Move your project from possibility to reality with Sponsored Research
The Sponsored Research Office (SRO) promotes a supportive environment for research and scholarly and creative endeavors of the University community. We act as resource or refuge for faculty and academic staff. Since grant proposals to outside sources require specific administrative approvals, SRO is here to help you negotiate this process. We will steer you in the right direction so you can focus on what matters to you - your scholarly work!
In addition, SRO provides assistance with finding funding sources and proposal preparation, offers grantsmanship and compliance training, monitors compliance with research-related regulations, administers the review of human subjects research, and assists in non-financial post-award administration. We’re a one-stop shop for moving your project from possibility to reality.
Though certain requirements exist for each grant submission, our goal is provide the level of assistance you need to get your proposal out the door. Once a potential funding source is identified, SRO works to help you overcome obstacles. SRO has the vantage point and knowledge to connect, mediate, and coordinate University-wide linkages. Much like a set of Tinker Toys, we’ll assist you in piecing the proposal the together. Your imagination is the limit.
A good idea is crucial for writing a successful proposal. Most reviewers look for reasons to eliminate proposals. They read for “what’s wrong” with them due to more requests than funds. Your job is not to give them any excuse to eliminate your proposal. As research administrators, our job is to help develop a good idea into a convincing proposal. We begin with the perspective of “what’s right” with your proposal and build from there. The process takes patience and practice.
A proposal is a persuasive document trying to convince a sponsor that your idea is worthy of funding. If you’re passionate about your idea, it will show in your writing. Finally, make it concise; make it clear; make it worthy; and make it sing! We’ll be here when you need us.
For more information about the Sponsored Research Office, please visit our web site at www.usi.edu/sro. Also you may contact us by email at mhdragoo@usi.edu, phone 812/465-1126, or visit our office in the Wright Administration Building Room 104.
POST CONTRIBUTED BY: HEATHER DRAGOO, sponsored research specialist.