RESEARCH AFFAIRS COUNCIL MINUTES. Thursday, December 15, :00 AM CST South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Rapid City, SD

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1 RESEARCH AFFAIRS COUNCIL MINUTES Thursday, December 15, :00 AM CST South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Rapid City, SD Present: Staff: Teleconference: BOR Office Gary Johnson; SDSMT Ron White; BHSU Shane Sarver; BOR Guests Paul Turman and Daniel Palmer Teleconference: Kayla Bastian NSU Karen Marchant; USD Laura Jenski; SDSU Kevin Kephart; DSU Omar El-Gayar; EPSCoR Jim Rice Adoption of Agenda Agenda was adopted as presented. Approval of October, 2011 Meeting Minutes Minutes of the October 13, 2011 meeting were approved without changes or additions. Research Activity Report, Gary Johnson NCURA Peer Review options (joined by Paul Turman and Dan Palmer) Gary presented the possibility for the institutions to do a self-review of the administrative research functions to see where strengths and weaknesses lie. A demo of the Qualtrics survey as a possible self-review instrument was given and discussion was held on the opportunity. Laura raised the point of copyright of the NCURA evaluation material and Gary will look into this and report back to the RAC. There was also a discussion on the IP policy survey to be sent out to institutions and faculty members. RAC proposed that the Faculty have the option for their survey results to remain anonymous. LRC request for research information update SDBOR has not received any further inquiry on the research report sent to LRC Student Research Poster Session status Laura Jenski sent out notification on to institutions to provide students names by , at this point no further information is necessary. Chief Research Officers were reminded to keep these due dates in mind. Performance Improvement Fund awards Award letters were sent to each institution President and Chief Research Officer and award implementations are underway. Institutions provided updates on how funds were being used. USD is using the funds for renovations to provide space for crystal growth

2 laboratory research. DSU is funding a post-doc in information systems security with the funding. NSU is purchasing new lab equipment; SDSU is using the funds for a research project that collaborates with an outside business. BHSU is in the process of purchasing the new lab equipment. SDSMT is using funds to purchase some new equipment and for start-up packages for recruiting new faculty research solicitations o Title II, issued November 14, responses due February 1, Ensure that your PI s are working with eligible districts as they changed after the RFP was sent out. o CRGP RFP will be issued in February, the total award amount remains at $450,000 with a $100,000 cap on proposals from researchers in their first four years. o 2010 Research Centers are now called Research Centers, no plan to solicit new centers until budgets are completed for current ones in DOE National Student Clean Energy Competition award Gary Archamboult with SBIR contacted SDBOR regarding the clean energy competition. Several students are involved in this competition. This is an informational item only. January Grants and Contracts Reporting deadline Timely submission of the quarterly reports is required, and requests for submission have been sent out to the research accounting group. IP policy implementation update Discussed during NCURA Review discussion. Review of Office of System Vice President of Research Comments received from six RAC members were received and are being considered by Executive Director Jack Warner as BOR moves forward with recruiting a new VP of Research. FY2013 Budget update The governor proposed a 5% one-time salary payment in April and a 3% salary increase in the new fiscal year. One-time money may be available for research again Research Center Report, Mel Ustad and Gary Johnson The Governor has included research center and EPSCoR match funding in his budget request. The plan is to include a review of the research center program in the EPSCoR state science and tech plan. EPSCoR Report, Jim Rice 22nd National EPSCoR Conference There were more than 400 attendees at the conference in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. South Dakota sponsored three graduate student poster presenters (USD, SDSMT, GOED). Mark Wilson, SD Department of Education was an invited panel member. He spoke on workforce

