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Grantwriting Training Calendar

Hanover Research Communicating the Impacts of Your Research Webinar December 2024

When:  Thursday December 19, 2024 at 12:00 pm EST 

Registration Deadline:  Registration will be accepted up to the start of the webinar.

Where: Virtual via Zoom

Description: The OVPR is pleased to share this upcoming webinar from Hanover Research.

This webinar will focus on helping researchers articulate the significance and broader implications of their work, including an overview of research impacts, the importance of dissemination, and methods for communicating impact.  Specifically, Hanover will cover how publications, presentations, stakeholder engagement, and broad public dissemination should factor into your plans.​

Registration is required.

Registration: Webinar Registration - Zoom

After registering, you will receive a confirmation calendar invite containing information about joining the meeting.

 

OVPR Funding in the Humanities Training October 2024

When:  Friday October 25, 2024 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration Deadline:  Registration will be accepted up to the start of the webinar.

Where: Virtual via Zoom

This training, presented by Hanover Research, will provide an overview of grant writing essentials tailored to the needs of arts and humanities faculty, covering some key agencies and programs that fund work within the arts and humanities. Attendees will also learn about effective proposal development practices, common grant application components, and how to best approach the proposal writing process.

Registration is required. This training will be recorded for future use.

Registration: https://hanoverresearch.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcO6qrT8tE9Y5EmZglMjGzQ3raHNOcG8C

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact info:  ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Quinn McAdam in the OVPR (ovpr-rds@uconn.edu) by Wednesday, October 23 at 12 noon.

 

OVPR NSF CAREER Award Workshop (2-Session In-Person Training) October 2024

OVPR NSF CAREER Award Workshop (2-Session In-Person Training) October 2024

When:

Session 1: Thursday, October 10 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM (4-hour session)

Session 2: Friday, October 11 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (4-hour session)

Registration Deadline:

Registration is now closed.

Where:

Storrs campus

Homer Babbidge Library, Instruction Room 1102

https://lib.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FloorMap_Level-1single-1.pdf

Description:

The OVPR Research Development Services is pleased to announce an NSF CAREER award grant writing workshop to be conducted by Dr. Amanda Welch of the AtKisson Training Group.

This in-person training, which consists of two sessions on back-to-back days, will explore the unique and important features of the NSF CAREER funding mechanism and important guidelines of the CAREER program that applicants must consider. It will also provide attendees with a detailed introduction to the application’s overview page.  It will include a combination of presentation, discussion, and hands-on exercises.

The OVPR is making this workshop available to all UConn/UConn Health faculty members who are eligible for NSF CAREER Awards (generally tenure-track Assistant Professors or equivalent).  Please contact ovpr-rds@uconn.edu with any questions about eligibility for this workshop.

Registration is required and is limited to 30 participants. Registration includes both sessions of the training and a copy of ATG’s grant writing workbook. Lunch will be provided for the Thursday session, while coffee and pastry will be provided for the Friday session.

Note: attendance at both sessions is required to fully complete the training.  Due to the interactive nature of the training, the sessions are not being recorded for later viewing. Please reach out to Quinn McAdam (OVPR-RDS@uconn.edu) if you have interest in the workshop but have concerns about scheduling.

Information: https://ovpr.uconn.edu/funding/grantwriting/training-calendar/

Registration: Closed.

Contact:  ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Research Development Services at ovpr-rds@uconn.edu by Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5 PM.

 

Webinar: NSF CAREER Applicant Virtual Q&A Panel 5/8

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 12:001:00 pm

Registration Deadline:  Registration will be accepted through the start of the webinar

Where: Virtual via Zoom

The OVPR, in partnership with the College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is pleased to offer this panel discussion and Q&A session in support of faculty from all disciplines who are intending to apply for an NSF CAREER award.  Attendees will hear from successful CAREER awardees about their experiences with the program, and they will have an opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the program: application process, experience with research or education projects, and more!

This event will focus exclusively on the NSF CAREER award, and it is open to all faculty who are eligible for and interested in pursuing a CAREER award in the near future. The event will be most useful for those who have attended previous OVPR CAREER trainings, and attendees are encouraged to prepare questions for panelists in advance.

This webinar is provided free of charge to all UConn/UConn Health affiliates, but it will not be recorded.

Registration is required.

Registration: Click here for Zoom registration link

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact info:  ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Caitlin O’Connell in the OVPR (ovpr-rds@uconn.edu) by Monday, May 6, 2024 at 12 noon.

 

Webinar: Authentic Community Partnerships in Research and Scholarship 4/26/24

When:  Rescheduled to : Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10AM.

Registration Deadline:  Registration will be accepted up to the start of the webinar

Where: Virtual webinar via Zoom

Community partnerships enable more impactful research and scholarship and are increasingly required in competitive grant funding proposals. This one-hour presentation from the Office of Outreach and Engagement will discuss identifying and building authentic partnerships, and best practices for conducting community-engaged research and scholarship. Upcoming presentations in this series will include creating one's impact identity and planning for and assessing societal impact.

This webinar is provided free of charge to all UConn/UConn Health affiliates. Registration is required.

Registration: Click here for Zoom registration link

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact info:  ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Caitlin O’Connell in the OVPR (ovpr-rds@uconn.edu) by Wednesday, April 25, at 12 noon.

 

Webinar: Engaging Students in Research/Experiential Learning 4/19/24

WhenFriday, April 19, 2024 at 1:30PM.

Registration Deadline:  Registration will be accepted up to the start of the webinar

Where: Virtual webinar via Zoom

Join representatives from the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Institute for Student Success to find out how faculty can get involved in UConn’s programs to expand research access, support experiential learning, and involve diverse students from UConn and local communities in STEM initiatives and programming.

This webinar is provided free of charge to all UConn/UConn Health affiliates. Registration is required.

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrfuCrrjksEtF1H2xal0vDXKTqHIvhtDdl

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact info:  ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Caitlin O’Connell in the OVPR (ovpr-rds@uconn.edu) by Wednesday, April 17, at 12 noon.

 

Webinar: CETL Resources for Education and Assessment Plans 3/15/24

WhenFriday, March 15th, 2024 at 12 noon.

Registration Deadline:  Registration will be accepted up to the start of the webinar

Where: Virtual Training via Zoom

This webinar from the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) will focus on building education and assessment plans for grant proposals, with a strong emphasis on the NSF CAREER funding opportunity. Topics covered will include:

  • Basics of evaluation and assessment and how they relate to measuring education outcomes
  • How to collect and analyze information in educational settings
  • Strategies for developing / writing an education plan as part of your NSF CAREER proposal

While this webinar will focus on the education plan required for the NSF CAREER proposal, it is open to all faculty interested in this topic area. The webinar is provided free of charge to all UConn/UConn Health faculty and staff members.

Registration is required.

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIude6przMqHtAd1K2ySpowNBJVDnqgrElU

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact info:  ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Caitlin O’Connell in the OVPR (ovpr-rds@uconn.edu) by Wednesday, March 13, at 12 noon.

ARPA-H Virtual Brainstorming Session

ARPA-H, a new agency within NIH, has released its first open funding opportunity, a BAA (broad agency announcement) seeking revolutionary ideas that will accelerate better health outcomes for everyone. Modeled after DARPA, ARPA-H is interested in making significant investments into ideas that can make a transformational impact in the near term.

We are pleased to announce that OVPR Research Development Services will be holding a virtual brainstorming session.  Interested faculty will have the opportunity to discuss their ARPA-H ideas with colleagues to help develop concepts that fit ARPA-H's specific guidelines.  There will also be opportunities for collaboration/teaming and signing up for additional OVPR support.

