
    • Quantum communications/networking/cryptography 
    • Quantum sensing and metrology 
  • Enabling technologies: 
    • Cryogenics, control electronics, photonics, or materials specifically developed for quantum systems 
    • Fabrication techniques for qubits or quantum devices 
    • Software tools for quantum system design, simulation, or orchestration 
  • Quantum Adjacent 
    • AI/ML applied to quantum systems 
    • Classical infrastructure supporting quantum workflows 
  • Number of submissions: Eligible companies may only submit one proposal for QuantumVenture funds per startup. Individuals may serve as collaborator on multiple projects. 

Proposal Guidelines

Elements to include in the full application are as follows: 

  • A Project title
  • A one-paragraph abstract  
  • Project plan document two page maximum, 11-pt font and 1” margins including explanation of technology and relevance to the state.  
    • Competing products
      • Include descriptions of competing products
      • Identify any currently available products/technologies and explain why they do not adequately satisfy the problem or unmet need.
      • Explain how the proposed innovation is different from or better than those that are already available.
    • Intellectual Property (IP)
      • Describe your IP position, and the competitive IP landscape. List your current patent applications or patents pending as well as any granted patents related to this project. If you currently have no patent applications, please mention plans for future invention disclosures. 
    • Commercialization Plan
      • Explain how the available funds can derisk commercialization activities and will allow you to achieve the major milestones required to further develop the technology for market entry. 
      • Describe your plans for funding development of this technology beyond the QuantumVenture award 
      • Preliminary evidence: Summarize any preliminary data available that substantiates the proposed innovation usefulness for the applications envisioned. 
        • Biosketches/CVs
          • Include brief biosketches/CVs (formatted as appropriate for your field) for all PIs/Co-PIs (No more than 2 pages).  Biosketches/CVs may be attached as one PDF or as separate PDF documents. 
          • Include your most recent publications or those most relevant to the work proposed.
          • Include current/pending support from external sponsors and UConn sources (including start-up funding).
        • Budget

        Review Criteria

        Proposals will be scored based on the following 4 criteria:
          

        Market Need—does the innovation address an unmet need and is there evidence that there is a market for the proposed solution? 

        • Does the applicant make a strong case that there is a need/problem that needs to be met? 
        • Is the science/technology strong enough to evidence its success 
        • Does the proposal include data about how much of the market the technology may realistically capture?
            

        Innovation and Novelty—Is the innovation novel and/or does it make a significant improvement over currently-available solutions? 

        • Does the proposal make a convincing argument that the innovation is novel and or makes a significant improvement over currently-available solutions? 
        • Is there existing or the potential for intellectual property protection? 
        • To what degree does the innovation solve the unmet need differently (e.g., better, faster, cheaper) than the current state-of-the art? 
        • If novel, is the innovation a disruptive technology, a platform technology, or an incremental improvement over the current state-of-the art?
            

        Commercialization Plan—Is there a realistic path for commercializing the innovation? 

        • Does the proposal present a path to bring the innovation forward to market? 
        • Does the proposal present plans for future financing of the project, such as SBIR/STTR or industry investment? 
        • For future development, will this technology require regulatory approval?  If so, does the proposal address plans for successfully navigating the process? 
        • Does the applicant point to any obvious potential licenses / commercial partners for this innovation?
            

        Approach and Feasibility—Are the activities proposed attainable in the proposed timeline and are they consistent with the high scientific/scholarly standards? 

        • Does the investigator/team have appropriate expertise and laboratory facilities available to conduct the work? 
        • Does the project include the involvement of a UConn core facility or a third party be required to complete the work (e.g prototype development)?  If so, have appropriate commitments been obtained? 
        • To what degree will the activities proposed de-risk and advance the development of the innovation? 

        Program Contacts

        Matthew Mroz: Matthew.Mroz@UConn.edu
        Mike DiDonato: Michael.DiDonato@UConn.edu 

        UConn Transformative Research Impact Award

        The UConn Transformative Research Impact Award recognizes the positive and profound impacts that UConn researchers and their graduate students/postdoc teams have on their institution, field of research, and the community, regionally, nationally, and internationally.  “Impacts” are the direct changes in the world that stem from our research, scholarship, and creative works.  Impacts can include policy changes; medical discoveries and enhancements; improved systems, designs and processes; and the enrichment of people’s lives.

        The OVPR is offering this competitive recognition award to faculty researchers and their team (postdocs/graduate students) whose work has been completed within the last five years, and that makes a compelling story of the impact that their work has had. It is required that both the faculty researcher and their team work together to create the story narrative for their project’s impact.

