Your Competitive Advantage:
Proposal Development Workshop Agenda
Held in Washington, DC on February 25-27, 2010

Attendee Roster | Institutional Assignments | Presenter Roster | Evaluation Form


Thursday, February 25, 2010

Responsible Conduct of Undergraduate Research: A Problem-Solving Workshop
Presentation Recording
Participants will explore a range of campus models and training materials for implementing the new National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health requirements to train grant-supported students in the responsible conduct of research (RCR). The discussion will examine broad questions about the oversight of undergraduate student research in light of the major areas of RCR concern: data acquisition, management, sharing, and ownership; conflict of interest and commitment; human subjects; animal welfare; research misconduct; publication practices and responsible authorship; mentor/trainee responsibilities; peer review; and collaborative science. Particular consideration will be given to issues related to mentoring, with special attention to ethics, shared credit, and plagiarism.
Presenters:
Linda Freed, Director, Grants and Faculty Development, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
Frances Jeffries, Special Assist to the Provost, Wheaton College

Promoting Undergraduate Research Workshop
Presentation Recording
Undergraduate research has been part of the landscape of higher education for many decades, but it was historically under the purview of small, usually selective and often private, undergraduate liberal arts colleges and universities. In the past 10 to 15 years, the extent of undergraduate research has grown tremendously and now has a presence at major research universities, comprehensive colleges and universities, community colleges, and some trade colleges. This session will begin with a discussion of Christopher Newport University's recent establishment of an Office for Undergraduate Research, and of the role development and sponsored programs can play in realizing greater impact for undergraduate education through undergraduate research. The session will end with an exercise in which participants develop personal plans for establishing, expanding, and enhancing undergraduate research programs at their home institutions.
Presenter:
Andrew Velkey, Director of Student Research, Christopher Newport University


Welcome and Introductions
Richard Dunfee, Director, Grants Resource Center, American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Muriel Howard, President, American Association of State Colleges and Universities

3:00 - 3:50 General Session
Keynote Address
Audio Recording
The White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation was established by the Obama administration to facilitate partnerships among government agencies and nonprofit organizations. To catalyze groups to work together on community development issues, $50 million was set aside for a Social Innovation Fund in FY 10. The keynote address will offer an update on the priorities of this new White House office and its potential impact on colleges and universities, with particular attention on the effect on research and sponsored programs in higher education. Participants are encouraged to share perspectives and pose questions about the administration's plans.
Presenter:
Sonal Shah, Director, White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation

4:00 - 5:00 General Session
Federal Funding Outlook
Presentation Recording
The remainder of federal stimulus funding will be obligated by October of 2010, and the president has called for a three-year cap on non-defense discretionary spending, leading to many questions about the federal funding that will be available in the future. The session will examine the president's FY 11 budget request and present a preview of what may be possible in the upcoming appropriations cycle from the perspectives of congressional staff associated with education, science, and research.
Moderator:
Robert Moran, Director of Federal Relations and Policy Analysis, American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Presenters:
Gregory McNeill, Legislative Assistant, Senate Budget Committee-Minority Staff, U.S. Senate
Joel Packer, Executive Director, Council for Education Funding


Friday, February 26, 2010

7:30 - 8:30 Concurrent Sessions

GRC Economic and Community Development Task Force Report
Presentation Recording
Since beginning its work in summer 2009, the GRC Economic and Community Development Task Force has established priorities in three areas: economic/workforce development; community development; and intellectual property/compliance. Members will share a timeline for the development of resources and services associated with each of the proposed activities.
presentation slides

GRC Health Research and Education Task Force Report
Audio Recording
GRC's newly-formed task force on health research and education will provide an update on GRC's collaboration with the National Institutes of Health and other initiatives that will build GRC members' capacity to compete for health-related funding.
Presenters:
Salina Shrofel, Associate Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Programs, Northern Kentucky University (Co-Chair)
David Stone, Director, Office of Sponsored Projects, Northern Illinois University (Co-Chair)