What: ARPA-H Brainstorming session with other faculty members

When: Thursday, October 19th, 3:30-5PM

Where: Zoom, click here to register

This opportunity has a rolling deadline and a low barrier to entry (only an abstract is required initially).

We encourage anyone interested in the brainstorming session to watch the information session recording prior to attending the brainstorming session to learn more information.

If you have any questions or require any accommodations to participate in this event, please reach out to OVPR Research Development Services at ovpr-rds@uconn.edu!

OVPR NSF CAREER Award Workshop (2-Session Virtual Training) October 2023

OVPR NSF CAREER Award Workshop (2-Session Virtual Training) October 2023

When:

Session 1: Friday, October 13 from 9:00-1:00PM (4 hour session)

Session 2: Friday, October 20 from 9:00-11:00AM (2 hour session)

Registration Deadline:

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 by 12 noon.

Where:

Virtual Training via Zoom

The OVPR Research Development Services is pleased to announce an NSF CAREER award grantwriting workshop to be conducted by Dr. M. S. AtKisson of the AtKisson Training Group.

This virtual training, which consists of two sessions held one week apart, will explore the unique and important features of the NSF CAREER funding mechanism and important guidelines of the CAREER program that applicants must keep in mind.  It will also provide attendees with a detailed introduction to the application’s overview page.  It will include a combination of presentation, discussion, and hands-on exercises.

The OVPR is making this workshop available to all UConn/UConn Health faculty members who are eligible for NSF CAREER Awards (generally tenure-track Assistant Professors or equivalent).  Please contact ovpr-rds@uconn.edu with any questions about eligibility for this workshop.

Registration is required and includes both sessions of the training and a copy of Dr. AtKisson’s grantwriting workbook.

Note: attendance at both sessions is required to fully complete the training.  Due to the interactive nature of the training, the sessions are not being recorded for later viewing. Please reach out to Matt Mroz if you have interest in the workshop but have concerns about scheduling.

Information: https://ovpr.uconn.edu/funding/grantwriting/training-calendar/

Registration:  https://ovpr.uconn.edu/services/research-development/grant-writing-registration-career/

Contact info:  OVPR Research Development ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Research Development Services at ovpr-rds@uconn.edu by Monday, October 9, 2023 at 12 noon.

ARPA-H Information session 8/7/23

ARPA-H, a new agency within NIH, has released its first open funding opportunity, a BAA (broad agency announcement) seeking revolutionary ideas that will accelerate better health outcomes for everyone. Modeled after DARPA, ARPA-H is interested in making significant investments into ideas that can make a transformational impact in the near term.

Please join OVPR Research Development Services team for an information session to learn more the unique goals and requirements of this funding opportunity!

What: ARPA-H Information session – presentation (will be recorded) followed by Q&A

When: Monday, August 7 from 3-4pm

Where: Zoom – click here to register

This opportunity has a rolling deadline and a low barrier to entry (only an abstract is required initially). We encourage all faculty who have potentially transformative ideas related to health to learn more!

The information session will be followed by brainstorming session, hosted by RDS and InCHIP, on Wednesday, August 9 from 11:30-1:00pm (in person - Storrs campus).  The brainstorming session will focus on evaluating the fit of ideas for ARPA-H, teambuilding, and identifying next steps for project development.  Please email RDS if you would like to attend!

If you have any questions or require any accommodations to participate in this event, please reach out to OVPR Research Development Services at ovpr-rds@uconn.edu!

ARPA-H Brainstorming session 8/9/23

ARPA-H, a new agency within NIH, has released its first open funding opportunity, a BAA (broad agency announcement) seeking revolutionary ideas that will accelerate better health outcomes for everyone. Modeled after DARPA, ARPA-H is interested in making significant investments into ideas that can make a transformational impact in the near term.

Earlier this week, we announced a information session for those looking to learn more about this opportunity.  Today we are pleased to announce that OVPR Research Development Services will also be holding an in-person brainstorming session.  Interested faculty will have the opportunity to discuss their ARPA-H ideas with colleagues to help develop concepts that fit ARPA-H's specific guidelines.  There will also be opportunities for collaboration/teaming and signing up for additional OVPR support.

What: ARPA-H Brainstorming session with other faculty members

When: Monday, August 9th from 11:30 – 1:00 pm

Where: Storrs Campus - McHugh 109– click here to register

This opportunity has a rolling deadline and a low barrier to entry (only an abstract is required initially).

We encourage anyone interested in the brainstorming session to either attend the information session on August 7th 3:00 – 4:00pm or watch the recording prior to attending the brainstorming session to learn more information.  The link to the recording will be sent out to all registrants for the brainstorming event ASAP.

If you have any questions or require any accommodations to participate in this event, please reach out to OVPR Research Development Services at ovpr-rds@uconn.edu!

4/19 Webinar: NSF CAREER Applicant Virtual Q&A Panel

When:  Wednesday, April 19 from 12-1:30pm

Registration Deadline:  Registration will be accepted up to the start of the virtual panel.

Where: Virtual Workshop via Zoom

The OVPR, in partnership with the School of Engineering, the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is pleased to offer this panel discussion and Q&A session in support of faculty from all disciplines who are intending to apply for an NSF CAREER award.  Attendees will hear from successful CAREER awardees about their experiences with the program, and they will have an opportunity to ask questions about all aspects of the program: application process, experience with research or education projects, and more!

This event will focus exclusively on the NSF CAREER award, and it is open to all faculty who are eligible for and interested in pursuing a CAREER award in the near future.  The event will be most useful for those who have attended previous OVPR CAREER trainings. The event is provided free of charge, but it will not be recorded.

Registration is required.

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtfuGppzwrG9wvdDp35UVKlvnYwV_9_YlV

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact info:  ovpr-rds@uconn.edu

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Caitlin O’Connell in the OVPR (ovpr-rds@uconn.edu) by Friday, April 14, 2023 at 12 noon.

4/4 Workshop: Building your NSF Broader Impacts Identity and Plan – Office of Outreach and Engagement

Building Your NSF Broader Impacts Identity and Plan​

Presenter: Laurie Van Egeren, Assistant Provost for University-Community Partnerships at Michigan State University

  • Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
  • Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location: Innovation Partnership Building (IPB)  Room 317 (159 Discovery Drive, Storrs, CT 06269)

RSPV by March 21, 2023 - space is limited! 

Register here.

Funding proposals for the National Science Foundation are reviewed on two criteria: Intellectual Merit (the science) and Broader Impacts (BI; the societal impact of the work outside of the direct research).

Researchers want their work to have meaning in the world; one of the ways to let your research have impacts beyond your academic circle is to develop a BI identity aligned with your interests, activities, and values.

This 3-hour workshop will address BI basics, your BI identity, how to create a BI plan, and BI resources to support your grant-seeking. We will review examples of BI activities and consider how to integrate BI into your academic career.

Rescheduled: OVPR Grantwriting Webinar (Feb 2023) – How to Write a White Paper (DoD, DOE, NSF)

When:

12:00-1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023 (rescheduled from January 27 due to presenter illness)

Registration Deadline:

Registration will be accepted up to the start of the Webinar

Where:

Virtual Training via Zoom

Want to learn how to develop a white paper (or concept paper) for federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), and National Science Foundation (NSF)? Want to understand the subtle differences between what these agencies expect and how they use these documents in building relationships with PIs and requesting project ideas? To find out more about this aspect of the grantseeking process, register for the “How to Write a White Paper” webinar presented by Hanover Research from 12:00 until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023.

The OVPR is making this workshop available free of charge to all UConn/UConn Health faculty members, postdocs, and advanced graduate students.  Please contact research@uconn.edu with any questions about eligibility for this workshop.

Registration is required.