        UConn Transformative Research Impact Award Categories

        • Academic -is the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to academic advances, across and within disciplines, including significant advances in understanding, method, theory and application.
        • Cultural – contribution to people’s understanding of ideas and reality, values and beliefs.
        • Economic – contribution to a company’s revenues and profits (micro level), and economic returns through increased productivity or economic growth (macro level)
        • Educational – contribution to education, training and capacity-building, including through curricula, educational tools, and qualifications.
        • Environmental – contribution to managing the environment, such as protecting natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, improving weather forecasting, and tackling the climate crisis.
        • Health – contribution to public health, life expectancy, health-related quality of life, prevention of illness, and reduced health inequality.
        • Political – contribution to how policymakers act, to how policies are constructed, and to political stability.
        • Social – contribution to community welfare and quality of life, and to behaviors, practices, and activities of people and groups.
        • Other

        Awards

        • Up to 5 Transformative Impact Awards in the amount of $10,000.
          • The faculty member on the awarded project will be awarded funds for unrestricted use for their team (this could be for a course buy-out, materials & supplies, or support for a graduate student or postdoc or to be used for further project impact dissemination, etc.)
        • Awarded teams will be formally recognized by UConn and OVPR Leadership
          • The awarded impact stories will be highlighted in UConn Today.
          • The awarded teams will work with OVPR and UConn Communication to share the story with via social media and with media outside of UConn.
          • Certificate for team members (GA/ postdoc) to show what their roles were (team recognized)
        • While awardees will receive separate recognition, all Transformative Research Impact Award Program applications will be posted on the OVPR's website: UConn Research: Real Stories. Real Impact.

        Timeline

        • The Transformative Impact Award Program will open on May 7th, 2026 12 am
        • Applications must be submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal by August 17th, 12 noon.
        • Award announcements are expected sometime in the second half of the fall semester

        Eligibility

        The Transformative Impact Award is available to: Faculty researchers and their teams who worked on a research project that was completed within the last five years and who is a/an

        • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors in a tenured/tenure-track position
        • Clinical and extension faculty
        • Assistant/Associate/Full Professors-in-Residence

        Guidelines

        Transformative Impact Research Award applications must be submitted electronically through the UConn Quest Portal  by XXX (if XX falls on a weekend, a grace period in the system will allow applications to be accepted beyond the deadline until 9am of the next business day) and will require the following information:

        Faculty and Graduate Student Applicant Information Form (The form needs to be completed in the QUEST portal faculty account). 

        • Faculty researcher name
        • Home Department(s)
        • School/College
        • Faculty researcher email address
        • Faculty/Academic rank
        • Primary employer
        • Team size and overview

        UConn Transformative Research Impact Award Application Form

        Impact Categories (Select all that apply)

        • Academic-Contribution to advances across and within disciplines, including significant advances in understanding method, theory and application
        • Cultural – contribution to people’s understanding of ideas and reality, values and beliefs.
        • Economic – contribution to a company’s revenues and profits (micro level), and economic returns through increased productivity or economic growth (macro level)
        • Educational – contribution to education, training and capacity-building, including through curricula, educational tools, and qualifications.
        • Environmental – contribution to managing the environment, such as protecting natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, improving weather forecasting, and tackling the climate crisis.
        • Health – contribution to public health, life expectancy, health-related quality of life, prevention of illness, and reduced health inequality.
        • Political – contribution to how policymakers act, to how policies are constructed, and to political stability.
        • Social – contribution to community welfare and quality of life, and to behaviors, practices, and activities of people and groups.
        • Technological – contribution to the creation or improvement of products, processes and services.
        • Other
        Title of the transformative Research Impact (maximum 100 characters) A short, easy-to-understand title in plain English that describes the impact of the research (not the research itself). Section 1. Upload (PDF) a brief written summary of the impact and the research that led to it. This section will give reviewers context for evaluating your story of impact.
        • A concise summary of the main impacts, their reach, and significance (no more than 120 words). How widespread are the impacts and how important are they to each beneficiary?
        • A concise overview of the research and key findings (no more than 250 words), avoiding jargon and technical language. It is a good idea to start with the results and then say how you got there. Include the timeframe (when the project ended and the impact began) and address how the research (and associated impact activities) was funded.
        Section 2. For the application form aspects below, applicants can choose to submit the following part of the application in a written format, or by addressing the aspects in any form of modality, such as, but not limited to, audio, video, images, infographic, or a combination, etc. The story of the impact should be limited to 5 minutes or if in a written format, 500 words. Provide a Narrative (story of impact), with supporting evidence, to explain the nature and extent of the impact (including how the research made a distinct contribution).
        • Be as clear as possible about exactly WHAT the impact was, adding precise quantification wherever possible. Numeric data and indicators need to be meaningful and contextualized to clearly support the case being made (not used as a substitute for a clear narrative). Avoid generalized or exaggerated statements about impact.
        • Clearly identify specifically WHO has benefited from the work or which groups/organizations have changed something because of it (bear in mind that this may include ‘intermediary’ organizations as well as your intended ‘end users’ or audiences). Describe how you engage with these users and beneficiaries. It can be useful to indicate the number of people impacted and WHEN these impacts occurred. Also relevant is WHERE the impact occurred, particularly whether it is local, national or international in scale.
        Section 3. Research and Impact documentation  Upload evidence of impact and research evidence (a pdf with links can be uploaded in lieu of full text documents): (maximum 200 words, if written) 
        • Evidence of impact Include sources to corroborate the impact, e.g. policy documents, news articles, videos, testimonials. Case studies can be greatly improved with quotes that illustrate the impact, especially if they are from people with high profiles and relevant job titles.
        • Research References: Include (no more than 10) references to support the research e.g. publications, web links, awards, reviews, peer review or other quality assurance processes. If referring to publications, please include a link and the Digital Object Identifier (DOI).

