Research Policies Committee
MEMBERS PRESENT: Toni Antonucci, Anika Ball-Anthony, David Blair, Rex Holland, Carol Persad, Jane Ritter (staff), Susan Shore, J. Hunter Waite (acting chair), and Roscoe Warner.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Wendy Banka, Michael Combi, Mary Haan, Josephine Kasa-Vubu, Jack Li, Pinaki Mazumder.
GUESTS: Bruno Giordani, Jane Leu, and Ken Wise
OVPR: Judy Nowack and Marvin Parnes.
1. Approve minutes from April 15, 2005 meeting Committee
The Committee reviewed the minutes from the last meeting and approved them as printed. (Handout)
2. Regental Research Report Judy Nowack
J. Nowack provided background on the Regental Policy and information on this year's report for RPC review. (Handout)
3. Interdisciplinary Research
10:05-10:45 am: Presentation of
Successful Multi-Disciplinary Example
Ken Wise
10:45-11:15 am: SACUA Position on Multi-Disciplinary Research
Bruno Giordani
11:15-12:00 pm: University Position on Multi-Disciplinary Research
Marvin Parnes
Ken Wise, of the WIMS Center, gave a presentation discussing the interdisciplinary research at the WIMS Center (PowerPoint).
Bruno Giordani, SACUA Chair:
Is very concerned about making sure there is a close interaction between SACUA and its committees.
Concerned that many important issues to do not always get SACUA review.
Looking for clear lines of communication on the Conflict of Interest issue.
Interdisciplinary research involves not only the broad strokes but also smaller, technical issues that more affect faculty. Greater difference in support for indirects. This used to be very difficult, at least the mechanical aspect.
Basic problem in the Medical School, the dean looks very hard at NIH rankings. It is important to get information on how funds are shared in departments (interdisciplinary). There are still small roadblocks.
Marvin discussed the dual reporting role. Internal to units and to NIH in counted areas. This does not show all interdisciplinary units. NIH will not change how they report IDR.
In terms of recognition, another issue is how junior faculty get recognition. What are the mechanical obstacles that need to be fixed? Research done in clinics is more difficult. Ray Ruddon is working on this. We must try and find ways for faculty to talk about these issues and for administration to hear about them. This is critical. There are concerns more relative to the faculty (i.e., not getting credit) and must be brought to the attention of the chairs.
Under discussion is the GSRA funding issue:
Treat everyone as in-state
Can IDC be channeled back?
Educational component.
Changes work best as "grass roots" efforts.
4. General Discussion Committee
Final Meeting of 2004/05
Future agenda items for RPC:
Paul Courant had tasked Sara Newman to look at interdisciplinary research.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.