Doing Research 2021 Archive
December 2021
OR DEI office launches website
The Office for Research (OR) continues to deliver on its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI+) and beyond, and is pleased to announce the launch of its DEI unit’s new website. The site includes beneficial resources that will be updated regularly to promote OR’s DEI+ activities. We welcome input and suggestions from the Northwestern community, and especially from OR staff members (contact OR DEI director Aisha Ghori Ozaki). The Office for Research also is pleased to announce that 12 members of its leadership team have completed the University’s “Next 250 Social Justice/Anti-Racism” workshop series, delivered by Justice Informed and part of Northwestern’s campus-wide diversity programming to support a more inclusive and equitable environment for all members of the University. DEI+ will remain a key focus and source of excellence for OR as it continues to strengthen its culture while helping to advance Northwestern’s research enterprise.
‘Capsule’ approach to boost excellence
Starting in January, the Sponsored Research (SR) team will adopt a new approach to constituency assignment that matches groupings of departments with one SR staff member per business process to form “capsules.” This innovation is intended to proactively enhance collaboration and better support the research community. Learn more about this development and what it means for you.
NIH updates coming soon
New eRA Commons requirements and Other Support signature requirements, along with a new form set, will become effective for any proposals with due dates of Jan. 25, 2022, and beyond. Read more.
Report shows NU invention thriving
Despite the ongoing pandemic, Northwestern’s research innovation and translational activity remains strong. The newly published FY21 Inventive Activity Report showcases that exceptional work, which includes: 15 faculty startups, 235 inventions disclosed, 240 patents issued (out of nearly 700 applications from NU researchers), and $4.8 million in licensing revenue.
New research AVP joins NU
Crista Brawley joined the Office for Research as an associate vice president on Dec. 1. Her responsibilities include oversight of key areas of research administration, notably the Institutional Review Board Office, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Office, and research-related conflict of interest matters. Read the story.
OR Analytics team builds capacity
James Bruning has joined the Research Analytics unit as a senior research data analyst. He brings expertise in building data queries and constructing creative, interactive reporting resources to make data more accessible for decision-making. His skills will support the Analytics team as it collaborates with
Your input matters for NU libraries
The search committee for the next Charles Deering McCormick University Librarian has recently published a Northwestern Now story about ways Northwestern community members can provide input on the search.
Human Proteoform Project to map proteins in human body
Now that the Human Genome Project has officially concluded, an international team of researchers, co-led by Neil Kelleher, the director of Chemistry of Life Processes Institute and Northwestern Proteomics, will map the entire collection of proteins in the human body.
“We are all built of proteins, and most drugs target proteins,” said Kelleher. “But understanding proteins is an open frontier. This project will serve as a major achievement that can help us more fully understand proteins’ role in all types of disease, aging and new therapeutics.” Find out more.
NU Africana scholar helps expand poetry portal
Esmeralda M. Kale, the George and Mary LeCron Foster Curator of Northwestern’s Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies, is part a global research team expanding the African Poetry Digital Portal. The portal documents the work of African poets and offers access to creative and intellectual artifacts, materials, and research. The project is funded by a three-year, $750,000 Mellon Foundation grant. Stay connected with related scholarly initiatives via the Program of African Studies website.
Engineering breakthrough yields new material
Five years ago, Northwestern researchers pioneered a new material — borophene — which has the potential to revolutionize batteries, electronics, sensors, and more. Now those scientists have overcome formidable technical hurdles to create a double layer of borophene, an innovation with even more advantages. Materials Research Science and Engineering Center Director Mark Hersam says the NU team has pushed into “unexplored territory [and] a new playground for discovery.”
NUCATS launches early career support
The First-Submission Studios from NUCATS assists early career or new Northwestern researchers who are planning a first-time K or R grant, or a first re-submission of an R grant. These efficient consultations include an abbreviated review of resources that can provide support, maximize efficiency, and enhance a grant proposal. The NUCATS team can also provide a Letter of Support for grant submissions to highlight existing infrastructure and collaboration. To learn more, contact Senior NUCATS Research Navigator Toddie Hays or complete a NUCATS Studio Request Form.
November 2021
Huron selected as new electronic research administration system
Enhancement will replace InfoEd and modernize Northwestern’s grant and proposal processes
As part of a broad strategic initiative, Northwestern is launching a program to replace InfoEd — its pre-award research administration management system — with Huron Grants and Agreements. The program includes the development of an analytics environment to support business functions. These moves aim to implement a synergistic enterprise sponsored research administration management system based upon industry best practices to strengthen processes, maximize efficiency, and support continued growth of the research enterprise. The program is a partnership between Sponsored Research in the Office for Research and Northwestern IT and includes representatives from key administrative units and research-intensive schools and departments. Learn more .
New core evaluates research success
Research programs funded by federal and foundation sources require rigorous evaluation—especially for projects with significant training and educational components. Proposals require formal evaluation plans that detail methods and metrics to assess program success, participant outcomes and impact, and plans to create program improvement. The Office for Research has launched a new Program Evaluation Core (PEC) to provide pre- and post-award evaluation services. PEC focuses on training grants and other grants that have an education and/or DEI component and works with faculty to design evaluation plans for grant proposals and to implement evaluation after proposals are funded. Pre-award services for all grants and post-award services for grants such as T32/KL1/Tl2/R25 that have limited allowable costs for evaluation are subsidized by Northwestern. Post-award services for grants that do allow evaluation costs are built into the budget. To learn more about this innovative service, contact PEC’s executive director, Denise Drane.
Faculty council brings insights to strategic planning
VPR Milan Mrksich has created the Office for Research Advisory Council ( ORAC), designed to increase strategic engagement and communication throughout the University’s research enterprise. The 12-member council, chaired by McCormick School professor Jian Cao, is composed of distinguished Northwestern faculty from across schools and disciplines. The Council is intended to bring new perspectives to OR and provide another forum for research leadership to engage with stakeholders in a timely and transparent way.
New PPE vending machine
Research Safety and Thermo Fisher Scientific, in partnership with Procurement and Payment Services, is providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) using a specialized vending machine in place on the Evanston campus. The machine is active and located outside NG71 in the Technological Institute. It can provide essential PPE to faculty, staff, and students registered in the LUMEN system and using their NetID — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Inventory, ordering, and restocking by Fisher is made easier using an automated interface. There is no charge for everyday safety items. We hope to have a similar solution available on the Chicago campus in early 2022. Research Safety provides an assortment of safety items and is always available to assist the research community.
Infographic details another successful year for research
Northwestern’s sponsored research portfolio continued to grow in FY21, despite pandemic challenges. Office for Research staff were key to this growth, continuing to provide top-tier services to the research community without interruption. This infographic highlights key research activity.
OR team wins best poster at SRAI meeting
An Office for Research team won best poster at the Society of Research Administrators International 2021 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The poster was titled “Where’s the Data? Take a Trip on the Data Road to Informed Decisions” and detailed OR’s journey to better utilize data for decision-making in administration of Northwestern’s University Research Institutes and Centers ( URICs). Authors included Nick Angeloni, director of Research Analytics, Joseph Boes, senior director of University Research Institute and Center Administration, and Fruma Yehiely, associate vice president for research, with poster design by Julie Cowan, designer in Research Analytics.
ORCID better tracks scholarly output
ORCID is an independent organization that maintains a registry of persistent IDs, called ORCID iDs, for researchers. Using ORCID in publications or grant submissions allows these items to be easily associated with an individual, regardless of their name or institutional affiliation, making it easier to build items like CVs and biosketches. Northwestern systems such as Northwestern Scholars can also draw from this data to provide a complete picture of a researcher’s scholarly activity. ORCID is free to anyone at the University. Consider encouraging faculty, students, and postdocs you work with to sign up for ORCID and associate it with their Northwestern NetID. Learn more or sign upand link to your NetID.
New IRB protocol templates
As a part of the Northwestern IRB Office’s DEI efforts to make research more accessible to underrepresented populations, template language in our protocols have been updated to guide study teams in recruitment strategies for inclusive research practices. Check our website for the latest templates.
NUCATS Launches First-Submission Studios
NUCATS Institute’s First-Submission Studios for early career or new Northwestern researchers help investigators who are planning first-time K or R grants, or a first re-submission of an R grant. To learn more, or to schedule a 30-minute First Submission Studio, contact Senior NUCATS Research Navigator Toddie Hays, or complete a NUCATS Studio Request Form .
NIH expands safe and respectful workplace resources
The NIH announced an updated anti-sexual harassment website to address threats to safe and respectful workplaces at institutions receiving NIH funding. The website outlines actions NIH can take to address different forms of harassment and how to notify NIH (which can be anonymous). It also has a new section with information on the numbers and types of harassment cases NIH handles involving projects at NIH-supported institutions, and the resulting actions.
Reporting research concerns at Northwestern
There are several offices and avenues for reporting research-related concerns at Northwestern. These include offices that handle human and animal research oversight, as well as the University’s third-party reporting through EthicsPoint and the Office for Research Integrity. Designated individuals and offices for reporting concerns are outlined online by topic. In some cases, anonymous reporting, confidential, or even “hypothetical” discussions for determining next steps are offered. If you have concerns and are unsure how to address them, contact Research Integrity for guidance. “If you see something, say something,” and the first step is knowing where to go.
Stellar performance by CIERA team
CIERA continues to excel in both its research and teaching mission. Prof. Wen-fai Fong (astronomy and physics) received the highly prestigious Packard Fellowship, which recognizes early-career scientific excellence. Her team is exploring the mysterious origins of the universe’s fastest explosions, called transients. Her CIERA colleague Giacomo Fragione, meanwhile, garnered a highly competitive NASA grant to design and carry out a LISA Preparatory Science Program. LISA is an enormous, space-based gravitational wave detector. CIERA also nearly doubled the size of its educational outreach program ( REACH) for high school students, while continuing to deliver valuable summer programming for undergraduate scholars through its REU initiative.
UN taps NU climate leadership for summit
ISEN thought leadership played a key role in facilitating Northwestern’s engagement in the 26 th United Nations Climate Change Conference ( COP26) in Glasgow. Experts from ISEN and the Buffett Institute worked together to petition for the opportunity to attend, and to select the participating interdisciplinary group of researchers and leaders from across the University. Learn more.
October 2021
Research leadership moves boost impact, excellence
Office for Research staffing changes aim to spur additional strategic engagement across the University research enterprise.
With the addition of two distinguished faculty members, the Office for Research (OR) has further strengthened its leadership team. Feinberg School of Medicine physician Leonidas Platanias and SESP psychologist Emma Adam have joined OR as associate vice presidents (AVP). Platanias will focus on cancer programs, overseeing all cancer-related activities at Northwestern, including its affiliates. Adam will concentrate on the social sciences, bringing deep disciplinary insights to support research leadership’s continued engagement with Northwestern investigations across fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, social policy, and more. In addition, a current member of the OR leadership team — McCormick School of Engineering’s Jian Cao — has moved from her AVP role to a new position. Cao now chairs the recently established Office for Research Advisory Council (ORAC), a 12-member board composed of distinguished Northwestern faculty from across schools and disciplines. ORAC is designed to help inform OR’s work by bringing a diversity of perspectives that provide insight into activity, opportunities, and challenges throughout the research enterprise. Learn more.
Impressive year for URICs
The University Research Institutes and Centers (URICs) performed exceptionally well during FY21, with a research award portfolio garnering more than $80.3 million and 17% over last year’s total. Several URICs attracted new marquee awards, including ISEN’s CMQT, CSCB’s NTRAIN, and CAPST’s SQMS. Total sponsored research expenditures among URICs jumped significantly, from $59 million in FY20 to $65 million in FY21—a 9.3% increase. URICA forecasts also hit the bullseye, a result of improved tracking process in URICs and better analytical tools for assessing trends and trajectories. Robust forecasting is an important key to enhance credibility and demonstrate effective financial management.Education part of OR’s DEI commitment
In just the past few months, more than half of the Office for Research (OR) leadership team has completed a powerful Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) course taught by Weinberg College political science professor Alvin Tillery. The entire OR leadership team — as well as staff involved in key initiatives aimed at making workplace culture more innovative and inclusive — will complete the class in future cohorts. The 6-week research-based course provides engaging, relevant content to empower and equip leaders to create necessary organizational change. OR continues to strengthen its DEI commitment by rigorous engagement in high-impact learning that enhances its team and effectiveness.
Animal care excellence
The Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) office are happy to report that our recent annual United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection has resulted in no non-compliance findings. These inspections are unscheduled and performed by a USDA veterinary medical officer. The September visit focused on the CCM facilities, while the previous inspection, about a year ago, focused on IACUC records. Northwestern’s animal care and use program has received no non-compliance findings for many years, a testament to the exceptional quality of this vital part of the University’s research ecosystem.New ‘reimagined’ website launches
The IRB Office is excited to announce its new website! We invite the Northwestern community to browse our reimagined content . The site features some resources that have been rearranged to better meet the needs of the University’s researchers.
Get ready to think outside the Box
Over this fiscal year, Northwestern is migrating from Box to Microsoft’s SharePoint and OneDrive as our cloud-based file-sharing and storage solution. For all members of the Office for Research (OR) — including URICs that formally report to OR — NUIT will provide two week’s advance notice of your scheduled migration and then send a confirmation and a new link to your files once this process is complete. Supporting this transition is RIT’s highest priority. After this transition, your Box folders will become read-only and RIT will have four weeks to redirect any links (e.g. for applications, websites or smartsheets residing on Box). If you are sharing files with someone who has left the University, we will have 90 days to reassign ownership. Please send the email of former employees who own files of interest to RIT’s Tera Moskal so this material can be assigned to you.Smartsheet-to-Box-link installations are identified and have dedicated IT staff to assist this switchover. OR affiliates can direct questions and concerns to RIT’s Steven Moyano and Theo Downs.
Career development resources for researchers
The NUCATS Institute's KL2 program provides career development resources (coursework, mentoring, and career guidance) to Northwestern scholars. KL2 awardees also receive salary support and other resources to ensure protected time for mentored research and training in clinical and translational research. Since 2008, KL2 program alumni have contributed to 981 publications, with 70% serving as PIs or co-PIs on NIH-funded awards. NUCATS and the KL2 program are committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. It is the Institute's mission to value the whole of each scholar's experience — past, present, and future. Scholars from diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more.
NSF and Research.gov updates
The NSF “Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide” (PAPPG) (NSF 22-1), effective for proposals submitted or due on or after Oct. 4, 2021, included significant changes to NSF-approved biosketches and current and pending support formats. NSF also made several system updates for proposals submitted in Research.gov. Read more.
September 2021
Research funding reaches record $893 million
Support for Northwestern’s high-impact work continued growing despite COVID-19
Even during a protracted global pandemic, Northwestern’s research enterprise again demonstrated strong performance, with annual sponsored funding reaching a new high of $893.4 million for the fiscal year closing Aug. 31. This accomplishment represents an increase of 1% from last year’s total and continues a decade-long trend that has positioned Northwestern among the nation’s most prestigious research institutions. Since 2011, the University’s research funding has climbed more than 74% as Northwestern approaches $1 billion in sponsored support, a scale achieved by only the most successful academic peers. Research of all kinds advanced, and Northwestern faculty made significant contributions to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The dollar amount of proposal activity was up 7% year over year, totaling $3.8 billion, continuing a steady upward trend in recent years and increasing by $1 billion since 2017. The number of awards was even with the previous year’s activity, totaling 3,438, although the complexity of those awards has tended to increase over time.
Neil Kelleher appointed CLP director
Renowned proteomics expert Neil L. Kelleher has been named director of the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP), effective Sept. 1, after having served as interim director since January. Kelleher also is faculty director of Northwestern Proteomics, a center of excellence within CLP, that develops novel platforms for drug discovery and diagnostics. CLP is a cross-campus driver of interdisciplinary collaboration and biomedical innovation that brings pioneering discoveries from the lab to society. Learn more.
NU technology accelerator to boost research impact, translation and talent recruitment
Thanks to state funding and philanthropy, a multimillion-dollar technology accelerator in downtown Evanston will support startup companies led by Northwestern faculty in health, life sciences and related fields, amplifying scientific discovery and innovation by supplying the laboratory space, networking opportunities and management training necessary to address the world’s biggest problems. The project has been part of senior leadership’s strategic vision, said Milan Mrksich, vice president for research, whose enthusiasm for the incubator helped garner support among key stakeholders, including a generous $25M gift from Trustee Kimberly Querrey. “This significant investment in Northwestern's entrepreneurial activities is exciting and timely,” Mrksich said. “The facility, together with new coaching and business services, will significantly grow the number of companies that translate our basic science into commercial technologies that benefit society.” Learn more.
Round 2 Peterson Foundation grant deadline: Oct. 15
Round 2 funding is available through a program launched this spring to provide support for faculty pursuing effective policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and improving future preparedness through pioneering, interdisciplinary research on the U.S. economy and healthcare system. The Peter G. Peterson Foundation Pandemic Response Policy Research Program will support a second round of such research with grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 over 12- to 18-month project duration . The fund is administered by the Office of Research Development and is open to all Northwestern faculty. Learn more online or by contacting Associate Vice President for Research Fruma Yehiely. Review Round 1 funded projects and submit a Round 2 grant application before the Oct. 15 deadline.
Office for Research bolsters cryogenics infrastructure
The Office for Research (OR) sponsored the recent construction of a 48,000 pound, 450 cu. ft. pressure vessel outside of the Technological Institute in Evanston. This container will store high-pressure helium for the Cryogenics Facility , a Northwestern core, whose faculty director is Bill Halperin (physics and astronomy). Funding for the project came in part from a NIH grant meant to shore up the U.S. industrial helium infrastructure. Halperin is an expert on helium and the Federal Helium Reserve . The tank can store store up to 6 months of helium when fully charged, a significant benefit to help ensure consistent supply chain availability. The project is an example of OR taking proactive strategic action to prevent future disruptions of essential scientific supplies.
August 2021
New OR office provides analytics expertise
The recently launched Research Analytics unit promotes a data-driven culture across the Office for Research by partnering with key stakeholders in administrative functions to develop analytics solutions for informed decision making. The unit also collaborates with other areas within Northwestern as a resource for analytic data. Learn more.
Updated industry sponsored IRB fees
The IRB Office has announced an updated IRB fee schedule for industry sponsored research. After extensive benchmarking, these fees have been set to align with, or below, those of our peer institutions. These fees are applicable to all new industry sponsored studies submitted in eIRB+ on or after September 1, 2021. Please review our new IRB fees webpage for more information.
Principal investigator leaving NU?
Departing PIs must transfer responsibility to a new PI for ongoing human research. Reference the IRB’s PI Transfer of Responsibilities Checklist for considerations during PI transition. Departing PIs must close studies that will not be transferred to a new PI. See the IRB’s PI Transfer of Responsibility Guidelines for details.
Act now to make space in your lab
August is here and labs are welcoming new members, so now is the time to assess your research space for best performance in the coming year. If you have surplus lab equipment that is taking up space, contact Research Safety to help have it removed and recycled.