        Review Criteria

        Transformative Research Impact Award applications will be evaluated on three main criteria: Before submitting your application, ensure your application addresses each criterion as detailed in the descriptions below. Articulation: How clearly is the impact or potential impact communicated?
        • Presented / written concisely, in plain English, avoiding technical jargon. Stay within the word limit.
        • Makes a clear and focused case for how the outcomes of the research created impact in one or more of the following areas: academic, cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health, political, social, technological.
        • Include a snappy title that captures the impact (not the research)
        • Convey the impact in a way that would hold the attention of a lay person (average adult member of the public)
          Engagement and Attribution: How have the beneficiaries been engaged with, and what evidence is there that the research contributed to the impact?
        • Outline the beneficiaries (e.g. individuals, communities, government bodies, organizations, businesses, environments, animals). Be as detailed as possible.
        • Describe how you helped or are fostering impact by engaging with the beneficiaries (e.g. via public presentations, media, steering groups, stakeholder workshops, white papers, consultation responses, community partnerships, and co-production.
        • Include data, metrics, and testimonials to corroborate the impact. Convince the reader that your research played a significant role. * Outline how potential impacts may be captured in the future.
        *Research Impact can be 'conceptual' or ‘instrumental’. Conceptual impact, for example, might include evidence of having influenced public debate on an issue, or having better informed policymakers, or having enabled wider thinking about cultural issues. On the other hand, instrumental impact includes more direct effects of research, like specific inventions or changes in the law. Plausible evidence is required to justify both types.  Reach and Significance**: How widespread are the impacts and how important are they to each beneficiary? **The reach and significance of the impact should be judged relative to the academic discipline and the scale of the research.
        • Describe, with evidence, how many beneficiaries there are. Are the impacts at a local, regional, national or international level?
        • Describe, with evidence, the intensity of the impact. How meaningful or valuable is it to each beneficiary?
        • Describe, with evidence, the social media engagement/digital impact – restacks/distributions, testimonials, pick up by schools, oral histories, etc. if relevant
        • Describe the time horizons. Are your impacts short-, medium-, or long-term? If possible, give specific timeframes.

        Program Contacts

        Administrative Contact: Charlotte Nelson, Internal Funding Coordinator, research@uconn.edu

        Program Director:  Matt Mroz, PhD, Interim Director of Research Development, matthew.mroz@uconn.edu

        HRP Education & Outreach

        Our Mission

        The Human Research Protection (HRP) Education & Outreach (E&O) program is a unified cross-campus initiative to provide education and outreach to all who are involved in research involving human subjects. Our mission is to equip researchers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the regulatory landscape of human subjects research.

        Through proactive engagement, the program aims to support researchers and promote ethical practices that enhance understanding of human subjects protections across the university community.

        The HRP Education & Outreach program goals are to:

        • Inform the research community about the latest developments in human subjects protection, including news, guidance, and regulatory updates.
        • Educate researchers, IRB members, and IRB staff through tailored outreach and ongoing learning opportunities.
        • Support investigators through compliance reviews, self-monitoring tools, and personalized assistance to promote high-quality, ethically sound research.

        By offering these resources, we seek to reduce compliance burdens and foster a culture of collaboration and integrity in research involving human participants.

        Contact Us

        We are here to support your research. Reach out to ask questions, request a consultation, or share feedback.

        Email: hrp-education@uconn.edu

        Team Contacts:

        • Joan Levine, MPH, CIP – Team Lead
        • Rebecca Burke, MS
        • Ellen Ciesielski

        What We Offer

        The Human Research Protection Education & Outreach program offers a variety of resources designed to support researchers, IRB members, and IRB staff. We welcome your feedback and ideas as we grow our offerings.

        IRB Office Hours

        Connect one-on-one. To meet with HRP staff to ask questions, seek guidance, or discuss specific concerns, sign up for our Office Hours.

        Custom Education or Training

        Request a session tailored to your department, unit or class. Content is designed to meet your research specific needs. To request a training or education session, please click the link below and complete the form, including a brief description of the topic or area you would like the session to cover.

        Training and Education Request Form Button

        Electronic Submissions Trainings

        UConn InfoEd training: For questions related to the use of InfoEd, please contact the UConn IRB at irb@uconn.edu.

        Trainings Offered On-Demand

        FDA-Regulated Research Training Sessions – To support research teams conducting studies subject to FDA regulations under 21 CFR Part 312 (Investigational New Drug Application) or 21 CFR Part 812 (Investigational Device Exemptions), the HRPP offers completion of a two-part training process:

        · Pre-Study Implementation Session: Designed to prepare teams before initiating FDA-regulated research.

        · Post-Implementation Assessment: Conducted after the enrollment of the first five participants to evaluate and support ongoing compliance.

        HRPP staff will provide an overview of relevant guidance and institutional policies, with a focus on adhering to Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Participants will also learn about the essential components of a Regulatory Binder and its role in maintaining compliance throughout the research process. To schedule these sessions, please complete our Training and Education Request Form.

        Sessions Coming in 2026

        Stay tuned for dates and registration links!