8:30 - 9:30 Concurrent Sessions

Interagency STEM Education Priority Programs
Paris Ballroom
This session will focus on three agencies' FY 10 and FY 11 STEM education priority programs: NASA's dedication to STEM teacher development and student preparation for STEM careers; NSF's agency- wide STEM priorities, including solicitations from the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings, and insight into the development of competitive proposals in light of the Obama administration's FY 11 science and technology priorities; and ED's Math and Science Partnerships which, through formula grants, encourage states to work with local education agencies and colleges and universities to improve teachers' content knowledge and students' math and science performance.
Presenters:
David Campbell, Program Director, Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings, National Science Foundation
Miriam Lund, Education Program Specialist, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education
Mabel Jones Matthews, Outcome Manager, Higher Education Program, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NEA Proposal Development Advice
Audio Recording
The average success rate for National Endowment for the Arts grant applications is 50 percent, in part because the agency limits submissions to one application per institution for most competitions. This session will provide advice to build awareness of funding opportunities, encourage arts projects, and select and develop the campus's most competitive proposals.
Presenter:
Silvio Lim, Presenting Specialist, National Endowment for the Arts


NIH Research Supplements to Promote Diversity
Audio Recording
This session will cover the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Supplement Program, which allows current investigators holding an active NIH research grant (including an R15), or a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health R01 grant, to request an administrative supplement to support individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Presenter:
John Whitmarsh, Special Assistant to the Director, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health


9:35 - 10:35 Concurrent Sessions

NSF Interdisciplinary Research
Presentation Recording
This session will present strategies for building successful cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary proposals to the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences. Participants are encouraged to share their perspectives and pose questions to the panel.
Presenters:
Tom Baerwald, Senior Science Advisor, Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, National Science Foundation
Cheryl Eavey, Program Director, Division of Social and Economic Sciences, National Science Foundation
David McGinnis, Co-Director, Grants and Sponsored Programs, Montana State University-Billings

Foundation Center: National Education Stimulus Initiative
Presentation Recording
This session will focus on a new national initiative to engage philanthropic organizations and education leaders across the country in a unified, strategic drive to improve public education. The speaker will discuss the role the Foundations for Education Excellence Project will play in engaging the country's grantmakers in the education stimulus priorities established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Presenter:
Steven Lawrence, Director of Research, Foundation Center

U.S. Institute of Peace Opportunities
Audio Recording
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) provides analysis, training, and tools to prevent and end conflicts, promote stability, and professionalize the field of peacebuilding. This session will provide information on the grants and fellowships available to enable individuals, universities, and other organizations to advance the agency's work.
Presenter:
Steven Riskin, Senior Program Officer, Grant and Fellowship Program, U.S. Institute of Peace


10:50 - 11:50 Concurrent Sessions

NEH Proposal Development Advice
Presentation Recording
This session will provide strategies for crafting a successful proposal to the National Endowment for the Humanities. Participants will hear about best practices, common proposal errors, and ways to capitalize on outreach provided by endowment staff. Examples of funded proposals will be available.
Presenter:
Barbara Ashbrook, Assistant Director, Division of Education Programs, National Endowment for the Humanities

NIH/AREA Program Update
Presentation Recording
There has never been a better time to seek funding from the National institutes of Health (NIH). One of the best ways for many GRC members to do this is through the NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) program, which supports faculty research at campuses that have not received much NIH funding in the past. AREA awards are designed to strengthen the research environment of the institution and to expose students to research.
Presenters:
Mary Ann Guadagno, AREA Program Manager, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health
Laura Letbetter, Director, Proposal Development, Kennesaw State University (GA)


ONR Research Opportunities
Presentation Recording
The Office of Naval Research is constantly seeking partners with ground-breaking ideas, pioneering scientific research, and novel technological developments that address current and future Navy and Marine Corps requirements. This session will describe the basic research, applied research, and advanced development funding opportunities available.
Presenter:
Joseph Plaia, Program Officer, Office of the Director of Research, Office of Naval Research, U.S. Department of Defense