NU Scholars highlights COVID-19 research
Northwestern Scholars has added a direct link on its homepage to highlight the University’s COVID-19 research. Visit the Scholars homepage and click on the banner to learn more about faculty, publications, and sponsored research projects related to COVID-19.
Enjoy free access to ‘UIDPConnect’
The Sponsored Research and Corporate Engagement teams are pleased to share that Northwestern employees once again will have institutional access to the UIDP Virtual 2021 event, Sept. 13-17. We invite you to review the agenda and select the sessions most relevant for your work. Register now using the code "CONNECTACCESS2021."
NU/Tel Aviv nanoscience fellowships
Applications are now open for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows at Northwestern and Tel Aviv University for research exchange fellowships in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The initiative’s goal is to facilitate robust synergy and cross-fertilization of ideas among researchers, with a view toward long-term collaborations. Apply by Sept. 1. Learn more.
July 2021
Annual Impact Report highlights Northwestern’s diverse research strengths
A pandemic year brought historic challenges, but once again Northwestern research thrived, attracting a total of $887.3 million in sponsored research funding in FY20 as the University became the largest academic research site in Illinois. Northwestern also remained ranked among the nation’s top 10 universities. The recently published Impact Report showcases some of the remarkable metrics and research excellence from across all schools and units, including efforts at the intersection of disciplines.
Managing summer research teams in LUMEN
Summer students and interns are back and active on Northwestern's campuses. Research Safety encourages our colleagues in the laboratory sciences to set the right example and ensure that new additions to your teams are properly supervised, trained, and know what to do in an emergency. Enter each student into LUMEN, which will assign any required training, and visit Research Safety for lab coats, eye protection and heavy-duty gloves. Also remember: shorts, sandals, flip fops and other garments that leave skin unprotected pose an unnecessary risk when working with biological, chemical, or physical hazards. Research Safety is always ready to support your work, including with resources to help minimize hazards.
New surgery training available
Effective July 1, new surgery training became available to Northwestern researchers. These resources include AALAS online courses as well as hands-on training. The training will be required for newly added personnel who will perform surgery. For more information on the new requirements, please review the PDFs under the "IACUC Online Training" section on the IACUC website's Training Page.
New documents for research with children
The IRB Office website has new documents to support research involving children. These materials feature improved readability/accessibility in line with existing policies, practices, and regulatory criteria. For more information, please see our Guidance and Templates & Forms on Children as Research Participants, Parental Permission, and Child Assent.
'Nature and Green Infrastructure' spotlights health
Join Northwestern's Corporate Engagement team for a webinar on the health impact for people living in urban areas with access to greenspace. The Aug. 4 event, led by Weinberg College Professor Terry Horton (anthropology), will consider untapped resources for preventive medicine. Register to attend now.
Research funding opportunities
The NUCATS Institute has extended the deadline for four funding opportunities — ranging from $30K to $200K — intended to support and accelerate innovative research to improve human health. Awarded projects are expected to be completed within 12-24 months depending on the funding mechanism. The deadline to apply is Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.
June 2021
Research office strengthens DEI and analytics capacity
The Office for Research (OR) has made two organizational changes to further support the University’s thriving research enterprise. Effective June 14, Aisha Ghori Ozaki joins Northwestern to become OR’s inaugural director of diversity, equity and inclusion, responsible for leading and coordinating efforts to create a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace environment. On June 1, Nicholas Angeloni moved from his role as OR’s director of strategic planning and coordination to become director of research analytics for the office. Angeloni will focus on building and sharing analytics expertise to promote OR’s data-driven culture to derive insight into performance measured against goals and peer benchmarks. Learn more.
Webinar focuses on DEI and social justice
Join Corporate Engagement for a panel discussion and Q&A with Northwestern professors who have successfully launched programs to advance social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives with the support of corporate partners.
Clearing space for new science
Even as research at Northwestern remains extremely active, many labs have used the past few months to perform some major housecleaning and rearrangement of their spaces. In Molecular Biosciences, one lab removed more than 30 pieces of unwanted equipment in a large common space this spring. The results of this streamlining were dramatic. Research Safety can help you and your department with your clean-out projects and the removal of any gear that is no longer needed. Simply email the Research Safety team to schedule a consult.
New NIH biosketch and other support requirements
Northwestern is taking a phased roll-in approach to comply with recent NIH policy notices regarding updates to biosketch and other support requirements. The first phase of implementation begins June 18.
Early submissions for NIH deadline encouraged
For Research Grants and Cooperative Agreements (R01, U01) with a due date of July 5, Sponsored Research strongly encourages principal investigators to submit proposals earlier than usual, since the office will be closed July 1-5 for the University’s extended holiday weekend.
NUCATS accepting applications for funding
The NUCATS Institute has posted a Request for Proposals for four funding opportunities intended to support and accelerate innovative research to improve human health. Awarded projects are expected to be completed within 12 to 24 months, depending on the funding mechanism. The deadline to apply is July 9.