        Common Compliance Pitfalls: Join us to review the most common errors found during human subjects research compliance monitoring in the last year. Learn what to watch out for and practical strategies to avoid these common pitfalls! Date: TBA

        Conflict of Interest: Have questions about how to address potential conflicts of interest in the context of human subjects research? We have the answers! We will be discussing all the requirements related to IRB submissions and conflicts of interest. Date: TBA

         

        Compliance Monitoring

        Human Research Protection Compliance Monitoring Program

        Human subjects research at UConn and UConn Health is monitored by the HRP Education & Outreach program. The goal of the monitoring program is to assess compliance of human subjects research with federal, state, local law, and UConn policies, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations and support based on best practices, current policies and the principles set forth in the Belmont Report. More information about the monitoring program can be found in our policies and standard operating procedures.

        All active studies are subject to such reviews, including exempt research or studies where a reliance agreement is in place with another institution.

        Studies may be randomly selected for a compliance review or chosen for other reasons as described in the applicable policies and procedures. Categories of compliance reviews include routine, informed consent, for-cause, IRB-directed, and investigator-initiated.

        A detailed report summarizing the review findings, required actions, and recommendations will be sent to the researcher. Additionally, findings from the review may be shared with individuals responsible for research oversight to reinforce compliance with policies and regulatory requirements. Findings from these reviews help inform and shape future educational offerings.

        Related Policies & Procedures:

        Completing IACUC Triennial Reviews

        Triennial review is a complete (de novo) IACUC review of the previously approved protocol that is federally required every three years to receive continued approval of ongoing activities on the protocol. The protocol PI will receive email notification when a triennial review is coming due.

        IMPORTANT!

        Section II:

        • Update the General Protocol Information if necessary (e.g., species, total animal number).
        • If any students will be assisting as part of a registered course (such as an independent study), “teaching” should be checked off under “type of project” and the course number should be listed.

        Section III:

        • Add or remove funding sources from your protocol. Include both external and internal funding sources.
        • If needed, update collaboration section. Collaborations that are no longer ongoing should be removed.

        Section IV:

        • Update the Project Overview to summarize the next three years of research/activity.
        • Consider the aims and benefits of the research/activity for the next three years and update if needed
        • In Section IV.B, provide a brief summary of what has been learned over the past three years, including any projects/experiments that have been completed.

        Section V:

        • Update the Description of Procedures:
        • Remove any experiments completed or no longer needed. For ongoing or not yet started experiments, add any new components to the experimental description. Update proposed animal numbers and groups in each experiment to reflect the next three years of research/activity.
        • If changes to procedures are needed to reflect the research/activities for the next three years (e.g., addition of new procedures or addition of new substances), update those protocol sections accordingly.

        Section VI:

        • Update the Justification of Animal Use and Numbers to reflect the total number of animals needed for the next three years of research.
        • Remove species/strains you are no longer using or add species/strains you intend to use in the next three years.

        Section VII:

        • Update animal source, age, sex, and other details to reflect any changes for the next three years of research/activity.

        Section VIII:

        • Update pain categorization and allocation of animals to reflect research/activity for the next three years.
        • If there are Category D or E procedures, a new veterinary consult is required (update consult number/date in Appendix E).
        • Update Recognition and Assessment of Stress and Distress as well as Refinement as necessary to reflect the procedures you intend to us in the next three years.

        Section IX:

        • Update Specific Procedures and Studies as needed
        • Update Controlled Substances license/registration information as needed.
        • Add or remove housing and use locations from your protocol if needed.

        Section X:

        • Update special husbandry, identification, and transportation as needed.

        Section XI:

        • Verify that animal disposition and methods of euthanasia are still accurate. Update if needed.

        Section XIII (and Appendix C):

        • Add or remove personnel from your protocol as needed. Personnel experience and training should be updated as appropriate.

        Section XV (and Appendix E):

        • All Consideration of Alternatives must be redone at the time of the Triennial Review. Any new procedures or models added to the protocol that may cause any more than momentary pain or distress must also be added to the Consideration of Alternatives.

        Sections XVI and XVII:

        • Update signature and dates

        Other Considerations:

        • Field Research:
          • Update field locations as appropriate
          • Verify contingency plan(s) for injured animals are still correct
          • Review and/or update required permit, or indicate if new permits are being obtained
          • Given the target and non-target species that may have been caught/observed in the past three years, review the biological and ecological impacts of the research and update as appropriate
          • Update and provide a copy of your Field Safety SOP
        • Update all supporting documentation and appendices as necessary

        Subaward Contacts by Academic Unit

        Yvonne Rafferty

        Contacts below may also be reached via Microsoft Teams call or chat during business hours

