Research Notes
MAY 2024
Research information from the Office of the Vice President for Research for Brown faculty, grant-related staff, and students
2024 Celebration of Research
Brown University's researchers make a significant impact in the world by advancing knowledge through their achievements, discoveries, and contributions. Brown honored 48 of these researchers at the eighth annual Celebration of Research on May 2, 2024, hosted by Provost Francis J. Doyle III and Vice President for Research Jill Pipher.
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS
Whiteboard, by The Engine: June 7
Whiteboard, by The Engine, helps faculty members navigate the process of translating academic research into Tough Tech startups. Learn more and RSVP for the event on June 7, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at The Engine, 750 Main Street, Cambridge, Mass.
Check out BTI’s new website!
New and improved! The Brown Technology Innovations website allows you to submit new inventions, source new technology, and connect with our team.
Save the Date: RI Life Science Hub Inaugural Summit
Get ready to connect with top biotech and life science professionals in Rhode Island at the Rhode Island Life Science Hub (RILSH) Inaugural Summit! May 21, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register here.
Brown Innovation Fellows program accepting applications
Brown Innovation Fellows, part of BTI, is a paid internship program for graduate students, postdocs, and medical students interested in technology commercialization. We are looking for new Fellows representing diverse areas of expertise. Apply now!
Kalshoven publishes in the Journal of Biomechanics
Josephine Kalshoven (Biomedical Engineering), who defended her PhD thesis in April, had her research published in the Journal of Biomechanics. She is in her second year of the Innovation Fellows program.
Nurmikko gives talk at USPTO annual Tech Fair
Arto Nurmikko (Engineering) gave a talk at the USPTO annual Tech Fair titled “Wireless radiofrequency network of distributed microsensors,” which was attended by ~300 patent examiners.
RESEARCH INTEGRITY
Reminder: PHS and DOE reporting obligations
A reminder to the Public Heath Service and Department of Energy Investigator community that if they acquire or receive a new Significant Financial Interest (SFI) during the year, they must report the new SFI on Brown's electronic COI form within 30 days. PHS and DOE Investigators cannot wait until the next annual cycle (Feb 2025) to report new SFIs received during CY 2024. More information.
Planning international fieldwork this summer?
International research or field work that involves travel to/research in a sanctioned country and/or work with sanctioned groups or individuals requires export control review and approval. Contact the Export Control Team with questions.
Do your students need RCR training?
ORI is planning future sessions of BEARCORE, the Responsible Conduct of Research training course and wants scheduling input. Please email Torrey Truszkowski if your department requires RCR training and you have a preferred time of year for the training to be offered.
Meeting dates & submission deadlines
SPONSORED PROJECTS
Update regarding Workday sponsored award budgets
Exciting news ahead! As we gear up for the launch of our new grants management system, we're streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Effective immediately, new awards will no longer be budgeted at the spend category level in Workday Grants. Read more.
Charging expenses on expired awards is not allowed
Making sure transactions don't post to grant accounts after the award end date without pending modifications is crucial for accurate financial reporting and compliance. Request an advance account to ensure smooth transitions between grant periods.
NIH Fiscal Year 2024 budgetary levels
NIH has issued a notice outlining increases in Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) stipend levels for predoctoral (4%) and postdoctoral (8%) trainees and fellows as detailed in the following announcement.
NSF Proposal and Award changes effective this month
There are many notable changes to the National Science Foundation’s proposal and award guidelines, effective May 20, 2024.
Subawards to foreign entities under NIH funded projects
Reminder for RPPRs that NIH funded research that include collaborations with foreign subrecipients must provide access to copies of all lab notebooks, all data, and all documentation that supports the research outcomes described in the progress report.
Research subcontracting - Modification subaward order forms
Reminder to provide the most accurate and up-to-date responses for questions in Section 7 of the Modification SOF. These responses do not slow the processing time of the subaward amendment–they are used to identify areas that may require additional discussion with the subrecipient.
Grants.gov offline for scheduled maintenance
Grants.gov will be offline May 18 through May 21 to perform regularly scheduled maintenance. The work is scheduled for the third weekend of each month, but in May, this will also include Monday, May 20. View the full schedule here.
Updated spend category name: Postage & Shipping/Freight (3020)
Spend 3020 has been updated in Workday and within the spend category list to include “shipping” in the name: Postage & Shipping/Freight (3020).
Modified proposal due dates for Memorial Day extended holiday
The University will be closed on May 27 for Memorial Day and May 28 for an Employee Appreciation Day. These days do not count as a review day for the 5/3 Day Rule. Please adjust the proposal date of submission to OSP in accordance with the policy. If the proposal will be due on either May 27 or 28 it will need to be submitted prior to the holiday weekend. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Pre-Award contact.
RESEARCH STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT
It’s NSF CAREER Season!
This spring, RSD is organizing events to help faculty develop proposals for an NSF CAREER award (sponsor deadline: July 24). We held a workshop on April 4, but it is not too late for the OVPR-Run Mock Panel, during the week of June 24. More information.
Nature & Health workshop - Inquire now!
On September 19-20, RSD will lead a workshop to generate an actionable and inclusive research approach to understanding the relationship between nature and health. Made possible through an OVPR Seed Award and hosted by SPH and S4. More information.
COMMUNICATIONS
Your insights can help shape the future of Impact magazine
Prefer print, digital, or both? Do you have favorite sections of the magazine? We invite your participation in a five-minute survey to help inform how we deliver stories of research to our many audiences.
Highlight your research achievements on @BrownUResearch social media
Promote your research or award and share your accomplishments with a broader audience. Fill out the Brown Research/Award Submission form and we'll follow up with social media posts on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Threads.
Request photo/video coverage
To request research-related photo or video coverage (faculty or student researchers, events, field or lab work, classroom activities, presentations, etc.) please fill out the Research Related Photo/Video Coverage Request form.
Impact: Research at Brown has a new home
Impact: Research at Brown magazine is online! Devoted solely to the University’s research, Impact tells the stories of Brown faculty and students making a difference in the world through their research, discovery, and scholarship.
