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Researcher's Handbook
Section 1
Organizational Structure and Support Services
Organizational Structure
The Office of Research oversees the University of Florida's efforts to attract external research funding and to transfer new technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. It is also responsible for managing more than 175 academic graduate programs at the University of Florida. The Office of Research is divided into three main sections--the Division of Sponsored Research, the Division of Entrepreneurial Programs, and the Graduate School. The Office of Research was formed in 1993 by the merging of the Division of Sponsored Research and the Graduate School and is headed by the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School.
The Division of Sponsored Research (DSR) manages the University's external funding enterprise and assists faculty in all stages of the grant process, from identifying a potential sponsor to closing out a project. DSR was established by an act of the Florida Legislature (Chapter 63-534, Laws of Florida, 1963 and FS 240.241) to stimulate an expanding and balanced research program throughout the institution in collaboration with and in support of the University's academic programs.
Established in 1994, the Division of Entrepreneurial Programs has the goal of enhancing the economic value of applied research at the University of Florida. The division (through the Office of Technology Licensing) manages the commercialization of inventions and discoveries arising from university research; contributes to economic development locally and in the state of Florida; builds corporate relationships that support research efforts; and promotes an entrepreneurial spirit on the UF campus. In order to fulfill its mission, DEP works closely with the University of Florida Research Foundation (UFRF), the Assistant Vice President for Corporate Research and Development, the Biotech Development Institute (BDI), the North Florida Technology Innovation Corporation (NFTIC), and the College of Business's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
The Graduate School is responsible for promoting minimum general standards of graduate work at the University of Florida and for coordinating the graduate programs of the various colleges and units.
Support Services
The Office of Research supports and provides incentives for research activity at the University of Florida by investing a portion of the university's indirect costs recovered from sponsors and earnings from licensed technologies in a variety of Internal Support Programs. (NOTE: Because their units retain 100% of their indirect cost returns, faculty in IFAS and Engineering are eligible only for the Opportunity Fund and the Research & Technology Investment Fund.) A current list of internal funding programs, applications, and eligibility guidelines are available online at http://research.ufl.edu/rgp/support.html or contact DSR's Research Support Unit (392-4804).
The Research Support Unit publishes a biweekly funding newsletter electronically ( click here) provides agency application forms and guidelines, handles inquiries regarding funding sources, deadlines, and application procedures; conducts funding searches for faculty projects; maintains database of faculty research expertise; distributes funding announcements from various government publications. A small library of printed and electronic databases is available. Contact: Carole Oglesby, Executive Assistant for Special Projects, 392-4804, caroleo@ufl.edu.
The Pre-Award and Proposal Processing Office provides assistance with budgetary preparation, completion of agency forms, interpreting agency guidelines, duplication and mailing of proposals to meet sponsor's submission deadline. Pre-award functions also include reviewing and negotiating research agreements or contracts, modifications and amendments, monitoring human subject and animal approvals, submission of assurances, and serving as liaison with the funding agency. Contact: J. Harris, Coordinator, 392-1582, jaharris@ufl.edu.
When an award is made, the Award Administration Office reviews the agency terms and conditions, then authorizes the establishment of an account with the appropriate campus accounting unit. Other post-award assistance includes rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, countersignatures, travel, equipment purchases, miscellaneous donors accounts, temporary accounts, and any other transaction requiring institutional prior approval. The staff also assists faculty with closeout procedures upon expiration of a grant or contract. Contact: Dee Dee Teel, Coordinator, 392-1582, vd2t@ufl.edu.
The Office of Technology Licensing handles the marketing and licensing of University technologies. OTL works closely with faculty in the identification and protection of new inventions. Faculty who have an invention must contact OTL to obtain the appropriate disclosure forms and guidelines and current University of Florida patent policy. Patents, copyrights, and trademarks are all processed though this office. OTL staff also assist researchers with confidentiality agreements, mutual secrecy agreements, material transfer agreements, and research agreements associated with licenses. Contact: David Day, Director, 392-8929, dlday@ufl.edu.
The Research Analyst provides institutional data about the sponsored research effort of the University. Reports on trends in awards, proposals, and expenditures are produced on a monthly and annual basis and are available upon request and on the Office of Research web site. Faculty and staff may also request customized reports to assist them in problem-solving, to help with policy decisions, or to facilitate the completion of surveys. Contact: reports@research.ufl.edu, 392-6938.
University of Florida Research Foundation
Incorporated in 1986, the University of Florida Research Foundation (UFRF) is a private, not-for-profit corporation whose sole beneficiary is the University of Florida research enterprise. UFRF enhances the University's ability to work with the private sector in two major areas: sponsored research and technology licensing and commercialization. Use of the Research Foundation permits greater flexibility in the performance of some research projects or related activities, in arranging license agreements, in the direct investment of income, and in holding of equity positions. Please refer to the UFRF Guidelines & Procedures Manual for more information. Contact: 392-5221.
University of Florida Foundation
The Corporate and Foundation Relations Office at the University of Florida Foundation (UFF) can provide helpful information and assistance if you wish to seek funding from the private sector. UFF professionals have personal experience and knowledge of many U.S. foundations and corporations and are willing to share their expertise with you. Please contact this office before sending an unsolicited proposal to a foundation or corporation. Contact: 392-1691, UFF.