Research Notes

Research information from the Office of the Vice President for Research
for Brown faculty, grant-related staff, and students

Since the debut of ChatGPT and the new version of Microsoft’s Bing powered by an AI chatbot, numerous users have reported eerie, humanlike conversations with the programs. Questions are surfacing about the technical limits and power of AI, and Brown scholar Michael Littman offers insights into a debate that will only grow louder. Read more

2023 OVPR Research Seed Awardees announced

OVPR is pleased to announce 21 projects being funded by $1.4 million in 2023 Seed awards. This annual program is aimed at helping early-stage research projects grow and help them build collaborations and find other funding sources.

Office of Research Integrity

RFI on NIH’s Public Access Plan
In response to the OSTP memo and NIH’s longstanding commitment to open science, NIH is seeking public input on the “NIH Plan to Enhance Public Access to the Results of NIH-Supported Research” until April 24, 2023.

HRPP/IRB submission blackout (4/21-5/15)
The HRPP/IRB will have a submission blackout: 4/21-5/15 to prepare for the Huron IRB Submission System roll-out. HRPP will not accept submissions during this time including new studies, modifications, or progress reports. Please plan accordingly.

Huron IRB submission system training
Training sessions on navigating the Huron IRB Submission System are available for registration now. Additional training dates will be listed and available for registration as soon as they are scheduled.  

Evolving requirements for exports to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine
Export activities with Russia, Belarus, and certain Ukraine regions continue to be heavily restricted. Sanctions are evolving; all proposed activities with collaborators in these countries must be discussed with the Export Control Team.

Meeting dates & submission deadlines

Office of Research Strategy and Development

NSF Grant-Writing Workshop March 30 and 31
Join Dr. M.S. (Peg) AtKisson and Dr. Amanda Welch of AtKisson Training Group to learn strategic approaches to NSF proposal planning and writing. Space is limited. Application deadline is March 17. Apply.

Limited Submission funding opportunities 
Limited Submissions require institutional nomination or endorsement from Brown. Interested? See the featured funding database of searchable limited submission opportunities here.

Research Development and Grant Writing Newsletter
This newsletter offers strategies on how to compete successfully for research funding and highlights new funding opportunities. Catch up on past issues here.

Office of Sponsored Projects

March 2023 mini case study with Sally Nose
Help Sally manage her relationship with a new sponsor.

Solution to the last mini case study with Sally Nose
Help Sally determine the correct IDC rate for a small foreign subcontract.

2023 SAM.gov renewal
In order to receive federal funding, Brown must maintain an active SAM.gov registration.  The annual registration has been completed, and the new expiration date is 2/22/24.

Budgeting for data management costs
Reminder that costs associated with compliance with NIH Data Sharing Requirements may be included in proposal budgets. For modular budgets, include this information in the Additional Narrative Justification. If no funds are needed, list $0.

2023 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award stipend levels
NOT-OD-22-132 establishes stipend levels for fiscal year (FY) 2023 Kirschstein-NRSA awards for undergraduate, predoctoral, and postdoctoral trainees & fellows, reflecting Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R.2617, Public Law No:117-328)

Reminder: OSP March 2023 Brown Bag session 
Save the date:  March 23, from 2-4pm for the virtual Brown Bag session. To add your name to the invitation list, email Resadmin@brown.edu

Research Administration Information Systems

Important Java change requirement for Coeus premium users
In late February, OIT sent various communications regarding a new requirement to cease using Oracle Java and install Open Java. If you have not yet made this change, read more.

Coeus: Mac users only: troubleshooting items after new Java install
Some Mac users may encounter file upload issues or other functionality issues. Mac System Preferences may need an update. For instructional information continue reading.

Coeus users: how to check for and remove Oracle Java from your computer
All Coeus users should check if they have any Java installed on their computer. If you have any Oracle Java, it must be uninstalled. OIT provided instructions, read more.

Technology Innovations

BTI hosts FM Global roundtable
Researchers from IBES and the School of Engineering met with senior leaders from FM Global to discuss climate change and risk management in relation to the insurance industry, with a focus on climate science, technology, policy and solutions.

NEMIC launches virtual classroom
Want to embark on a Medical Device or Digital Health entrepreneurship journey? Our partners at NEMIC just launched the NEMIC Virtual Classroom. Learn where you want, when you want!

The Engine, Spring 2023 Blueprint program
The Engine is seeking applications from aspiring entrepreneurial scientists and engineers for their Spring 2023 Blueprint program. The program website contains additional information and a section to apply by Friday, March 17. 

Conferences & Trainings

DARPA Workshops: Future of AI for National Security
DARPA will host two workshops in summer 2023 – a virtual event on June 13-16 and an in-person event in Boston on July 31-August 2. Apply by 3/20

NIH

The Promise of Open Science: NIH wants to hear from you!
NIH Plan to Enhance Public Access to the Results of NIH-Supported Research (NIH’s Public Access Plan) is now available for public review and comment. Comments on the Plan will be accepted until 4/24/23 and can be submitted via the online portal

Research Communications

Follow @BrownUResearch on social media
@BrownUResearch is on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to share Brown research stories, opportunities, internships, studies, events, and more. Follow @BrownUResearch and send content and post ideas to Research Communications.