1:30 - 2:30 Concurrent Sessions

Awardee Perspective: Revising a Declined Proposal
Presentation Recording
When a proposal is declined for funding, the applicant faces a choice: either abandon the effort or revise and resubmit. In this session, program directors and an awardee of the National Science Foundation's Division of Integrative Organismal Systems will describe strategies for using reviewers' comments, restructuring budgets, and negotiating with the agency to transform an unfunded proposal into a grant award. Successful and unsuccessful proposal examples will be provided.
Presenters:
Mark Brodi, Program Director, Division of Integrative Organismal Systems, National Science Foundation
William Karasov, Professor, Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Stephen Tonsor, Program Director, Division of Integrative Organismal Systems, National Science Foundation

HRSA Office of Rural Health Policy Funding
Presentation Recording
The Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Rural Health Policy provides grants to promote better healthcare service and delivery in rural America. This session will provide an overview and technical assistance for selected rural health programs, including the Rural Health Network Development and Planning Grants program and the Rural Health Centers program.
Presenter:
Christina Villalobos, Public Health Analyst, Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration

Save America's Treasure
Presentation Recording

2:45 - 3:45 Concurrent Sessions

NIDRR: How to Compete for Funding
Presentation Recording
The U.S. Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) provides leadership and support for a comprehensive portfolio of research related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. This session will provide information on how colleges and universities can be competitive in receiving one of several NIDRR awards.
Presenters:
Phillip Beatty, Associate Director, Research Sciences Division, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education
Donna Nangle, Program Officer, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education


DOI Local and National Programs
Audio Recording
The U.S. Department of the Interior develops and implements cutting-edge science and management techniques to sustain America's lands, water, wildlife, and energy resources. This session will focus on FY 10 DOI priorities and highlight current national grant programs. The presenter will also provide strategies on staying abreast of local opportunities from various bureaus.
Presenter:
Anita Hairston, Assistant Manager, Office of Acquisition and Property Management, U.S. Department of the Interior


4:00 - 5:00 Concurrent Sessions

DOE Office of Science Research Support
Presentation Recording
The U.S. Department of Energy is leading the nation's efforts to develop a green energy workforce through internships, fellowships, and STEM research and education funding. This session will provide details on the faculty research grants and student internship and fellowship opportunities currently available.
Presenter:
Linda Blevins, Senior Technical Advisor, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy

Eastern Europe and Eurasia Research Opportunities
Presentation Recording
This session will provide information on how to compete successfully for research funding focused on Eastern Europe and Eurasia. The U.S. Department of State Title VIII program awards grants and contracts to colleges, universities, and nonprofit corporations to support postdoctoral research projects and graduate, postdoctoral, and teaching fellowships for advanced training. The American Councils for International Education, a Title VIII program recipient, supports cultural exchanges and study abroad opportunities for students and researchers of all educational levels.
Presenters:
Julie Johnson, Intel Analyst, U.S. Department of State
Sarah Krueger, Program Officer, Russian and Eurasian Outbound Programs, American Councils for International Education

ACF Assets for Independence Program
Presentation Recording
The Assets for Independence (AFI) program at the Administration for Children and Families provides funds for support services to help low-income individuals and families to become economically self-sufficient. This session will cover important aspects of the AFI program and discuss ways in which potential applicants can strengthen their proposals.
Presenter:
Vikki Frank, Assets for Independence Resource Center, Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families


Saturday, February 27, 2010

8:00 - 9:30 General Session
NSF Project Evaluation
Presentation Recording
This interactive session will allow participants to study the elements of effective project evaluation from the perspectives of National Science Foundation reviewers and program directors.
Presenter:
Russell Pimmel, Program Director, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation
TUES program

9:45 - 11:45 General Session
NIH Proposal Writing Workshop
Presentation Recording
Participants will learn strategies for writing excellent proposals to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and presenters will provide updates on the many changes taking place in FY 10, including the overhaul of the NIH peer review system and the changes in NIH's application process.
Presenters:
Erica Brown, Senior Scientific Review Officer, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Hortencia Hornbeak, Associate Director for Policy and Review, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Peter Jackson, Chief, AIDS Research Review Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
B. Duane Price, Scientific Review Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Mollie Shea, Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Program, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases