With the goal of compiling helpful research resources in one convenient place, Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) announces the release of its updated and redesigned Web site (https://info.unmc.edu/Grants/). The site offers a wide range of references relevant for faculty and staff who prepare and manage grants and contracts.
SPA has compiled frequently used information in preparing grant applications, summarized recently implemented UNMC research policies and practices, and linked to relevant internal and external Web resources. Funding Sources, one of 12 category buttons, links to both internal and external funding sources. The Internal Funding link lists locally funded “seed” grant programs, summarizes the program details and connects to the latest application guidelines. Several of these programs are designed for new investigators with the goal of increasing their eligibility for external funding. The External Funding link connects to federal agencies’ and non-federal sponsors’ Web sites as well as electronic databases — Community of Sciences and IRIS — that summarize potential funding opportunities.
“I strongly recommend that faculty and their grant administrators regularly connect to our Web site,” said David Crouse, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “It’s an effective avenue for staying informed of time sensitive information. As we move to a ‘paperless’ society, I expect that more of our communications will be electronic.”
With the release of the new site, SPA encourages faculty to test the Community of Science (COS) database, a funding resource SPA has found to be a time saver. Next month, SPA will be surveying the campus community to determine COS’s usefulness. UNMC’s contract expires soon and SPA wants feedback on whether to renew it. The Community of Science (COS) searchable database features more than 18,000 funding programs. For the typical computer user, COS is fairly intuitive; however, SPA offers individual and group training on COS.
“We’ve invested significant time in preparing our Web site believing it will increase the efficiency of our office in serving the campus community,” said Deborah Vetter, SPA director, “It’s only the beginning.”
SPA will be continually adding to the site in an effort to keep the campus community informed, she said. Ideas and comments on SPA’s Web site should be sent to erkohls@unmc.edu.
“Watch for Tips pages,” said Elizabeth Kohls, SPA’s graduate intern and Web manager, “they capture key information that people will find valuable.”