        Name Title Email
        Tracy Bourassa Senior Director, Sponsored Program Services tracy.bourassa@uconn.edu
        Tanja deMauro Associate Director, Pre-Award & Federal Contracting tanja.demauro@uconn.edu
        Yvonne Rafferty Senior Subaward Specialist hsw25003@uconn.edu
        Vanessa Mitchell Subaward Specialist vanessa.licowski@uconn.edu
        Academic Unit Subawards Team Contact
        Accounting Vanessa Mitchell
        Africana Studies, Institute of Yvonne Rafferty
        Agricultural & Natural Resources Vanessa Mitchell
        Agricultural & Resource Economics Vanessa Mitchell
        Allied Health Sciences Vanessa Mitchell
        Animal Science Vanessa Mitchell
        Anthropology Yvonne Rafferty
        Art & Art History Yvonne Rafferty
        Asian American Studies Institute Yvonne Rafferty
        Benton (William) Museum of Art Yvonne Rafferty
        Biomedical Engineering Yvonne Rafferty
        Biotechnology/Bioservices Center Yvonne Rafferty
        Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2) Yvonne Rafferty
        Center for Environmental Science & Engineering (CESE) Vanessa Mitchell
        Center for Integrative Geosciences Yvonne Rafferty
        Center for Access & Postsecondary Success Yvonne Rafferty
        Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Yvonne Rafferty
        Chemistry Yvonne Rafferty
        Civil & Environmental Engineering Vanessa Mitchell
        College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, Office of the Dean Yvonne Rafferty
        College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Office of the Dean Yvonne Rafferty
        Comcast Center of Excellence for Security Innovation Vanessa Mitchell
        Communication Yvonne Rafferty
        Computer Science & Engineering Vanessa Mitchell
        Connecticut Advanced Computing Center Vanessa Mitchell
        Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis Vanessa Mitchell
        Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) Yvonne Rafferty
        Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CT NERR) Yvonne Rafferty
        Connecticut Small Business Development Center Vanessa Mitchell
        Connecticut Transportation Institute Yvonne Rafferty
        Cooperative Extension System Vanessa Mitchell
        Curriculum & Instruction Yvonne Rafferty
        Digital Media & Design Yvonne Rafferty
        Dramatic Arts Yvonne Rafferty
        Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Yvonne Rafferty
        Economics Yvonne Rafferty
        Educational Leadership Vanessa Mitchell
        Educational Psychology Vanessa Mitchell
        Electrical & Computer Engineering Vanessa Mitchell
        English Yvonne Rafferty
        Engineering Diversity Program Vanessa Mitchell
        Eversource Energy Center Yvonne Rafferty
        Finance Vanessa Mitchell
        Geography Yvonne Rafferty
        Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute Yvonne Rafferty
        Global Affairs, Office of Yvonne Rafferty
        Global Training & Development Institute Yvonne Rafferty
        Graduate Education Yvonne Rafferty
        History Yvonne Rafferty
        Human Development & Family Sciences Yvonne Rafferty
        Humanities Institute Yvonne Rafferty
        Innovations Institute Yvonne Rafferty
        Institute for Collaboration of Health, Intervention & Policy (InCHIP) Vanessa Mitchell
        Institute for Student Success (ISS) Vanessa Mitchell
        Institute of Materials Science (IMS) Yvonne Rafferty
        Journalism Yvonne Rafferty
        Kinesiology Vanessa Mitchell
        Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Center for Yvonne Rafferty
        Linguistics Yvonne Rafferty
        Literatures, Cultures & Languages Yvonne Rafferty
        Management Vanessa Mitchell
        Marine Sciences Vanessa Mitchell
        Marketing Vanessa Mitchell
        Materials Science & Engineering Vanessa Mitchell
        Mathematics Yvonne Rafferty
        Mechanical Engineering Vanessa Mitchell
        Molecular & Cell Biology Yvonne Rafferty
        Music Yvonne Rafferty
        Natural Resources & the Environment Vanessa Mitchell
        Neag School of Education, Office of the Dean Vanessa Mitchell
        Nutritional Sciences Vanessa Mitchell
        Office of Institutional Equity Yvonne Rafferty
        Office of the Vice President for Research Vanessa Mitchell
        Operations & Information Management Yvonne Rafferty
        Pathobiology & Veterinary Science Vanessa Mitchell
        Pharmaceutical Sciences Vanessa Mitchell
        Pharmacy Practice Vanessa Mitchell
        Philosophy Yvonne Rafferty
        Physical Therapy Vanessa Mitchell
        Physics Yvonne Rafferty
        Physiology & Neurobiology Yvonne Rafferty
        Plant Science & Landscape Architecture Vanessa Mitchell
        Political Science Yvonne Rafferty
        Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering Yvonne Rafferty
        Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Yvonne Rafferty
        Psychological Sciences Yvonne Rafferty
        Public Policy Yvonne Rafferty
        Public & Environmental Safety Yvonne Rafferty
        Puerto Rican & Latino Studies, Institute of Yvonne Rafferty
        Regional Campuses Vanessa Mitchell
        School of Business, Office of the Dean Vanessa Mitchell
        School of Education, Office of the Dean Vanessa Mitchell
        School of Engineering, Office of the Dean Vanessa Mitchell
        School of Fine Arts Yvonne Rafferty
        School of Law Yvonne Rafferty
        School of Nursing Yvonne Rafferty
        School of Pharmacy, Office of the Dean Vanessa Mitchell
        School of Social Work Yvonne Rafferty
        Sea Grant College Program, Connecticut Yvonne Rafferty
        Sociology Yvonne Rafferty
        Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences Yvonne Rafferty
        Statistics Yvonne Rafferty
        Student Activities Yvonne Rafferty
        Student/Academic Affairs Yvonne Rafferty
        Student Health Services Yvonne Rafferty
        Tech Park Vanessa Mitchell
        Undergraduate Education Yvonne Rafferty
        University Libraries Yvonne Rafferty
        Urban & Community Studies Yvonne Rafferty
        Werth Institute Yvonne Rafferty

         

        Quantum Technologies

        UConn OVPR Guidance on Research Related to Semiconductor, Quantum Computing, GAAFET Technology and Additive Manufacturing Items

        This website is intended to assist UConn Principal Investigators (PI) and researchers who plan to pursue research in the areas of semiconductor, quantum computing, GAAFET technology and additive manufacturing.