Information: https://ovpr.uconn.edu/funding/grantwriting/training-calendar/

Registration: https://hanoverresearch.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckfuurpjIrGNQ9ZsXAd3DR8hsNSztGk620

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Contact info:  research@uconn.edu, 860-486-6378

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Matt Mroz in the OVPR (research@uconn.edu, 860.486.6378) by Friday, January 20, 2023 at 12 noon.

Grantwriting Training and Resources Overview

Researchers in all disciplines face a dilemma: grant funding is increasingly necessary for fueling research advances while grants keep getting harder to win. The competitiveness of the grantseeking landscape means that funders can be more selective about funding the projects that most closely align with their goals and mission. It also means that most funders can have a lower tolerance for proposals that distract from the research/scholarship proposed by not following grantwriting best practices.

The good news? There are skills and techniques that faculty can learn that will make their work more attractive to funders.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is pleased to provide a number of training opportunities, resources, and services to help our faculty build these skills and to assist them in producing grant applications that are as compelling as the research activities they propose.

Our Training Calendar lists upcoming workshops and webinars addressing grantwriting-related topics. Most require registration and some require approval from your school/college, so please read the description of each event carefully. You can contact research@uconn.edu or call 860.486.6378 with any questions about listed events or to request that a University-sponsored grantwriting training be added to the calendar.

Hanover Research provides the OVPR consultation services aimed at improving grantseeking competitiveness. Upon request (and subject to availability), the OVPR can make Hanover’s services available to grant teams or individual faculty members. We especially invite faculty who are working on grant resubmissions or on preparing large (over $3 million) or complex grant proposals to contact us well in advance of submission deadlines.

Our Resource Library is a NetID-protected repository, accessible to UConn Faculty, Staff, and Students, that contains handouts, slide decks, even videos from past OVPR-sponsored grantwriting training events and webinars. Our goal is to continually add to and update these offerings in order to build a rich collection of resources that address all aspects of the grantseeking process.

SPARK Submission Guidelines

Letter of Intent (LOI) Instructions

SPARK LOIs consist of 2 forms and a PDF file upload.

Faculty Applicant Information Form (some information may pre-populate into the form):

  • Submitting PI Name
  • Home Department
  • School/College
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Faculty/Academic Rank
  • Primary Employer
  • Question - is your position contingent on grant funding?

SPARK Application Form

  • Project Title:
  • Estimated Funds Requested ($50K max for initial funding term, up to $100K if follow-on funding is anticipated)
  • Resubmission Y/N
  • Has an invention disclosure been submitted for this innovation?
  • Has a patent been filed / granted
  • Federal Opportunity Targeted: Please name the Federal funder and specific mechanism your team will be targeting. Please include the mechanism's award range and the date you are targeting for submission
  • Size of Team: 0-10
  • Key Personnel: Co-PIs, department affiliation, role on project

LOI document (PDF Upload)

Your LOI must be no longer than two pages  (12-pt font and 1” margins; single spacing and single-side pages). Please include the following information:

  1. Unmet Need/Problem: Please describe in concise terms the current unmet need in the market.
  2. Product/Solution: Please describe how your product or solution addresses or solves the unmet need.
  3. Target Customer: Who is the potential customer for this solution? Ex: Who is going to buy the product?
  4. Competitive Advantage: Describe current solutions and why your solution is better than currently available solutions in the market? Ex: Faster/Better/Cheaper
  5. Market Size: Please describe the potential market size for this product or technology.
  6. Intellectual Property: List all filed/granted patents and invention disclosures filed related to the technology.
  7. Regulatory pathway/Reimbursement: Succinctly describe the regulatory pathway and reimbursement if applicable.
  8. Revenue Model: How will your product make money? Ex: Subscription/Fee/Capital Expense.

LOIs should be uploaded as a single PDF to the Quest Portal by the LOI due date.

 

 

Full Proposal Submission Instructions

Elements to include in the full application are as follows:

  1. A one-paragraph abstract (type or copy/paste into a form on Quest).
  2. Results from prior OVPR-funded projects: If you've received funding in the past from OVPR internal seed grants or commercialization grants, please give a brief account of the outcomes of those projects and any research products generated (type or copy/paste into a form on Quest).
  3. Project plan document (five page maximum, 12-pt font and 1” margins), including
    1. Problem/Unmet need: Describe the problem or unmet need that the innovation targets.
    2. Description of the Product: Describe in detail the product or technology concept.
    3. Estimate Market Size:
      1. Please describe the total available market this invention addresses (TAM)
      2. Estimate serviceable available market (SAM)
      3. Estimate serviceable obtainable market (SOM)
    4. Competing Products:
      1.  Identify any currently available products/technologies, and explain why they do not adequately satisfy the problem or unmet need.
      2. Explain how the proposed innovation is different from or better than those that are already available.
    5. 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.
    6. Commercialization Plan:
      1. Describe major milestones required to enter market?
      2. Describe the pathway to market?
      3. Expected time to enter market and financing required to enter the market
    7. Regulatory Pathway & Reimbursement:
      1. Please describe in detail the regulatory pathway if applicable.
        1. Medical Devices: 510(k), DeNovo or PMA
        2. Pharma 505(b)(1) or 505 (b) (2) .
      2. Please describe reimbursement strategy if applicable.
    8. Potential Exits: Is it an acquisition, licensing or IPO?
    9. Preliminary evidence: Summarize any preliminary data available that substantiates the proposed innovation usefulness for the applications envisioned.
    10. Proposed work with project milestones: Outline the proposed scope of work approaches with timelines and a clearly defined set of objective milestones to be completed by the end of the initial award period.  Please include an analysis of how the proposed activities will sufficiently de-risk the innovation to allow for further commercial development.
  4. Biosketches/CVs: Please include brief biosketches/CVs (formatted as appropriate for your field) for all PIs/Co-PIs.  Include your most recent publications or those most relevant to the work proposed.  Also include current/pending support from external sponsors and UConn sources (including start-up funding). This may be appended to the end of the CV/biosketch or integrated within it, if your discipline’s format already provides space for current/pending.  Biosketches/CVs may be uploaded as one PDF or as separate PDF documents.
  5. Budget: Provide a preliminary budget estimate and proposed use of funds. Please see Internal Funding Budget Guidelines for instructions and a budget template.
  6. The budget spreadsheet should be converted to PDF format prior to upload.

Full Proposals will only be accepted from applicants who have submitted an LOI and received an invitation to proceed with a proposal. Invited applicants should upload their proposal documents the Quest Portal by the full application due date of February 24, 2025.

SPARK Full Proposal Budget Guidelines

Please see the general budget guidelines for the OVPR Research Development Internal Funding awards.

  • Allowable costs: graduate student stipends/summer support, postdoc salaries, faculty summer fellowships (limited to $3000 per PI) only available to faculty on less than 12-month appointments with room for summer support), other research assistant salaries, associated fringe costs, instrument use fees, materials and supplies, contractual services (external consultants or fee-for-service providers). Other commercialization-related costs not specified here or in the not-allowed list below should be listed in the budget and justified.  No more than 50% of funds in any budget period can be used for salary/fringe costs.
  • Not-allowable costs: faculty academic year salary, large equipment acquisition costs, publication costs, travel for the purpose of presenting research results, costs related to basic research aims, graduate tuition, any overhead or F&A, costs related to establishing a start-up company.  If a faculty-owned company already exists, costs that occur within/related to the company are not allowable.  All University financial conflict of interest policies must be observed.
  • Any changes to the budget of an awarded project must be approved in advance by the program director. Requests for rebudgeting can be made to research@uconn.edu.
  • Note: All contractual services and materials and supplies must be procured following University purchasing policies.

