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JULY 2025
In the Spotlight
Sunscreen and skin cancer: Brown University dermatologist answers the burning questions
With summer in full swing, Dr. Elnaz Firoz, associate professor of dermatology and clinician educator at the Warren Alpert Medical School, dispels common sunscreen myths and shares advice for enjoying safe and healthy fun in the sun.
MESSAGE FROM THE VPR
We've talked often of resilience throughout these challenging six months, especially as we've stepped up to respond to unexpected impacts on Brown's research. Together, as a united community at Brown, we're working through these obstacles to make sure we achieve the best possible results.
You've likely heard about the lawsuits Brown has joined to advocate for our research, and I want to take a moment to share some more ways Brown shows its dedication to research. The Advancement team is leading two fundraising campaigns—the Deans' Fund and the Research Resilience Fund—to help raise bridge funding for awards that have been paused or terminated. Additionally, University Communications has launched a new, comprehensive "Research Builds Our Future" webpage and is creating engaging research videos to share with a wider audience.
These efforts highlight the impact of Brown's research and emphasize the importance of continued investment in research. They also remind us that we're all in this together, demonstrating our resiliency.
Enjoy the summer. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and my team.
Cheers,
Greg Hirth, Vice President for Research
BROWN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS
Applications open for the fall cohort of Blueprint by The Engine
Blueprint by The Engine is designed to help graduate students, postdocs, and researchers explore the translational potential of their breakthrough research. This 8-week program offers a comprehensive overview of the entrepreneurial path. Apply by August 8.
RILSH funds new life science initiatives advancing health technology innovation
Three Brown startups are among Rhode Island Life Science Hub's newly funded initiatives, including Neuroam (Arto Nurmikko), GeroSen Biotechnologies (Nicola Neretti and John Sedivy), and Lilac Biosciences (Anubhav Tripathi).
Start2 opportunities for academic researchers and early-stage companies
Start2 is sourcing academic innovators or early-stage companies for three programs through their VITAL Hub, a collaboration with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). VITAL is an accelerator hub in the BARDA Accelerator Network (BAN).
Brown Technology Innovations represented Brown at the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston
BTI highlighted Brown startups and research to investors and companies, and identified faculty resources such as the National Disease Research Interchange. NDRI, a nonprofit with over 40 years of experience in supplying human organs and tissue for biomedical research, can provide biospecimens, tissue, and organ recoveries with various preservation options.
NEMIC 2025 MedTech Leadership Program—registration open
The MedTech Leadership Program, a comprehensive educational initiative developed and led by experts at the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC), is grounded in extensive research and decades of combined professional experience in the medical technology (MedTech) industry. Sessions begin on September 8, 2025.
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Funding Proposal: Manage access
Did you know that you can change the Administrative Contact as well as add/remove Editors and/or Readers to a Funding Proposal? Learn how to manage access to Huron funding proposals.
RESEARCH INTEGRITY
IACUC—Update for what to provide under Funding Sources in InfoEd
Please provide the Huron Funding Proposal or Funding Award number in the Proposal/Grant # field.
IACUC—Welcome new ARC team member, Elizabeth (Liz) Nadeau
Liz joins the Animal Research Compliance (ARC) Group as the IACUC Manager to support Brown's animal research and IACUC program. Liz was hired through the BIRCH initiative and will mainly work with Brown University Health animal researchers, though her work is not limited to them. She joins us from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, bringing approximately ten years of experience working with IACUC administration.
New regulations for Syria
Recent changes to Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations for Syria mean that the sanctions program is now targeted rather than comprehensive. If you are considering engagements in Syria, email Export Control (exportcontrol@brown.edu) for the latest, detailed information guidance.
Meeting dates & submission deadlines
RESEARCH STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT
Learn about research funding resources in Europe (webinar, July 18, 12pm)
Join colleagues from across the northeast to learn about Horizon Europe funding and collaboration opportunities. This webinar is hosted by the National Organization of Research Development Professionals Northeast Regional Chapter. Register here.
2025 CER Retreat: The Power of Purposeful, Creative Collaboration in a Challenging Time (Aug. 20)
Join us for the 2025 Community-Engaged Research and Teaching Retreat: The Power of Purposeful, Creative Collaboration in a Challenging Time. Held on Aug. 20, 9:30am-4pm at 225 Dyer Street. Space is limited; please register by August 11.
SPONSORED PROJECTS
NIH proposal relinquishment guidance
We’ve updated our Award Relinquishment Guidance to include instructions on transferring pending proposals. This updated text includes detailed Huron steps for each action and a newly added NIH Award Relinquishment form.
Closeout guidance for early termination and stop work orders
2025 Expanded Guidance on Closeout Costs assists PIs and Department Administrators with the closeout process for awards that are either prematurely ended or suspended. Our goal is to provide general guidance while acknowledging the distinct nature of each research project. Contact Sponsored Projects with any questions.
Explore the new process for Fabricated Equipment Accounts
Please review the latest Fabricated Equipment Definition and Criteria before submitting proposals or charging awards. The revised Account Request Forms are now ready for use. Check the updated process and FAQs for helpful info. For updates and compliance, visit the new OSP Fabricated Equipment webpage.
NIH automated email notifications to Principal Investigators regarding federal closeout “non-compliance”
If you’ve received a notice from the NIH Closeout Desk about “closeout reminder" or “non-compliance” reports, please rest assured that the reports have been submitted or are in progress. There is currently a disconnect with the DHHS Payment Management System, which is why reports are being sent via email. Unfortunately, this does not stop reminder emails from being sent. Please reach out with any concerns.
FY25 Year-End closing schedule
All operational transactions and cost transfer journals must be submitted to OSP by July 11 at 4pm to ensure expenses are approved by the Controller's Office closing schedule of July 16 at 4pm. We will do our best to assist, but late submissions may be posted to FY26 if received after the OSP deadline.
NIH
Upcoming changes to Extramural Nexus email delivery
NIH is transitioning its Extramural Nexus email distribution to the NIH Listserv system, where they will continue to provide updates on grants policies, processes, and resources for the research community. Please take a moment to manage your subscription preferences.
NSF
Is NSF accepting new proposals?
NSF’s new FAQ states “We recognize the significant time and effort that is required to submit a quality proposal. NSF continues to accept proposals to all open funding opportunities. Decisions regarding funding opportunities and the number and amount of awards are always subject to appropriations.”
Has NSF paused the new reduced F&A (indirect) cost rate policy?
NSF has entered into a consent agreement with the court to pause the implementation of NSF-25-034 Policy Notice: Implementation of Standard 15% Indirect Cost Rate pending resolution of the aforementioned litigation. Effective May 19, 2025, NSF will revert to issuing awards according to the institution's negotiated rates while implementation is on hold.
NSF website for ongoing policy updates
Updated guidance on the priorities of the U.S. National Science Foundation can be found on the NSF's Updates on NSF Priorities webpage.
Sharing stories of research and discovery at Brown University.