        BIS New Interim Final Rule on Quantum and Other Technology

        In coordination with international partners and in furtherance of the United States national security and foreign policy interests, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released an interim final rule on September 6, 2024, revising the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for certain items, which are categorized under specific Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) on the Commerce Control List (CCL). These items include:

        • Gate All-Around Field-Effect Transistor (GAAFET) Technology: Technology that produces or develops high-performance computing chips that can be used in supercomputers. ECCNs: 3D006, and 3E905.
        • Additive Manufacturing Items: Equipment, components, and related technology and software designed to produce metal or metal alloy components, including coating systems, metal additive manufacturing (AM), and AM equipment, utilizing plasma, lasers or electron beams, extreme temperatures, or similar novel technologies not in the public domain. ECCNs: 2E003, 2B910, 2D910, 2E903, and 2E910.

        What if your research falls into one or more of these categories?

        Send an email to exportcontrol@uconn.edu and provide relevant information about your proposed research and the technologies that it involves along with details about the composition of the prospective research team.

        Export Control will review your research alongside you to determine if security provisions need to be put in place to safeguard your work and meet export control regulations.

        What does an Export Control review entail?

        • Work with the PI and team to review the full parameters of the proposed research to determine whether one or more of the ECCN​s listed above is applicable.
        • Determine the controls required by the ECCN​.
        • If controls apply, a Technology Control Plan (TCP) may be required​.
        • If controls apply, PIs must also fill out a Principal Investigator Acknowledgement Form.
        • If controls apply to members of the research team, these individuals must also fill out a Research Affiliate Acknowledgement Form.
        • Review the use of a License Exception, if applicable.
          • Foreign nationals from some countries may be restricted from working on these technologies absent a General License that includes annual reporting requirements to the Bureau of Industry and Security of the names and personnel information of those working on the project.
        • Apply for a license from the Department of Commerce, if required.

        OVPR Connection Form

        Connection Form - Office of the Vice President for Research

        The Office of the Vice President for Research invites members of the UConn community to use this form to ask questions, share ideas, etc.

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
        VPRIE Lindsay DiStefano and the OVPR leadership team will select 1-2 questions to answer in each new edition of "The Abstract" (OVPR's bi-weekly communication). If you would like an individual response to your question, please include your name and email address below
        Would you like an OVPR representative to visit meet with you or your unit regarding this question?
        OVPR is available to talk with you, your team, or your unit about any research / research support related topic. Please share your name and email address below.
        The challenges we encounter as University are numerous, complex, and ever-shifting. No one has all of the answers. OVPR welcomes your ideas about how to address challenges in positive, productive ways.
        If you would like an individual response to your question or would like to set up a meeting with an OVPR representative, please share your name.
        If you would like an individual response to your question or would like to set up a meeting with an OVPR representative, please share your UConn email address.

        Reliance FAQs for Multi-site Research and Research with External Collaborators

        Effective Monday, March 9, 2026 new minimal risk studies that are eligible for Exempt or Expedited review should be submitted to BRANY IRB rather than the UConn IRB, unless an exception has been granted. This is in addition to studies that already meet existing criteria for BRANY submission (external funding, more than 2 external collaborators). This means that the majority of new projects should follow instructions found on the UConn BRANY webpage when creating an Initial Application in InfoEd. Do NOT create an Initial Application in InfoEd before reviewing this BRANY IRB Announcement. Note: Human Subjects Research (HSR) Determinations, External Exempt (REG) and Full Board studies should continue to be submitted in InfoEd as usual for review by the UConn IRB Office.

        What do the terms “external investigators” or “external collaborators” mean in relation to my UConn IRB submission?

        The terms “external collaborators” and “external investigators” refer to study personnel who are engaged in human subjects research under the purview of the UConn IRB but who are not affiliated with UConn Storrs or any of the UConn Regional Campuses.

        Please note that UConn Health is a separate entity with its own IRB. UConn Health faculty and personnel are considered external collaborators/investigators for the purposes of IRB protocols unless the individual has a dual affiliation and their role in the research is primarily related to their UConn Storrs/Regional Campuses role.

        Possession of a NetID does not necessarily mean that an individual is affiliated with UConn. For example, if an individual’s only association with UConn is a sponsored affiliate account, this individual would likely be considered an external study team member. Please explain the UConn association (e.g., paid contractor for this study) for any individual with an affiliate account in your IRB application.

        What does an “engaged” external collaborator mean in relation to human subjects research?

        Generally, a person or institution is engaged in human subjects research if they have a key role in designing or conducting the research, analyzing identifiable information, or obtaining informed consent. Determining whether an external person or an external institution is engaged in a research project is typically the first step for an IRB Office in determining whether an external agreement may need to be executed.

        Detailed federal guidance regarding engagement, including specific scenarios, can be found here: https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/guidance/guidance-on-engagement-of-institutions/index.html.