SPARK Technology Commercialization Fund

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) SPARK Technology Commercialization Fund supports the translation of research discoveries into products, processes, and other commercial applications. We are eager to identify and support UConn-developed inventions and technologies that address unmet needs and have strong potential for commercial application. We invite proposals from across all disciplines for projects that aim to advance these technologies forward toward commercialization.

Process and Timeline

The SPARK competition is organized into a two-step review process. 1) Applicants are asked to first submit a letter of intent designed to allow applicants to demonstrate that the project is ripe to transition from basic research to commercialization and to familiarize the review committee with the projects. The applicants with the most competitive projects will be invited to submit full proposals. Those invited to submit a full proposal will be required to meet with the Director, Venture Development prior to submitting the full proposal. 2) All full proposals will be reviewed to evaluate the project’s scientific background and commercial potential. Reviews will be conducted by a team of commercialization experts.  The proposals which demonstrate the most promise for commercial success will be selected for funding.

The SPARK program allows for awarded projects to receive a total of $100K between the initial award and one-time follow-on funding.  Follow-on funding is dependent on meeting established milestones, meeting program requirements, and demonstration of success.

Important Dates (all due dates by 12 noon) 

  • 9/16/24 – FY25 program opens.
  • 10/28/2024 - 2-Page Letter of Intent. Click here for LOI submission details
  • 1/13/2025 (or earlier) Invitations to submit full proposals will be sent.
  • 2/24/2025 Full Proposal deadline (by invitation)
  • Award Notifications are expected in May, 2025

 

Award Details

  • The OVPR anticipates funding up to 4 projects each cycle.
  • Each award will begin with an initial award period of up to 1 year.  Awarded project is also eligible for up to 1 year of follow-on funding pending the completion of specific milestones agreed upon at the time of the initial award.
  • Each award period (initial and follow-up) will be funded in two equal payments.  The first payment will be made at the start of the award period.  The second payment will be made six months into the award period, pending completion of milestones, submission of a brief report, and adherence to program guidelines.
  • Proposals should include plans for the full duration of the intended effort (including a follow-up award period, if one is anticipated), and they must include a list of objective proposed milestones to be completed, with a timeline.
  • Budgets for the initial award period should reflect the needs of the project for that period, up to $50K.  Follow-on funding can be requested in amounts that would bring the total award size up to $100K. (Ex. $50K initial and $50K follow-on or $40K initial and $60K follow-on.
  • Standard award periods for both initial and follow-on funding are one year.  We encourage applicants to submit well-defined scopes of work that can be completed within 1-2 years.
  • No-cost extensions are possible for SPARK awards but are typically only approved when extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the PI exist. Extensions needed because of compliance delays or to allow financial transactions to finalize are also allowed. Adequate justification / documentation will be required, and the program director may request a revised budget and timeline before extensions are approved. Requests for extensions can be made using the IFP Project Change form.
  • SPARK awards are intended to support the development of new innovations within the labs / research groups of UConn/UConn Health faculty members.  SPARK funds cannot be used for a) continuing existing commercialization projects, b) costs related to creating/operating start-up companies, or c) development activities that take place in faculty-owned companies.
  • Projects that make use of UConn resources, core facilities, or that include significant interdisciplinary partnerships will be prioritized
  • No more than 50% of SPARK project budgets can be used to support salary & fringe for graduate assistants, postdocs, research associates, or technicians.  Please see SPARK budget guidelines for more detail.
  • SPARK Awardees will be connected with commercialization experts from OVPR’s Technology Commercialization and Venture Development group.  Awardees should expect to work closely with TCS to discuss progress/obstacles, undergo commercialization-related training, and to gain access to advice and resources that will enhance the project’s chances for commercial success.  Awardees are expected to begin working with TCS's IP team to protect their innovation (target: provisional patent filing 6 months to 1 year after project launch).

 

Eligibility / IP & Licensing Requirements

The SPARK program is available to UConn/UConn Health faculty members, within the following parameters:

  • IP: Projects should have intellectual property at their core. To be eligible, project-related UConn IP must exist or the proposed scope of work must have a high likelihood of leading to a UConn invention disclosure by the end of the initial award period.  Projects based on IP not developed by UConn are not eligible. Projects that have not produced an invention disclosure by the end of year 1 of funding will not be eligible for follow-on funding.
  • Startups and License Options: If a startup related to the SPARK project exists at the time of award, an option agreement must be taken within 6 months of the award.  If a startup company related to the project is formed at any point in the future, an option agreement must be taken within six months of the startup creation.
  • Effort and Salary: Although no minimum effort level is required for SPARK projects, a PI must have departmental research time available during the award period or address in the application how they will handle the time commitment required by a SPARK project. Generally speaking, SPARK is only available to tenure-track, clinical, and (Storrs/Regional Campus) APiR faculty. Research Professors / those whose positions are contingent on grant-funding (soft money positions, including UCH in-residence faculty) are not eligible. Faculty with potential SPARK projects that involve grant-dependent faculty should contact the SPARK program director before applying.
  • UConn Primary Appointment: SPARK PIs must be faculty whose primary appointment is at UConn / UConn Health. Faculty with primary appointments to CCMC or Jackson Labs are not eligible to apply. PIs with a primary appointment at a TIP company are also not eligible. Individuals who are not eligible to apply as a PI may be able to serve as a collaborator/consultant on an eligible PI’s SPARK project.
  • Number of submissions: Eligible faculty can only submit one LOI/full proposal per year as lead PI. Investigators may serve as collaborator on multiple projects.
  • Past SPARK Winners: Projects/technologies that have received one round of initial and follow-up funding and projects/technologies that received SPARK funding prior to FY22 are not eligible for additional SPARK awards.  Prior SPARK awardees may apply for SPARK funding for new projects/technologies that are distinct and independent of those funded with past SPARK awards. All past SPARK awardees are asked to consult with the program director prior to submission to ensure eligibility.

Review Criteria

SPARK LOIs and Proposals will be scored based on the following 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?
  • To what degree will the innovation satisfy the unmet consumer, industry or medical need?
  • Does the proposal include market data and a compelling estimate as to what share of the market the innovation 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?
  • If so, is the path chosen (licensing, startup, etc.) the most promising for the innovation?
  • Does the proposal contain reasonable estimates of the time needed to enter the 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?

Postaward Considerations (Reporting and Follow-on Funding Policies)

SPARK awardees agree to provide regular progress reports to the OVPR during and after the award period. Reports fall into four categories:

  • Consultations with TCS: Awardees are expected to connect regularly throughout the award period(s) with their point of contact within OVPR Technology Commercialization Services to discuss progress, to talk through potential problems, and to consider future steps and additional resources that may be of use. Each PI will work with their TCS contact to set up the best check-in schedule, but it is expected that consultations would happen at least on a quarterly basis.
  • Six-month Reporting: After six months of each award period (typically in September/October), applicants will be asked to submit a brief progress report via the Quest Portal.  After review of this report, the second payment of the award period will be made to the award account.
    • Applies to projects that begin in FY25.
    • Additional guidelines will be provided in the near future.
  • Application for Renewal/Follow-on Funding: At the end of the initial award period, awardees will have an opportunity to request follow-on funding to support continued development of their innovation. The renewal process will proceed as follows:
    • One month prior to the completion of the initial award period, awardees will receive an invitation to submit a renewal NOI (indicating whether they would like to renew, request an extension, or allow the project to close out).
    • Awardees who select the renewal option will be able to submit a renewal application in the Quest system immediately after completion of the NOI.
    • Renewal applications should include the following:
      • A brief oral presentation (20 min, followed by Q&A) on project activities and accomplishments and plans for the follow-on award period. The presentation should address the milestones agreed upon at the start of the initial award period and demonstrate that they have been satisfactorily completed.  The OVPR will reach out to awardees to schedule this presentation after receiving their follow-on funding NOI.
      • A revised scope of work for the follow-up award period, detailing proposed activities and how those activities will move the technology forward along its path to market
      • A new budget with justifications outlining how follow-up funds will be used.
      • Renewal applicants are limited to 3 pages, plus references and budget
    • Invention Disclosure(s): It is expected that all SPARK awards should lead to at least 1 UConn invention disclosure within six months of the close of the award period. Invention disclosures are required prior to receiving a second year of funding.
    • Annual Reports: Recognizing that investments made by the OVPR can often take some time to produce their full results, we will be asking that all recipients of OVPR Internal Funding, including SPARK, submit annual reports over the life of the project. This will allow us to better understand the impact of internal funding and make the case for it continuing / increasing.
    • Reporting requirements: PIs will need to prepare a brief report, using this Award Report Template to summarize project progress within one month of posting final expenses unless an extension from the OVPR has been received.
      • We’ll be interested in hearing about the results of your project,
      • the significance of those results, and
      • gathering statistics about graduate students supported, publications, external grants / patents received, other projects launched, etc.
      • Other questions may also be included as needed. The OVPR may request updates annually for up to five years following the end of the award period to track the development of the project longitudinally.

