Paula Turpen, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for research, has agreed to accept a more focused and highly specialized role in UNMC research administration. Tom Rosenquist, Ph.D., vice chancellor for research, announced recently that Dr. Turpen has become the first UNMC Director of Research Resources. Dr. Turpen assumed her new responsibilities on March 1.
“This is a critical time in the development of UNMC as a major research center,” Dr. Rosenquist said. “The acquisition and distribution of research resources, and their appropriate use by the research community, are vital components of our development that require full-time professional planning, administration and management. Dr. Turpen has shown a special interest in this aspect of the research office, and a special gift for understanding all of the key issues. Her excellent work is the basis for the design of this new position.”
Dr Turpen said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to concentrate my efforts more fully upon issues related to research resources. Continued growth of the research enterprise depends upon a research infrastructure that can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of science and technology. Universities need to be able to meet the evolving needs of their researchers in terms of shared resources, funding sources and compliance with government regulations. I look forward to facilitating these activities.”
The Director of Research Resources will help the vice chancellor for research with the following: assuring optimum use of all assignable UNMC research space and other resources to support the Research Strategic Plan; determining the value of UNMC research support core laboratories and assigning resources proportional to their value to UNMC scientists; identifying and obtaining support for new research resources; and helping assure the unimpeded growth of the research enterprise by promoting compliance with procedures, rules and regulations at all levels.
There has been no decision made about recruitment of an associate vice chancellor for research, Dr. Rosenquist said. “Research activity at UNMC is a moving target, and I think it may be prudent for us to wait awhile and see where the next set of opportunities and challenges may take us, before we make a decision about the kind of expertise that we need the most.”