        A colleague from UConn Health and I plan to be co-investigators on a new study. Which IRB should we submit to?

        Refer to the Guidelines for Collaborative Research with UConn Health found on the IRB Reliance webpage for guidance.

        I am planning to conduct research at a local elementary school. No one from the school staff will be on my study team. Will I need a reliance agreement?

        Reliance agreements may be executed when researchers from different institutions with their own IRBs collaborate on a nonexempt research project. If you are conducting research at an elementary school, and the school staff will not be part of the study team, you will need to obtain permission to conduct the research at the school, but a reliance agreement will probably not be required. In your IRB submission, be sure to provide a detailed explanation of any research-related activities that will be undertaken by school staff so that your reviewer can appropriately advise you if any types of external agreements may be necessary.

        I am planning to conduct research in collaboration with a local nonprofit agency. Some of the agency staff will be part of the study team. These staff members will be obtaining consent from participants. The agency does not have their own IRB. How do I list these external collaborators on my InfoEd application

        If the external agency does not have their own IRB, then within your InfoEd application you will need to request that UConn serve as the IRB of record for external investigators and note that these investigators are individuals who are not affiliated with an institution with an IRB.

        I am designing a research project with a colleague at another university. We anticipate that the project will be reviewed as exempt research. Will I need a reliance agreement?

        UConn does not enter into reliance agreements for exempt research. Each institution involved in the research will need to issue an exemption determination to cover their own affiliates’ activities. As you develop your study materials, please refer to the Guidance for Multisite Exempt Research on our IRB Reliance webpage for more information.

        I would like to add a colleague from another university to my study team for my ongoing exempt research. What do I need to do?

        The UConn IRB generally does not review the activities of external personnel who are affiliated with an institution with an IRB when a study qualifies for exempt status. Collaborators should reach out to their home institution’s IRB to determine local review requirements and/or obtain their own exemption determination. Although these external collaborators should not be listed individually on the UConn IRB application, if the collaboration will necessitate significant changes to the approved study materials or updates to the information provided to the IRB during the initial review, an amendment to address these changes may be necessary. Please refer to the Guidance for Multisite Exempt Research on our IRB Reliance webpage for more information.

        A colleague from another university would like to add me to their study team for a project that their IRB determined was exempt research. What should I do?

        If you intend to collaborate on a project that another IRB has already determined is exempt research, you will need to create an “External Exempt” Initial Application in InfoEd and attach the materials from the external IRB as requested in the electronic application. The UConn IRB Office will review the submission for local context and attempt to issue our own exemption determination based on the materials approved by the other IRB. Refer to our Guidance for Multisite Exempt Research found on the IRB Reliance webpage for more information.

        Note that all materials to be used for multisite research, whether the study is exempt or nonexempt, should properly reflect the involvement of each engaged site.

        A colleague at another university has asked me to join their study team to conduct statistical analyses for an ongoing project. My colleague’s IRB has already approved the research via expedited (nonexempt) review. Do I need to submit anything to the UConn IRB?

        Yes, you will need to submit your activities to the UConn IRB as UConn is responsible for reviewing the research activities undertaken by our own affiliates as part of their role at UConn.

        If the datasets are considered to be de-identified, you should submit a “Not Human Subjects Research” application in InfoEd. Note that datasets that may be referred to as “de-identified” may not meet federally-defined IRB standards for “de-identified” so it is best to seek an official IRB determination before beginning any analyses on data collected from human subjects.

        If you intend to analyze identifiable data (which includes any type of recording), you should submit a “Request to rely on a non-UConn IRB” submission if your colleague’s IRB is willing to serve as the IRB of record. If your colleague’s IRB is not willing to serve as the IRB of record, you should submit an IRB application for “Expedited/Full Board” review that focuses on your role in the overall project.

        A colleague from another university would like to add me to their study team for a project that their IRB determined was nonexempt research. What should I do?

        Your colleague should consult with their IRB (if they haven’t already) and establish if their IRB would be willing to serve as the IRB of record with UConn as a relying site. If your colleague’s IRB is willing to serve as the reviewing IRB, then you should submit a “Request to rely on a non-UConn IRB” Initial Application in InfoEd so that our IRB Office can review your request. To complete the InfoEd application, you will need to have copies of the approved study materials, the initial approval letter from the IRB of record, and any forms the IRB of record would like the UConn IRB to complete.

        If your colleague’s IRB is not willing to serve as the IRB of record, and the study is not subject to the single IRB mandate due to federal funding, you should submit an Initial Application in InfoEd for an “Expedited/Full Board” review. The application should focus on your planned study activities.

        I intend to serve as the PI for a nonexempt study that will include study team members from other universities. Where should I start with my IRB submission?

        For multisite research, you should develop your IRB review plan well in advance of your IRB submission. If your study is federally funded by one of the agencies subject to the single IRB mandate (this includes most federal funding), you may be required to designate one IRB to serve as the IRB of record. The IRB should be consulted in advance before designating it to serve as the IRB of record. If the single IRB mandate is not applicable, you should discuss with your collaborators if it makes sense to designate a single IRB of record and have the other institutions rely on that IRB’s review or if you would prefer to have each IRB conduct their own review.

        Refer to the Guidance for UConn Serving as the IRB of Record for Multisite Research on the IRB Reliance webpage for additional information on how to develop an IRB review plan and how to create study materials for multisite research.