Program Contacts

Program Contacts:
The SPARK program is jointly administered by OVPR Technology Commercialization Services and Internal Funding Program.

Program Director
Dr. Vivek Ramakrishnan
Director, Venture Development, OVPR Technology Commercialization Services
vivek.ramakrishnan@uconn.edu

Dr. Matt Mroz
Manager, Research Development Services
matthew.mroz@uconn.edu

Program point of contact (Contact for information on program/process, application status, award management/extensions)

Charlotte Nelson
Internal Funding Coordinator
research@uconn.edu

Directions & Parking

Nathan Whetten Graduate Center building

Address

Whetten Graduate Center
University of Connecticut
438 Whitney Road Extension, Unit 1006
Storrs, CT 06269-1006
Phone: 860.486.3619
Fax: 860.486.5381

 

 

Directions

Driving

From the West:

Interstate 84 East to Exit 68. From exit, take a right onto Route 195, and follow for 7 miles to campus.

Alternate directions from the West:

Interstate 84 East to Interstate 384 East. At end of Interstate 384 East, take left fork to Route 44 East. Follow Route 44 East to intersection with Route 195. Take a right onto Route 195 and follow the signs to campus.

From the East:

Interstate 84 West to Exit 68. From exit, take a left onto Route 195, and follow for 7 miles to campus.

From the Southeast:

Interstate 95 to 395 North. Take Exit 81 West to Route 32 North. Follow Route 32 North to Willimantic. In town, turn right and go over bridge. Continue straight through the light and follow 195 North for 8 miles to campus.

Personalize your directions with Google Maps.

View the campus map or download the PDF version.

 

Parking

Visitors may park in the South parking garage. See the garage self-pay parking rates for further details. For additional information about parking on campus, please consult the Department of Parking and Transportation Services website at http://www.park.uconn.edu.

Walking from South Garage to Whetten Graduate Center
  • Exit garage, turn right and head northeast on Jim Calhoun Way towards Hillside Rd
  • Cross Hillside Rd between the new Student Recreation Center and the School of Business.
  • Follow the sidewalk and walk straight between these two buildings.
  • The Whetten Graduate Center building is directly in front of you.
  • The distance from the garage is approximately 0.02 miles.

Student Web Developer (Level IV)

Pay Range: $14-20/hr commensurate on experience

 

The Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking a qualified individual to work with IT staff in rebuilding internal legacy web applications using modern tools and best practices. The individual will be tasked with using modern web languages such as PHP and Java to rebuild existing functionality while simultaneously improving the design, implementation, and user experience of these applications to best support the needs of OVPR staff.

 

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Interview candidates will be contacted. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your software development skills while gaining paid work experience.

 

Required Skills:

* Experience developing web or client-side applications using one or more modern languages (such as Java, PHP, JavaScript, etc.)

* Working knowledge of CSS, HTML and JavaScript

* Basic knowledge of MVC architecture

* Experience with common JS frameworks such as (but not limited to) jQuery, Angular, backbone, etc.

* Basic knowledge of SQL

* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

* Must have excellent communication and computer skills

 

Preferred Skills:

* Experience working with legacy codebases

* Experience using git and github as part of a team

* Experience with relational database design and SQL

* Experience with Laravel is a big plus

 

Please email your resume to laurie.pudlo@uconn.edu.

IACUC Post-Approval Monitor (Project/Program Specialist)

The University of Connecticut (UConn) Office of the Vice President for Research, is seeking an experienced research compliance professional to engage in post-approval monitoring activities for an estimated 15 hours per week. This is a part-time, temporary professional position, subject to extension based upon performance and availability of funding.

The IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) Post-Approval Monitor (Project/Program Specialist) will directly report and work under the direction of the IACUC Program Manager and in collaboration with other members of the University’s Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) to ensure that research and teaching activities involving animal subjects are in compliance with all applicable University, State, Federal and other external regulatory requirements and guidelines. The IACUC Post-Approval Monitor’s role is to observe activities using live animals and review records, processes and procedures, to assist investigators in identifying deviations from approved protocols and in implementing corrective action, and to document and report the findings to the IACUC.

Representative Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conducts internal auditing procedures of animal subjects protocols as part of the post-approval monitoring program.
  • Conducts reviews in response to allegations and findings of noncompliance with Animal Care and Use Program (ACUP) and sponsor requirements.
  • Prepares reports on audit/monitoring findings.
  • Serves as a compliance resource to the research community and other internal interested parties.
  • Assists with semiannual facility inspections and program reviews.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in biological, social/behavioral sciences, or a related area; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  2. Experience with research compliance requiring knowledge and understanding of applicable regulations.
  3. Ability to collegially interact with others to provide guidance and assistance in meeting regulatory requirements and resolving problems.
  4. Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to articulate compliance issues and enforce compliance standards.
  5. Ability to work with animals.
  6. Ability to work at Storrs and branch campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Knowledge of federal laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to the use of animal subjects in research and teaching including, but not limited to, AWA, AWAR, PHS Policy, HREA, etc.
  2. Two or more years of experience with the use of animal subjects in research, and/or experience in working with an IACUC.

 

This is a part-time, temporary professional position, subject to extension based upon performance and availability of funding. Optional State employee health insurance may be available for purchase at group rates.

 

Please forward a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references via email to:

Laurie Pudlo, Administrative Manager
Office of the Vice President for Research
438 Whitney Road Extension, Unit 1006
Storrs, CT 06269
Email: laurie.pudlo@uconn.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment of the successful candidate may be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

 

The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a Land Grant and Sea Grant college and member of the Space Grant Consortium, and is ranked among the top 19 public universities in the nation according to the 2016 U.S. News and World Report. In support of an ambitious state investment in economic development, higher education, and research, the Office of the Vice President for Research seeks highly motivated, skilled, and engaged individuals to work within an increasingly diverse and complex research environment.

ResearchMatch

ResearchMatch.org is a national online recruitment tool for health research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and maintained at Vanderbilt University. ResearchMatch connects health researchers with individuals interested in volunteering, through its secure online matching tool. UConn is part of the ResearchMatch Network. There is no cost to UConn researchers to use ResearchMatch. There are currently over 120,000 registered volunteers across the country. ResearchMatch is also available in Spanish.

 

Register now to see if ResearchMatch might be a useful recruitment tool for your health-outcomes research study:

Use this link to register as a researcher: https://www.researchmatch.org/researchers/. You do not need to be a Principal Investigator to register. The registration process takes less than 10 minutes and when you are finished, you will be granted “feasibility access” to do a feasibility search of aggregate data regarding the current ResearchMatch volunteer population. You will be able to see the demographic and health information breakdown for the volunteers within a designated geographic area.