3 development and creating a technically literate workforce. In addition to Jim Rice and three EPSCoR staff members, SD was represented by GOED (M. Ustad), 2 SD Board of Regents members (K. Johnson & G. Johnson), one vice president for research (L. Jenski), and one SD legislator (S. Wismer). An NSF EPSCoR RII Track 1 Research Focus Proposal Development Workshop was held at the University Center in Sioux Falls December 1, Dr. Jack Warner participated by welcoming the attendees. Jim Rice went through the Planning Grant submission procedures, and Dr. Joseph G. Danek, Sr. Vice President, The Implementation Group (TIG) conducted the workshop, assisted by Dr. Greg Salamo, Distinguished Professor of Physics, University of Arkansas. The RFP may be accessed at Seventy-five individuals attended the meeting: Augustana (2), BHSU (9), DSU (1), NSU (2), Sanford or Avera (8), SDSMT (7), SDSU (24), Sinte Gleska University (1), and USD (21). The Request for Proposals was sent out Wednesday, December 7. The following timeline for submission of proposals has been established by the SD EPSCoR Office: Letter of Intent (required due by 5 PM local time): o December 19, 2011 Proposals (required--due by 5 PM local time): o January 12, 2012 Awards Announced o February 2012 Suggested Award End date o August 2012 Next RII Track Proposal Development Process Begins o Fall 2012 NSF RII Track 1 Proposal Due o Fall 2013 The second annual NSF CAREER Proposal Development Workshop was held at University Center in Sioux Falls December 2, Dr. Gary Johnson provided welcoming comments, and Jim Rice went through the proposal review process. Dr. Joseph G. Danek conducted the workshop, assisted by Dr. Greg Salamo and three previous South Dakota CAREER award winners. There were 44 registrants for the meeting: Augustana (2), Avera (1), BHSU (5), DSU (1), DWU (1), NSU (1), SDSMT (5), SDSU (16), SGU (1), and USD (11). The SD Board of Regents has agreed to co-sponsor the proposal review process again this year. Additional information can be found at Two representatives from South Dakota have been invited to participate as EPSCoR 2030 Workshop Panel Members. Laura Jenski, Vice-President for Research at USD and Chair of the Coalition and Foundation NSF EPSCoR Task Force, and Thomas Shortbull, President of Oglala Lakota College, have accepted invitations to sit on the panel. The workshop will be held January 19-20, 2012 in Washington, DC. This event is designed to address a broad set of issues that will confront the NSF EPSCoR effort over the next two decades and to recommend strategies and actions to improve EPSCoR s operations.

4 A state research infrastructure assessment and a state S&T and economic development plan are likely to be required by NSF in the next RII T1 solicitation that we would respond to, and would have to be submitted as a part of a proposal. The REACH executive committee endorsed a draft statement of work to prepare the items needed to prepare these documents, committee members will be visiting with potential consultants. The tentative project timeline is: the RFP goes out for bid in January 2012, the state-wide review will be conducted during early summer 2012, a draft report will be submitted to REACH by September 2012 to align the RII T1 call for research focus area proposals with the state goals, and the final report will be due in early Fall The draft statement of work is attached. Campus by Campus Research Update (order rotates alphabetically by institution) SDSMT and DUSEL Report, Ron White Activity in China is heating up; Dr. Lew Christopher is attending a conference in China and will discuss joint research and develop an international project. The China University of Mining and Technology and SDSMT are entering into 2+2 program agreement hoping to bring Chinese students into the school next fall. Position for Associate Vice President of Research and Economic Development is moving into final stages, have identified a good candidate and are hopeful to fill the position in the coming months. Office is moving into the administration building in February which will allow for proper staffing with more space. The new SDSMT facility downtown is named the Downtown Campus and industrial engineering is now housed there along with a new conference center and information center. An APLU meeting for mining consortium was held in San Francisco, in support of highlighting mining and research to the federal government. Firearms forum and FBI presentations went well, range of industries were represented and SDSU also participated. Government affairs hired a new firm to help represent them in D.C. DUSEL Things have been moving along, DOE is not funding activity yet because of continuing resolution. NSF supplies $1 million per month to keep the pumps running and address safety concerns. Once the continuing resolution is superseded by a bill, DOE will take over funding. The work underground is progressing andt early science studies are going on there. SDSU, Kevin Kephart Held a grant writing event, mini conference was held. Concurrent sessions with officials from NIH, NSF, NASA and USDA were held so people could attend two sessions. Successful event with approximately 120 people attending, sessions were well attended, representatives from several institutions attended as well as industry attendees. Gary Johnson delivered welcoming keynote.