        If you would like to request that UConn serve as the IRB of record, please complete the “Request for UConn to Serve as the IRB of Record” form found on the IRB Reliance webpage and email the completed form to irb-reliance@uconn.edu.

        Currently, research that is externally funded and/or involves more than two engaged external relying sites or external investigators is eligible for review by BRANY IRB. Please see our BRANY IRB webpage for more information and to confirm study eligibility.

        I am a student at UConn, and I plan to work on an ongoing research project related to my major at a local hospital. The project was approved by the hospital’s IRB. What do I need to submit to the UConn IRB?

        Refer to UConn’s Guidelines for Students Conducting Research at External Institutions found on the IRB Reliance webpage for guidance.

        I am the UConn PI for a multisite study where we are relying on the IRB at my colleague’s university. A reliance agreement is already in place, and the study has a RELY submission record in InfoEd. I have some personnel changes I would like to make to the UConn study team. To which IRB do I submit these changes?

        For “RELY” studies where an external IRB is serving as the IRB of record, all changes to the local UConn personnel should be submitted as a “Personnel Change” submission in InfoEd. UConn is responsible for verifying training and checking for COI. You and/or the Overall PI should also consult with the IRB of record to be sure you understand their amendment submission requirements and whether they require amendments to update relying site personnel changes.

        I am the Overall PI for a multisite study for which UConn serves as the IRB of record. A collaborator at one of the relying universities is adding new personnel to their local study team. Do I need to submit an amendment to both UConn and the relying IRB?

        For local relying site personnel changes where UConn serves as the IRB of record, an amendment is not required to notify the UConn IRB each time there is an update to the personnel at a relying site unless the local PI is changing or the personnel change could affect study safety (such as the removal of a medical monitor). All other local personnel changes should be reviewed and processed by the relying IRB where those changes are occurring. However, although individual amendment submissions are not required to update the UConn IRB of most relying site personnel changes, the Overall PI at UConn is required to keep an updated list of study personnel at each site and will be asked to submit this list on the External Personnel Log form with their annual continuing review or administrative check-in submission. The External Personnel Log form is available on the IRB Reliance webpage.

        I have a question about external collaborations in human subjects research that is not covered here. Who should I contact for assistance?

        Please email irb-reliance@uconn.edu with your question, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. If you are reaching out with an initial inquiry about a new multisite study, in your email please identify all external collaborators and sites that will be engaged in the research, identify who will serve as the overall PI, identify who will serve as the UConn PI, provide a brief description of the research, describe any funding, and include any other information that may be relevant to your inquiry.

        HRP Request Form

        Request for Human Research Protections (HRP) Education & Outreach Presentation or Training

        The HRP Education & Outreach Office team is happy to provide a specific training at your request. Please let us know what type of training you are looking for by submitting this form.

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        Section Break

        Compliance

        What is PPASA?

        The Pre-Award and Post-Award Support & Analysis (PPASA) team is part of Sponsored Program Services (SPS) and serves as a central resource for financial oversight, compliance, and operational support for sponsored research at UConn. PPASA partners closely with SPS Post Award staff, Principal Investigators, departmental administrators, and internal auditors to ensure that sponsored funds are managed responsibly and in full accordance with University policies, as well as federal, state, sponsor, and award-specific regulations.

        PPASA plays a key role in strengthening institutional processes by reviewing, standardizing, and streamlining workflows. The team supports SPS Post Award, departments, and University staff to identify needs, leading development efforts, and implementing new initiatives that promote efficiency, compliance and research excellence. PPASA’s mission reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and to moving beyond traditional practices in support of evolving best practices.

        PPASA provides measurable value to the University by strengthening financial stewardship, reducing institutional risk, and promoting consistent compliance across sponsored programs. Through proactive monitoring, transaction-level reviews, and early engagement with faculty and departments, PPASA helps identify and address potential compliance issues before they escalate into audit findings and/or disallowed costs. By supporting standardized practices, reinforcing internal controls, and serving as a central compliance and advisory resource, PPASA enhances UConn’s audit readiness, protects sponsor relationships, and supports the long-term sustainability and credibility of the University’s research enterprise.

        Who is PPASA?

        Ella Sun, Director elsun@uchc.edu
        Matthew Cahill, Assistant Director matthew.cahill@uconn.edu
        Michelle Owens, Grants and Contracts Specialist michelle.owens@uconn.edu
        Cansu Kaya-Yavas, Grants and Contracts Assistant cansu.kaya_yavas@uconn.edu

        What Does PPASA Do?

        PPASA provides oversight and support through a wide range of activities, including:

        • Monitoring subrecipients to ensure institutional and sponsor compliance
        • Reviewing sponsored project transactions, including PCard and HuskyBuy purchases, to ensure allowability and consistency
        • Conducting new award outreach to support compliant Post Award setup and spending
        • Performing risk-based reviews and data analysis to identify trends and improvement opportunities
        • Participating in RFPs and providing consultative support for sponsored projects and SPS initiatives
        • Collaborating with SPS Post Award, departments, and internal partners to strengthen internal controls and enhance audit readiness
        • Managing human research participant payment system, which streamlines and automates participant payments while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and real-time tracking