 

If you decide to use ResearchMatch to conduct participant recruitment, you will need IRB approval:
  1. The Vanderbilt IRB provides oversight for ResearchMatch as a recruitment tool and this has been documented within the ResearchMatch IRB Letter of Understanding (available upon request), but to use ResearchMatch as a recruitment tool for a specific study, you will first need to get UConn IRB approval.
    1. For the IRB submission, the following language may be used to describe ResearchMatch as a recruitment method: Potential volunteers will be contacted by ResearchMatch via an email contact message containing IRB-approved recruitment language for this study (not including direct study contact information such as study phone number). Volunteers will then have the option of replying by clicking ‘yes’ or ‘no’  in the contact message. If a volunteer chooses to respond in the affirmative, they will authorize ResearchMatch to release their contact information to the PI (or ResearchMatch designee) who will be responsible for managing that information according to institutional guidelines.
    2. The contact message consists of the language to be used in the email sent by ResearchMatch on your behalf to potential participants. Please note that your contact message must not include your direct study contact information (email or phone), and must not exceed 2000 characters. If the study involves in-person participation, you may want to include the geographical location of the study site. If you intend to include healthy controls, specify that in your contact message, otherwise, a healthy control volunteer may decline participation. Please see contact message examples provided by ResearchMatch as well as this form that offers additional tips for creating an effective contact message.
  2. Once ResearchMatch is an IRB-approved recruitment method, you may then register as a researcher to request “recruitment access” in ResearchMatch. You will need to upload your IRB approval letter and your IRB-approved contact message. Recruitment access will give you the ability to send your contact message to potential participants that you select. If a potential participant agrees, you will then have access to his/her contact information in order to contact about possible study participation.

         

         

         

        For questions about about how to use ResearchMatch for your health research, please contact ResearchMatch Liaison, Ellen Ciesielski, eciesielski@uchc.edu.

        Program Coordinator for UConn Data Science Initiative (Educational Program Coordinator)

        JOB SUMMARY

        The Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Connecticut is seeking a highly dynamic, creative, and driven professional to assist in the management of an institutional initiative in Stamford, CT focused on data science. The UConn Data Science Initiative revolves around the establishment of a data science tech incubator, the hiring of data science research faculty, and the creation of a year-long entrepreneurial co-op opportunity for undergraduate students.  The Program Coordinator (Education Program Coordinator) will be a self-starting, team player, motivated to contribute novel and fresh ideas to grow each dimension of the initiative in a manner that supports the institution, the region, and the overall economic development of the State.

        DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

        • Assisting with various logistical and administrative duties related to the UConn Data Science Initiative (purchasing, hiring, scheduling, travel, etc.).
        • Supporting the marketing and communications objectives of the initiative (including the management of the social media campaign, design and copy for various print/digital promotional materials, etc).
        • Working with the executive director of the initiative to develop a sustainable budgetary model and plan for growth/expansion of the initiative.
        • Assisting with the creation of quarterly written reports delineating progress and milestone achievements of the initiative.
        • Maintaining an accurate system for billing tenants of the data science incubator (including keeping track of rates, sending invoices, collecting payment, etc.)
        • Supporting the recruitment efforts of the initiative (assisting with the identification of, and communication with, prospective incubator tenants as well as potential data science faculty).
        • Providing strategic analytics around data science in the region and working to develop an action plan for establishing new partnerships.
        • Working with financial staff to maintain oversight on project budgets and developing budgetary projections.
        • Creating a series of technical and social events to build community among the occupants of the data science initiative space.
        • Overseeing student employees (including hiring and determining work assignments/schedules).
        • Assisting data science faculty in the identification of potential funding opportunities from the public and private sectors.
        • Serving as a point of contact for data science initiative inquiries.
        • Other related duties as required

        MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

        1. Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate/related subject matter.
        2. At least 4 years of related experience, demonstrating considerable knowledge of administrative methods and program support in the area(s) of marketing, industry relations, technology commercialization, startup venture development, or comparable areas.
        3. Superior verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
        4. Superior organizational skills and follow-through.
        5. Superior accuracy and attention to formatting and detail.
        6. Evidence of creative, out-of-the-box, thinking.
        7. Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into concise analytical reports.
        8. Experience with event planning and management and/or managing a complex calendar or schedule of activities.
        9. Demonstrated experience developing program support materials (both web and print), graphics, and using social media platforms for outreach and communications.
        10. Willingness and ability to carry out job responsibilities in Stamford and occasionally at the Storrs and Farmington locations.
        11. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite software, but more importantly, online technology tools aimed at improving productivity and efficiency.
        12. Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends, as required by programming.
        13. Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise a high degree of professional discretion and confidentiality in communicating with executives and officials across a variety of industries in the public and/or private sectors.

        PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

        1. Graduate degree in an appropriate discipline.
        2. Experience working in data science.
        3. Experience working in the fintech and/or digital media industries.
        4. Experience developing public/private partnerships.
        5. Hands-on experience working with or within universities.
        6. Experience implementing design thinking with a general ability to bridge design, communication, and technology.
        7. Experience simultaneously managing complex programs and budgets.

        APPOINTMENT TERMS

        This is a one-year, full-time, grant-funded, annually renewable position. Salary in the high $60’s. The University offers an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and dependent tuition reimbursement at the University of Connecticut (outlined here:  https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/).  Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with a target start date of as soon as possible.

        TO APPLY

        Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #494735 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

        Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

        This job posting is currently scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 28, 2020.

        All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

        The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

         

         

        Grants & Contracts Specialist I, UCP VI

        Contracts Specialist

         

        The Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Connecticut is seeking an energetic career-minded contract administration professional to join our Contracts administration team.

        Under the direction of the Director of Research Administration and Faculty Services in the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), Sponsored Program Services (SPS), the Grants & Contracts Specialist is responsible for reviewing, negotiating and processing contracts and subcontracts in support of the University’s sponsored program activity.

        Characteristic duties and responsibilities include:

        1. Maintains knowledge of and interprets applicable policies, statutes, regulations and procedures formulated by the University, state and federal government, granting agencies, and various private foundations and industries; maintains up-to-date reference file.
        2. Reviews proposed agreements for compliance with applicable University policy, state and federal regulations including but not limited to federal acquisition regulations (FAR) clauses, export controls, intellectual property, governing law and fiscal reporting requirements in support of sponsored projects and other related agreements supporting research activities.
        3. Negotiates or assists in the negotiation of agreements with corporate, non-profit and federal sponsors and drafts technical contact language covering such issues as intellectual property rights, cost-sharing, fiscal and procedural constraints and other similar matters.
        4. Participates in policy and procedure discussions.
        5. Prepares or assists in preparing a written award summary, when necessary, providing complete and detailed information to setup, administer, and maintain an awarded contract in compliance with University policies and contracted statutes, regulations, and procedures.
        6. Performs related duties as required.

         

        Minimum Acceptable Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and four years relevant experience OR Eight years relevant experience in a business organization or government agency; thorough knowledge of University, federal, state and private industry rules and regulations governing technical aspects of grants and contracts; ability to work well flexibly, independently and as a contributing member of a team; demonstrated superior customer service orientation; thorough knowledge of PC-based tools including Microsoft Office Suite.

        Preferred Qualifications: Ability to write and interpret technical contract language and understand its implications; ability to effectively communicate with and serve as liaison between granting agencies, University administration and the principal investigators; J.D. or other advanced degree; direct experience negotiating contracts and agreements for sponsored projects in an institution of higher education; familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs); thorough knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to grant and contract administration.