5 Discussed Star Metrics with NSF to continue with reporting metrics that were implemented with stimulus funds, have asked SDSU to be involved and possibly the SDBOR system to participate in Star Metrics. Kevin believes that SDSU will participate in this. Will begin recruitment for new Technology Transfer employee. Drafting position description for an Associate VP for Research so they can fill that position in the coming months. Planning stages for interdisciplinary research institute on biosciences and engineering. Hired consultant to assess lab spaces to determine their needs. USD, Laura Jenski New awards through November total just over $11 million, down about $9 million from last year at this time. More than $6 million of the decrease is a reduction in federal awards to Arts & Sciences and the Sanford School of Medicine. In FY11, through November, we had received about $4 million in ARRA funds, which are no longer being awarded. USD is also down about $2.5 million in state awards, year-to-date. Thus, at this pace, FY12 grants and contracts are running about 20% ahead of FY09, but behind FY10 and FY11. Compared to FY11, a comparable number of proposals has been submitted thus far in FY12, though the dollar amount of proposals is down about 5% (essentially the amount of ARRA proposals in FY11 YTD). A consulting firm, TreMonti Consulting, LLC., has been assisting us with market analyses and industry connections for IP that requires additional R&D and thus corporate sponsors. As part of their service they conducted a campus visit last month, meeting with a broad slice of the university as part of a get-to-know-the-environment visit. DeVee Dykstra is using some models from TreMonti to streamline internal processes related to tech transfer. The University Research Council (URC) at USD is working with our ITS to develop a searchable faculty expertise database, populated with information faculty enter into Digital Measures (e.g., grants, publications, and special fields related to collaboration interests). The URC has as its main focus for this year to plan ways to enhance collaborations on campus, and outside campus, with the goal of moving forward certain niche and emerging research areas that can be competitive for research funds in this uncertain (at best) funding climate. I had a very positive visit (by DOE standards!) with program officers at DOE EPSCoR, High Energy Physics, and Nuclear Physics. While they understand that the crystal growth project in SD is high risk, they believed valuable IP and scientific art will be generated. Planning is underway to renovate space for a permanent surface lab for this work, and in anticipation of an implementation grant renewal application in Various oversight updates: USD's human subject s protection program received full accreditation from AAHRPP; this is the second renewal (third accreditation) for the

6 program. The AAALAC accreditation site visit for our animal welfare program will be in 2012; preparation for re-accreditation is underway. The Government Research Bureau (GRB) conducted two focus groups and an on-line satisfaction survey of the services offered by the USD Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). We expect a report from the GRB late in January. The ORSP completed its FY12 Roles & Responsibility chart for research administration personnel (I will forward a copy to the RAC). Our next challenge will be to create a Roles & Responsibilities matrix for research throughout campus, from PI to dean to VP; this is planned for some time next summer, and will be based on a similar but much more complex document from Indiana University. The much protracted review of our Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) continues. While the review has been valuable, the timetable of long silences from the review team followed by a demand for a response from USD within 7 days has not been particularly helpful. One consequence of this review is a proposal to gather the IBC and other groups charged with similar oversight under a single coordinating umbrella ("safety committee") to reduce redundancy and improve effectiveness. Finally, a bit of good news: the search for the new Vice President for Health Affairs/Dean of the Sanford School of Medicine has concluded with the hiring of Dr. Mary Dekker Nettleman, currently Chair of Medicine at Michigan State University. BHSU, Shane Sarver Formed a new university research council made up of representatives from each of six schools. Held meeting and hope to form research advisory board to advise CRO and the council. Grants and awards currently at $3.6 million, 68 proposals submitted and 40 awards projecting $6 million for FY12. New science building and planning renovation for old science area will have significant expansion of space for research faculty and requesting funding from BOR. Significant pushback for digital measures, college for business and natural sciences has implemented digital measures. DSU, Omar El-Gayar DSU continues to move forward with the Academic Quality Improvement Program project on building research culture. Latest developments include presentations and discussions at individual college meetings and a follow up survey asking faculty members to rank various best-practice recommendations. DSU just announced the second round (Spring) of the Faculty and Student research initiatives. The very first Rural American Contemporary Artists (RACA) exhibition and the Interpretations of Wounded Knee 1973 and 1890 exhibition will feature submissions from Dakota State University art professor, Alan Montgomery