NU active in cultivating STEM diversity, inclusion
Northwestern’s Office of Research in Higher Education, Training and Evaluation and the Searle Center are excited to announce the Inclusive STEM Teaching Project and their six-week edX course starting June 14 ( register here). Currently there are 1,100 participants from some 100 institutions, including Northwestern. The course aims to (a.) advance awareness and the ability to cultivate inclusive learning environments; (b.) engage in discussions about equity and inclusion; (c.) implement inclusive teaching methods to remove common barriers; and (d.) support development of reflective, inclusive practitioners. We also are leading an optional weekly Northwestern Faculty Learning Community to review the material and align it with our University setting. Register separately for the learning community.
May 2021
Course provides deeper understanding of research enterprise.
Whether you’re new or experienced in research administration, the Research Integrity team invites you to check out the online training program “Introduction to Research Administration at Northwestern.” The curriculum includes a comprehensive introduction to the Office for Research and related offices, plus research-related resources and a “Basics of Sponsored Research Administration” series of web-based courses and webinars.
Congrats to cross-disciplinary research leaders
The Office for Research salutes Weinberg Collage faculty members Dedre Gentner, Thomas McDade, and Michael Wasielewski for their recent election to the National Academy of Sciences. Each of them has made significant contributions to their disciplines, while also being highly involved in Northwestern’s cross-disciplinary University Research Institutes and Centers, which spur innovation and attract talent from across multiple schools and departments. Gentner is co-director of the Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center ( SILC), while McDade is affiliated with Northwestern’s Institute for Policy Research ( IPR). Wasielewski is executive director of the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern ( ISEN).
Lakeside Discovery supports NU lab
Lakeside Discovery announced in March that it will support the laboratory of Paul DeCaen, a member of the Department of Pharmacology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, in a multi-year partnership to advance new therapies for genetically driven polycystic kidney disease.
Lakeside Discovery, a collaboration between Northwestern and Deerfield Management, seeks to support new target-based drug discovery concepts on a rolling basis, especially projects with a genetic connection between the target of interest and the disease intended to be treated. Reach out to discuss your potential project ideas.
Schedule end-of-year clean up
As the academic year starts to wind down, Research Safety encourages you to contact their team to ensure a smooth transition as departing graduate students and postdocs leave Northwestern. Safety will visit your research space to collect any hazardous materials or samples—a simple but important step that will help prepare for new arrivals and help avoid inconvenience and cost associated with later identifying unknown materials that are left behind. Please arrange to have Safety visit at least two weeks prior to the departure of individuals from your team.
Nominations invited for nanomedicine awards
Nominations are now open for two prestigious international prizes: the $250,000 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine, which recognizes researchers for career-long contributions to the field, and the $10,000 Kabiller Young Investigator Award, which recognizes emerging researchers who have made groundbreaking discoveries. Recipients can be affiliated with institutions in the U.S. or worldwide, including Northwestern. Submit nominations by the May 17 deadline.
Germ-free facility supports microbiome research
Established in 2016, the Center for Comparative Medicine Gnotobiotic Facility maintains germ-free mice for Northwestern researchers investigating the role of the microbiome in human health and disease. Services include experimental design consultation, microbiological testing, germ-free surgery, and caesarian rederivation. Learn more by visiting the CCM website.
Getting started with corporate philanthropy
Join the Corporate Engagement team for a panel discussion with Northwestern professors who have successfully established and maintained relationships with individuals in industry. Hear about their real-world experiences and examples of developing corporate partnerships.
April 2021
Peterson Foundation grant to fuel more COVID-19 research at Northwestern
A new program at Northwestern is providing funding for faculty who are pursuing policy-relevant COVID-19 research, including investigations into state-level pandemic responses and socioeconomic and health disparities across communities. Announced last week, the Peter G. Peterson Foundation Pandemic Response Policy Research Program will support such work with individual grants ranging from $30,000 to $150,000 over 18- to 24-month project cycles. The fund is administered by the Office of Research Development and is open to all Northwestern faculty. Learn more and request a grant application. The Round 1 application deadline is April 30.
Foreign influence guidance updated
Issues related to foreign influence in academic research remain a key national security focus, resulting in federal investigations, firings, criminal charges and other consequences for those who fail to comply with the necessary guidance. Federal research sponsors have provided clarifications and adjusted processes to assist universities in protecting against improper foreign interference in academic research. The Office for Research continues to monitor these developments and has recently updated guidance for Northwestern researchers.
‘Other Support’ resource page launched
Sponsored Research has launched a new webpage dedicated to Other / Current & Pending Support. The page provides guidance for investigators about what to include in their Other Support documents. As well, the page offers curated links to related resources.
Free access to virtual UIDP summit
The Sponsored Research and Corporate Engagement teams are pleased to share that Northwestern employees will again have institutional access to the UIDP Virtual 2021 event on April 12-16. We invite you to review the agenda and select the sessions most relevant for your work. Register now using the code “ALLACCESS2021.”