        The University of Connecticut offers a comprehensive package of salary and benefits. For a full list of duties and responsibilities please refer to the position description located at .

        Applications should be submitted through the UConn Jobs website at: http://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/, and should include a cover letter and resume demonstrating how the qualifications and requirements of the position are met, and contact information for three professional references.

        Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

        For confidential inquiries or additional information please contact:

        Laurie Pudlo, MPS HRM
        Administrative Manager
        Office of the Vice President for Research
        University of Connecticut
        laurie.pudlo@uconn.edu
        860.486.4247

         

        The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.
        The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a Land Grant and Sea Grant college and member of the Space Grant Consortium, and is ranked among the top 19 public universities in the nation according to the 2016 U.S. News and World Report.   In support of an ambitious state investment in economic development, higher education, and research, the Office of the Vice President for Research seeks highly motivated, skilled, and engaged individuals to work within an increasingly diverse and complex research environment.  

        Job Description
        Grants & Contracts Specialist I (UCP VI)
        Contracts Specialist

        Job Summary

        Under the direction of the Director of Research Administration and Faculty Services in the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), Sponsored Program Services (SPS), the Grants & Contracts Specialist is responsible for reviewing, negotiating and processing contracts and subcontracts in support of the University’s sponsored program activity.

        Responsibilities

        1. Maintains knowledge of and interprets applicable policies, statutes, regulations and procedures formulated by the University, state and federal government, granting agencies, and various private foundations and industries; maintains up-to-date reference file.
        2. Reviews proposed agreements for compliance with applicable University policy, state and federal regulations including but not limited to federal acquisition regulations (FAR) clauses, export controls, intellectual property, governing law and fiscal reporting requirements in support of sponsored projects and other related agreements supporting research activities.
        3. Negotiates or assists in the negotiation of agreements with corporate, non-profit and federal sponsors and drafts technical contact language covering such issues as intellectual property rights, cost-sharing, fiscal and procedural constraints and other similar matters.
        4. Participates in policy and procedure discussions.
        5. Prepares or assists in preparing a written award summary, when necessary, providing complete and detailed information to setup, administer, and maintain an awarded contract in compliance with University policies and contracted statutes, regulations, and procedures.
        6. Performs related duties as required.

        Minimum Qualifications

        1. Bachelor’s degree and four years relevant experience OR Eight years relevant experience in a business organization or government agency.
        2. Thorough knowledge of University, federal, state and private industry rules and regulations governing technical aspects of grants and contracts.
        3. Ability to work well flexibly, independently and as a contributing member of a team.
        4. Demonstrated superior customer service orientation.
        5. Thorough knowledge of PC-based tools including Microsoft Office Suite.

        Preferred Qualifications

        1. Ability to write and interpret technical contract language and understand its implications.
        2. Ability to effectively communicate with and serve as liaison between granting agencies, University administration and the principal investigators.
        3. J.D. or other advanced degree.
        4. Direct experience negotiating contracts and agreements for sponsored projects in an institution of higher education.
        5. Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs).
        6. Thorough knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to grant and contract administration.

        Guidance on Secondary Analysis of Existing Data Sets

        The University of Connecticut Institutional Review Board (IRB) recognizes that some research projects involving existing data sets and archives may not meet the definition of “human subjects” research requiring IRB review; some may meet definitions of research that is exempt from the federal regulations at 45 CFR part 46; and some may require IRB review. This document is intended to provide guidance on IRB policies and procedures and to reduce burdens associated with IRB review for investigators whose research involves only the analysis of existing data sets and archives. The IRB acknowledges the guidance document prepared by the University of Chicago Social and Behavioral Sciences IRB as the model for this Guidance.

        Although projects that only involve secondary data analysis do not involve interactions or interventions with humans, they may still require IRB review, because the definition of “human subject” at 45 CFR 46.102(f) includes living individuals about whom an investigator obtains identifiable private information for research purposes.

        1. When does secondary use of existing data not require IRB review?

        In general, the secondary analysis of existing data does not require IRB review when it does not fall within the regulatory definition of research involving human subjects.

        A. Public Use Data Sets

        Public use data sets are prepared with the intent of making them available for the public. The data available to the public are not individually identifiable and therefore analysis would not involve human subjects. The IRB recognizes that the analysis of de-identified, publicly available data does not constitute human subjects research as defined at 45 CFR 46.102 and that it does not require IRB review. The IRB no longer requires the registration or review of studies involving the analysis of public use data sets unless a project merges multiple data sets and in so doing enables the identification of individuals whose data is analyzed. An IRB review may be required for a research study that relies exclusively on secondary use of anonymous information BUT records data linkage or disseminates results in such a way that it generates identifiable information.

        In addition to being identifiable, existing data must include “private information” in order to constitute research involving human subjects. Private information is defined as information which has been provided for specific purposes by an individual and which the individual can reasonably expect will not be made public (e.g., a medical or school record). For example, a study involving only analysis of the published salaries and benefits of university presidents would not need IRB review since this information is not private.

        B. De-identified Data

        If a dataset has been stripped of all identifying information and there is no way it could be linked back to the subjects from whom it was originally collected (through a key to a coding system or by other means), its subsequent use by the Principal Investigator or by another researcher would not constitute human subjects research, since the data is no longer identifiable. “Identifiable” means the identity of the subject is known or may be readily ascertained by the investigator or associated with the information. In general, information is considered to be identifiable when it can be linked to specific individuals by the researcher either directly or indirectly through coding systems, or when characteristics of the information obtained are such that a reasonably knowledgeable person could ascertain the identities of individuals. Even though a dataset has been stripped of direct identifiers (e.g., names, addresses, student ID numbers, etc.), it may still be possible to identify an individual through a combination of other characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, place of employment).

        Example: Many student research projects involve secondary analysis of data that belongs to, or was initially collected by, their faculty advisor or another investigator. If the student is provided with a de-identified, non-coded data set, the use of the data does not constitute research with human subjects because there is no interaction with any individual and no identifiable private information will be used.

        Coded data: Secondary analysis of coded private information is not considered to be research involving human subjects and would not require IRB review IF the investigator(s) cannot readily ascertain the identity of the individuals to whom the coded private information pertains as a result of one of the following circumstances:

        1. The investigators and the holder of the key have entered into an agreement prohibiting the release of the key to the investigators under any circumstances, until the individuals are deceased (HHS regulations for humans subjects research do not require the IRB to review and approve this agreement);
        2. There are IRB-approved written policies and operating procedures for a repository or data management center that prohibit the release of the key to the investigator under any circumstances, until the individuals are deceased; or
        3. There are other legal requirements prohibiting the release of the key to the investigators, until the individuals are deceased.

        For more information on when analysis of coded data is or is not human subjects research, see the HHS Office for Human Research Protections Guidance on Research Involving Coded Private Information or Biological Specimens at http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/policy/cdebiol.html.

        Note: If a student is analyzing coded data from a faculty advisor/sponsor who retains a key, this would be human subjects research, because the faculty advisor is considered an investigator on the student’s protocol, and can readily ascertain the identity of the subjects since he/she holds the key to the coded data. If the student’s work fits within the scope of the initial protocol from which the dataset originates, the faculty advisor (or investigator who holds the dataset) may wish to consider adding the student and his/her work to the original protocol by means of an amendment application rather than having the student submit a new application for review.

        Example: Researcher B plans to examine the relationships between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiance disorder, and teen drug abuse using data collected by Agencies I, II, and III that work with “at risk” youth. The data will be coded and the agencies have entered into an agreement prohibiting release of the key to the researcher that could connect the data with identifiers. The use of the data would not constitute research with human subjects.

