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Research 2010 > Dean Slogoff
Research
2010
Status of
the Research 2010 Initiative at SSOM
from Dean
Slogoff
In 2000, the Dean challenged a faculty group to postulate
where SSOM should be in 10 years. (Research 2010) The
report issued by the group provided a vision of the need for
disease-oriented centers and defined expectations for
research goals across the research spectrum. It discussed
the need for change of the research culture to an
interactive, collaborative one to insure future growth of
extramural funding. The report also contained
recommendations for developing new research space and
increasing the number of physician scientists.
In 2001, as a continuation and in support of the
Research 2010 initiative, a review of SSOM’s supporting
research infrastructure was conducted. An External Advisory
Committee was invited to SSOM to develop recommendations for
the pending Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR),
effectiveness of the SSOM Office of Research Services, the
IRB/IACUC responsiveness to faculty and to validate our need
to automate research processes and activities.
The individuals solicited for the site visit were known to
Jamie Caldwell, Director of ORS, selected from professional
research societies and known to be experienced and respected
research administrators. Their professional titles and
institutions are: Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, SIU,
Edwardsville; Director Grants & Contracts Administration,
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; and Director,
Research Office, Washington University in St. Louis.
The report provided by the site visitors commented on both
the culture of research and the infrastructure supporting
research and made recommendations in both areas. Regarding
the culture of research, recurrent faculty and staff
comments included: poor services, lack of support, weak
leadership, poor communication, and lack of customer service
orientation across the research spectrum. The review team
evaluated the infrastructure supporting research to
determine the degree of integration and identified the need
for a more integrated approach to service.
In 2001 the Dean established a work group of faculty
to finalize a Base, Supplement, Incentive (BSI) plan for
research-intensive faculty. The plan created base (70%) and
supplement (30%) components of salary and provides for an
incentive for those faculty meeting specific quantifiable
educational and research goals. The plan significantly
modifies the return of research stimulation earnings to
faculty by creating a minimum recovery percent (30%) before
eligibility occurs. If goals are not met, the supplement
component of salary can be reduced. The plan became
effective 7/1/02 and is in place for all new faculty and for
existing faculty who voluntarily choose to enter the
program. As of 1/1/05, seven research-intensive faculty
have voluntarily entered the BSI program.
In 2002 an Electronic Research Administration (ERA)
business plan was developed and reviewed with Chairs and
principal investigators. The Dean approved a multi-phased
plan for implementation. The plan’s first phase targeted
improvements to infrastructure deficits identified by the
External Advisory Committee. A component of this phase
includes an electronic resource known as the “SSOM Research
Channel,” which to date includes implementation of:
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Automated online
creation, submission and tracking of research proposals,
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Online submission,
review and approval of IRB and IACUC protocols,
-
Online core facility
ordering, approving and billing of services,
-
Integrated
Comparative Medicine Facility/IACUC system,
-
Online clinical
trials submission on the internet,
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Pre-award and
post-award budget capabilities,
-
Tracking of
compliance and training requirements,
-
Research news and
funding opportunities,
-
Faculty research
directory.
In 2003 the Dean charged a 2010 Implementation
Committee to review the internal and external
recommendations resulting from the Research 2010 initiative,
implement or reject them, or provide guidance to the Dean on
what the committee deems acceptable. The committee’s first
report on Research Infrastructure contained the following
recommendations:
-
Creation of a new
organizational chart along with position titles and
descriptions,
-
Proposed new offices
of Scientific Integrity, Patent and Technology Transfer,
Core Facilities and Grants Administration,
-
Consolidation of the
review, management and monitoring of grants and
contracts to reside in the SSOM Office of Research
Services,
-
Improvements to the
purchasing system,
-
Additional animal
housing and quarantine space at competitive per diem
rates,
-
Continued development
of the Research Channel,
-
Enhanced training for
departmental and ORS staff.
The Dean has taken the following actions in response to the
Research Infrastructure recommendations:
-
Recruited a new Sr.
Associate Dean for Research,
-
Reallocated space and
begun the program planning in the Cueno Center to effect
the reorganization of the Office of Research Services,
-
Initiated training
sessions for faculty and staff on financial compliance
for sponsored projects,
-
Allocated resources
to implement Lawson Procurement and the ProCard for
initial purchasing improvements,
-
Completely revised
and rationalized the charges for animal care in the
Comparative Medicine Facility (CMF) that were
implemented on 1/1/05,
-
Initiated dialogue
with University for integration of SPA grant fiscal
management activities into SSOM ORS,
Dr. Richard
Kennedy, the Sr. Associate Dean for Research:
-
Initiated centralized
coordination of Core Facilities by ORS,
-
Initiated steps to
strengthen and facilitate the SSOM/VA relationship,
-
Participates in the
comprehensive campaign to raise funds for a new research
building.
The Research 2010 Implementation
Committee continues its efforts and is developing
recommendations for:
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen Slogoff, M.D.
January 12, 2005