Investment to spur your innovation
The N.XT Fund is a $10 million gap fund designed to support promising early-stage startups at Northwestern. Investments aim to de-risk technologies to a value inflection point to attract potential partners and investors. INVO is announcing a focused solicitation to support commercialization of Education Technology (EdTech) developed by Northwestern researchers and entrepreneurs. Apply for a N.XT Award or learn more by visiting the website.
Updated toolkit among NUCATS resources
The NUCATS Institute’s Center for Clinical Research continues to enhance its Recruitment Toolkit to provide Northwestern study teams with valuable resources and information. The digital toolkit consists of essential training, templates and editorial guidance to create recruitment materials and respond strategically to recruitment challenges. Other NUCATS initiatives include the KL2 career development award (current RFA deadline is April 12). Learn more about the award’s impact on healthcare disparities through the perspective of former KL2 scholar Dr. Muriel Jean-Jacques (internal medicine and geriatrics).
New climate forum features NU scientists
Northwestern researchers have been selected to present their work during the world’s first Planetary Health Week, April 25-30. The Planetary Health Annual Meeting is a virtual conference that highlights the connection between human health and climate. Registration for the free event is now open. Learn more.
AI at Northwestern – upcoming events
The University continues its virtual “AI and Its Impact” series on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. during the Spring Quarter. The series alternates between presentation- and discussion-based sessions to highlight AI-related research across Northwestern and to facilitate networking opportunities. All are welcome! Find the entire event calendar here and register for the next session, occurring April 14.
March 2021
New leadership hire strengthens research institute
Northwestern’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing ( ISGMH) has named Jagadīśa-devaśrī Dācus as its new associate director to oversee operations, provide thought leadership and develop and implement strategic goals and objectives. A licensed social worker with a doctorate from City University of New York, Dācus brings more than two decades of leadership experience, including tenures at the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Learn more.
Admin expertise key for juvenile detention study
At a recent Office for Research (OR) digital forum, Linda Teplin (psychiatry and behavioral sciences) shared findings from her longitudinal investigation of youth who have been incarcerated — including stark differences by race/ethnicity and sex. She also presented her work at the annual AAAS meeting in February. Her related study on the predictors of firearm violence was just published. Teplin praised research administrators, including those in the IRB Office and Sponsored Research, and acknowledged the unique challenges of her complex intergenerational study: “We do the science, but we couldn’t do this work without the truly exceptional support from OR,” said Teplin at the event, organized by the Research Integrity team.
Keep it clean—and safe
Spring cleaning is a few weeks away, but Research Safety is ready to assist your lab now — and always — to keep your benchtops and fume hoods clean. Talk to your laboratory safety specialist and visit our office to pick up cleaning supplies. It’s also a good time for soon-to-depart graduate students and postdocs to catalog their samples and prepare to leave their bench ready for those who will join your group next. Please check shared spaces, freezers, and refrigerators for materials that become lost and forgotten. The disposal of unknown hazardous material is expensive and avoidable. Research Safety can provide special waste pickups to make this process easier. Thanks for your partnership in maintaining our research facilities.
NU achieves accreditation excellence again
In February, Northwestern’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) successfully attained its AAHRPP reaccreditation status for 2019 through 2024. AAHRPP is an independent, non-profit accrediting body that uses a voluntary, peer-driven, educational model to ensure that HRPPs worldwide meet rigorous quality and research participant protection standards. The multistep reaccreditation process included three days of AAHRPP interviews with some 130 University faculty and staff. The IRB Office is grateful for the invaluable contributions of many in our research community to make this “gold standard” accreditation possible!
Navigator tool helps streamline research
With the new Research Navigator tool, investigators and their teams have an integrated platform to search, manage and track their research projects. The online user guide helps get you started. You can also learn more by contacting Research IT’s Senior Director Steve Moyano.
UIDP Conference institutional access
The Sponsored Research and Corporate Engagement teams are pleased to share that Northwestern employees will again have institutional access to the UIDP Virtual 2021 event on April 12-16. We invite you to review the agenda and select the sessions most relevant for your work. Register now using the code “ALLACCESS2021.”
Advanced Manufacturing: Progress and Promise
Interested in how Northwestern approaches advanced manufacturing? Join the Corporate Engagement team for a webinar on the subject, led by Research AVP Jian Cao, the Cardiss Collins Professor of Mechanical Engineering and director of the Northwestern Initiative on Manufacturing Science and Innovation.
Nominations invited for nanomedicine awards
Nominations are now open for two prestigious international prizes: the $250,000 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine, recognizing researchers for career-long contributions to the field, and the $10,000 Kabiller Young Investigator Award, recognizing emerging researchers who have made groundbreaking discoveries. Recipients may be affiliated with any institution, including Northwestern. Nominations are due by May 17.