        If the IRB determines that the project does not constitute human subjects research, the IRB will notify the investigator. If the IRB determines that the project does involve human subjects research, the investigator will be asked to submit a protocol for consideration by the IRB.

        2. When is the secondary use of existing data exempt?

        There are six categories of research activities involving human subjects that may be exempt from the requirements of the federal regulations on human subjects research protections (45 CFR 46.101(2)(b)). However, only one exemption category (Category 4) applies specifically to existing data. If research is found to be exempt, it need not receive full or expedited review. In order to qualify for an exempt determination, an IRB-5 application must be submitted in InfoEd for IRB review.

        Research involving collection or study of existing data, documents, and records can be exempted under Category 4 of the federal regulations if: (i) the sources of such data are publicly available; or (ii) the information is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.

        The latter condition of this category applies in cases where the investigators initially have access to identifiable private information but abstract the data needed for the research in such a way that the information can no longer be connected to the identity of the subjects. This means that the abstracted data set does not include direct identifiers (names, social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) or indirect identifiers (codes or pseudonyms that are linked to the subject’s identity). Furthermore, it must not be possible to identify subjects by combining a number of characteristics (e.g., date of birth, gender, position, and place of employment). This is especially relevant in smaller datasets, where the population is confined to a limited subject pool.
        The following do not qualify for exemption: Research involving prisoners, and FDA-regulated research.

        Example: Student A will be given access to data from her faculty advisor’s health survey research project. The data consists of coded survey responses, and the advisor will retain a key that would link the data to identifiers. The student will extract the information she needs for her project without including any identifying information and without retaining the code. The use of the data does constitute research with human subjects because the initial data set is identifiable (albeit through a coding system); however, it would qualify for exempt status.

        3. When does the secondary use of existing data require expedited or full board review?

        If secondary analysis of existing data does involve research with human subjects and does not qualify for exempt status as explained above, the project must be reviewed either through expedited procedures or by the full (convened) IRB, and an IRB-1 protocol application must be submitted in InfoEd for IRB review.

        Consent: Researchers using data previously collected under another study should consider whether the currently proposed research is a “compatible use” with what subjects agreed to in the original consent form. For non-exempt projects, a consent process description or justification for a waiver must be included in the research protocol.

        The IRB may require that informed consent for secondary analysis be obtained from subjects whose data will be accessed.

        Alternatively, the IRB can consider a request for a waiver of one or more elements of informed consent under 45 CFR 46.116(d). In order to approve such waiver, the IRB must first be satisfied that the research:

        1. presents minimal risk (no risks of harm, considering probability and magnitude, greater than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine examinations or tests); and
        2. the waiver or alteration will not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the subjects; and
        3. the research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration; and
        4. whenever appropriate, the subjects will be provided with additional pertinent information after participation.

        “Restricted Use Data”: Certain agencies and research organizations release files to researchers with specific restrictions regarding their use and storage. These restrictions are typically described in a data use or restricted use data agreement the organization requires be signed in order to receive the data. The records frequently contain identifiers or extensive variables that combined might enable identification, even though this is not the intent of the researcher. Research using these data sets requires expedited or full board level review. Note that the data use or restricted use data agreement must be reviewed by Sponsored Programs Services (SPS) prior to institutional approval. The IRB will not approve the study until the agreement receives approval by SPS. The protocol may be submitted to the IRB at the same time the agreement is submitted to SPS.

        Examples:

        1) Student C will be given access to coded mental health assessments from his faculty advisor’s research project. The student plans to analyze the data with a code attached to each record, and the advisor will retain a key to the code that would link the data to identifiers. The use of the data does constitute research with human subjects and does not qualify for exempt status since subjects can be identified. This student project would require an IRB-1 protocol application to be submitted in InfoEd for expedited or full board review by the IRB.

        Note: As previously noted, if the student’s work fits within the scope of the initial protocol from which the dataset originates, the faculty advisor (or investigator who holds the dataset) may wish to consider adding the student and his/her work to the original protocol by means of an amendment application rather than having the student submit a new application for expedited or full board review.

        2) Student D is applying to the National Center for Health Statistics for use of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that includes geographic identifiers and date of examination. The analysis of this restricted use data would require IRB-1 protocol application to be submitted in InfoEd for expedited or full board review by the IRB.

         

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        Guidance on Closure of Human Subject Research Studies

        A completion report is required for all human subject studies. The closure report updates the IRB on the conduct and the outcomes of the study, any new risks, safety issues or problems that may have arisen since the last study renewal, and informs the IRB of the final disposition of research records and data.

        Completion reports should be submitted to the IRB within 30 days of study completion by completing the IRB-2 Re-Approval/Completion report application in InfoEd. Note: The PI does not have to wait for the end of the study approval period to submit a completion report.

        If any of the following six conditions apply do not file a completion report. Such studies must remain active and continue to receive ongoing IRB review and approval:

        1. Enrollment is on-going.
        2. Research-related interventions and/or follow-up is ongoing.
        3. Participant follow-up is ongoing.
        4. Biological specimens containing personally identifiable information are being maintained in a repository that has been approved as part of this study or upon which analysis or research is ongoing. If, however, specimens were transferred to a separate repository that has ongoing IRB approval, the study may be closed.
        5. Data analysis or manuscript preparation that involves the use or access to personally identifiable information is ongoing.
        6. If there is an external study sponsor and the sponsor has not provided permission to close the study with the IRB.

         

        Report Study Completion Procedures

        Complete the IRB-2 Re-Approval/Completion Form in InfoEd.

        • Provide the date the study was completed in the Status of Study section.
        • Provide a copy of the final DSMB report if applicable.
        • Provide a summary of the findings and provide copies of any publications or manuscripts resulting from the study.
        • Complete sections VI, VII, VII and IX, if applicable.

        Record Retention

        The IRB would like to remind investigators that data from the completed study should be stored and protected in the manner approved by the IRB and consented to by the research participant so as to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the participants. Whenever possible, the data should be permanently de-identified. Also, at a minimum, per federal regulations (45 CFR 46.115(b) and 21 CFR 56.115(b)), investigators must maintain research records for three years beyond the completion/termination of the study. Investigators should be aware that other laws and requirements (e.g., funding agency) may require a longer record retention period.

        Refer to the IRB’s record retention policy for additional guidance – https://ovpr.uconn.edu/irb/irb-policies-and-procedures-intro/record-retention/.

         

        Serious Adverse Events or Unanticipated Problems Learned After Study Closure

        The PI must report to the IRB any information learned after study closure that could affect participant safety or care, including but not limited to serious adverse events or unanticipated problems report by the Sponsor or other responsible for study monitoring.

         

        Back to Researcher’s Guide

        Financial Interest System How-To Materials

        Listed below are various self-service handouts and instructional sheets with step-by-step instructions on how to perform various functions within the UConn (Storrs/Regional Campus) InfoEd External Interests / FCOI & FCO system.

        These materials are specific to UConn (Storrs and Regional Campuses) and should not be used by persons from UConn Health unless specifically instructed to do so by the FCOI staff.

        MAC USERS:  Safari blocks popups by default. To have a better experience with the FCOI eform, please follow these steps to allow popups on your machine: https://content.research.uconn.edu/pdf/storrs/rits/infoed/PopupBlocker.pdf  Or, use something other than Safari for completion of the FCOI eform.

        NEW: On March 1, 2024, the Office of the Vice President for Research launched a revised FCOI disclosure e-form (see: announcement shared with the UConn research community).

        If you have questions about the requirements to submit an annual financial disclosure, please contact Ms. Kristen Tremblay (kristen.tremblay@uconn.edu or 860.679.3276) or fcoi@uconn.edu.

        For technical issues with InfoEd, please email era-support@UConn.edu or call 860.486.7944.