7 The Dakota State University Office for University Advancement has named a new Director of Development/Capital Campaign Director. Christine Tudor, former Director of Major and Planned Giving at Mount Marty College in Yankton, began her duties at DSU Nov. 23. Discussions on recruiting a new DSU President are being discussed at the December BOR meeting. NSU, Karen Marchant Interviews have been held for a grant writer position, but the decision was made to cancel the hiring effort for now. An English major has joined the staff as a part-time intern to assist with documenting internal processes and procedures. Continuing to work with consultant to prepare and submit Title III proposal for 2012 deadline. Intend to participate in the EPSCoR RII T1 proposal effort. NSU s first annual Undergraduate Research Forum will be held in the NSU Williams Library on January 19th participants are expected. The winner of the Forum will be named the NSU Student Poster Session representative. uateresearchforum.aspx Focusing on Grants Office infrastructure. NSU IRB now registered with the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) First 2011/2012 Grants Office Newsletter has been posted. 0Grants%20Office%20Newsletter%202011%2012.pdf Issues Arising Future Meeting Dates (consider meeting schedule in conjunction with BOR or alternative) May need to hold a meeting in regard to the pending IP policy sometime before the March BOR meeting. March (W-Th) NSU, Aberdeen, March 29 1:00 PM in conjunction with BOR meeting. May (W-Th) SDSU, Brookings June (Th-F) DSU, Madison Aug 8-9 (W-Th) Pierre Oct (W-Th) USD, Vermillion Dec (W-Th) BHSU, Spearfish Adjourn to Board of Regents Meeting

8 Research Affairs Council (RAC) Agenda 8:00 AM, December 15, 2011 Surbek Center, Dorr Room SDSM&T Campus, Rapid City, SD Adoption of Agenda Approval of October 13, 2011 Meeting Minutes Research Activity Report, Gary Johnson NCURA Peer Review options (joined by Paul Turman and Dan Palmer) LRC request for research information update 2012 Student Research Poster Session status Performance Improvement Fund awards 2012 research solicitations Title II, issued November 14, due February 1 CRGP, issue in February DOE National Student Clean Energy Competition award January Grants and Contracts Reporting deadline IP policy implementation update Review of Office of System Vice President of Research FY2013 Budget update 2010 Research Center Report, Mel Ustad and Gary Johnson Recent and upcoming meetings, reviews, and reporting EPSCoR Report, Jim Rice 22 nd National EPSCoR Conference CAREER Workshop Next RII Proposal Development Workshop Upcoming meetings and opportunities State Science and Technology Plan Update Campus by Campus Research Update (order rotates alphabetically by institution) SDSMT and DUSEL Report, Ron White SDSU, Kevin Kephart USD, Laura Jenski BHSU, Shane Sarver DSU, Omar El-Gayar NSU, Karen Marchant Issues Arising Future Meeting Dates (consider meeting schedule in conjunction with BOR or alternative) March (W-Th) NSU/SDSBVI, Aberdeen May (W-Th) SDSU, Brookings

9 June (Th-F) DSU, Madison Aug 8-9 (W-Th) Pierre Oct (W-Th) USD, Vermillion Dec (W-Th) BHSU, Spearfish Adjourn to Board of Regents Meeting