Help NUCATS help you
The NUCATS Institute is conducting a survey on the clinical research enterprise at Northwestern. This is your chance to let the Center for Clinical Research know what resources you need to be more effective in this space. Your feedback will help inform future resource improvements on campus as well as strategies for improving our overall research infrastructure. Responses will be confidential.
February 2021
Research-focused development director joins Northwestern
On Jan. 27, Northwestern welcomed its new development director for research centers and initiatives, Curtrice Scott. In this senior fundraising role, she will work closely with Vice President for Research Milan Mrksich to support high-priority research programs. The VPR also recently provided an update to the research community addressing several pandemic-related matters while sharing his perspective on how Northwestern is poised to build on its success in 2021.
IACUC Open House
Mark your calendars to join the IACUC team for an Open House on Feb. 25 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Learn about IACUC processes, rodent medical records requirements (including helpful tips) and how to prepare for your next NIH Just in Time protocol submission. Registration information will be sent via eIACUC.
New LUMEN feature offers better chemistry
On Feb. 5, Research Safety enabled a new chemical inventory tool called ChemTracker within the LUMEN research registration system. Any researchers working with a significant chemical inventory, including hazardous and specialty materials, can benefit by using this tool to help track and manage these materials.
Reminder: RCR training requirement
All trainees supported by NSF awards, including postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduate students, are required to complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training. PIs ensure compliance with these requirements. Each school, department or program has created its training plan and department administrators should communicate RCR training requirements to incoming trainees. The Office for Research Integrity (ORI) facilitates tracking and compliance with the University’s NSF RCR training policy. In addition, myHR Learn sends automated emails to trainees reminding them to complete RCR training within the required timeframes. For more information, refer to ORI’s Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Requirements and contact our team with any questions.
Research innovation and impact on display
Learn about how Northwestern knowledge is changing the world. INVO Spotlights is a new landing page where visitors can read stories and watch videos featuring research and technologies emerging from our labs and startups. Meet featured innovators and enjoy short, accessible Tech Talks and Startup Demos. Current offerings include several lay-friendly overviews of how synthetic biology is transforming work in various fields.
Digital tools extend NUCATS resources
NUCATS has updated its website to better connect researchers with the institute’s resources and services. A new help page provides access to expert advice and comprehensive support. The redesigned Navigator Portal offers information on NUCATS membership, grant development and implementation, Studio Consultations, letters of support, key documentation and more. Researchers can access these enhanced resources via a new button on the NUCATS homepage.
AI at NU: upcoming events
During Winter Term, the “AI and Its Impact” virtual presentation series continues to showcase excellent AI-related research at Northwestern and beyond. Presented on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. via Zoom, the series alternates between new discussion-based sessions (Feb. 17 and March 3) aimed at fostering engagement and facilitating networking and the traditional presentation-based sessions (Feb. 10 and 24 and March 10). All are welcome! Reach out with questions or for more information.
January 2021
Northwestern research innovation translates into real-world impact
INVO congratulates Northwestern faculty thought leaders whose efforts continue to help advance innovation and bring it from the lab into the world! From organ and tissue regeneration to the battle against COVID-19, the INVO team’s mission is to help support this enterprise. We are proud of these colleagues and invite you to learn more about some of their breakthroughs.
The quantum revolution: designed atom by atom
Interested in the chemistry and materials that are creating the technologies of the second quantum revolution? Join Northwestern’s Corporate Engagement team for a webinar on this topic, led by Danna Freedman, professor of chemistry and deputy director of the Center for Molecular Quantum Transduction, which will occur Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
Subcontracts process improvements continue
Sponsored Research begins 2021 bolstered by performance gains in contract execution over the past year, in part driven by new technology. The team is optimistic for continued process improvements in the year ahead.
COVID can’t sideline thriving NU research hubs
University Research Institutes and Centers continue to set records for research proposals. Despite the global pandemic, investigators have forged innovations that push the boundaries of traditional disciplines, resulting in 98 proposals with a total value of $80M+ since Sep. 1, 2020. This performance exceeds the previous year’s record-setting pace +15% in number and +90% in dollar amount. Our researchers drive this success with their perseverance and partnership. Even given major challenges to research in the past year, our faculty still are accelerating their pursuit of large-scale, world-changing research projects leveraging Northwestern’s interdisciplinary excellence. See more URIC metrics.
OR equipment grants keep cores humming
The Office for Research has completed the FY21 competition for instrumentation grants and has awarded more than $1M in grants and loans to Northwestern’s core facilities. The funds enable new equipment purchases that fuel cutting-edge research in these critical shared research facilities on both the Chicago and Evanston campuses. Since its inception in 2005, the programs have funded more than $19M in grants and $4M in loans. Examples of past awards include: optical and electron microscopes, a DNA sample repository, next generation sequencers, semiconductor processing equipment and many types of spectrometers. The proposals submitted by the core facilities are reviewed and prioritized in partnership with subject matter experts and leadership in the schools and OR. The awards are administered by OR’s Core Facilities Administration.
Learn more about instrumentation grant opportunities.