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Office of Research & Innovation Newsletter - Autumn 2024

Autumn 2024 Newsletter

In this issue:

An introduction from Cassie Myers, Associate Vice Provost for Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

General

Applied Innovation

Research Compliance

Sponsored Programs

Training, Education, and Meeting Opportunities

Introduction from Cassie Myers, Associate Vice Provost for Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

Our Gratitude to Dedicated Volunteers, Committees, and Boards

At Drexel University, scientific progress and advancing knowledge through research are pivotal to our mission as we push boundaries, drive innovation, and work collaboratively to improve lives and communities. Along with the improvements and advances research has made is also joined by its dark chapters marked by unethical experiments where the unacceptable actions of a small number of individuals have tainted others who have demonstrated life-long commitments to the responsible conduct of research.

Throughout history, these atrocities and devastating ethical violations include but are not limited to:

  1. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932-1972)
  2. Nazi Medical Experiments (1942-1945)
  3. Willowbrook State School (1948-1972)
  4. Pepper Goes Missing (1965)
  5. San Antonio Contraceptive Study (1971)
  6. Silver Spring Monkeys (1981)
  7. Havasupai Tribe Study (1990-1994)
  8. Jesse Gelsinger (1999)
  9. Dan Markingson (2004)

Through all these examples, it is readily apparent that marginalized or vulnerable populations were targeted, exploited, and denied basic protections and rights. From these moral violations and atrocities came the need to influence, define, and continuously revise an ethical framework that would require oversight, active management, and an understanding of science, not just by a federal agency or funder but at an institutional level. These rules and requirements were implemented by different regulatory bodies primarily starting in the 1960’s through the 1990’s, including, but not limited to, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), and Office of Research Integrity (ORI) requiring institutions if they were going to conduct regulated research or be sponsored by a federal agency that they would need to ensure the ethical principles are upheld across the institution setting the standard for how research should be conducted.

In addition to policies, regulatory requirements, and often what may seem like a cacophony of paperwork, came the most fundamental component, the committees themselves. These committees include the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Review Board (IRB), Radiation Safety, and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), among others, with a core set of values, including the ability to protect without bias or influence, a range of expertise and experience, and a balance of scientific disciplines. Our committees are not only expected to protect our participants, community, and one another but to ensure that Drexel University can continue to conduct research in the future, securing its ability to obtain support from our sponsors and remain in good standing.

Our committee members, primarily volunteers, are essential and allow all of us to continue with Drexel University’s mission and commitment. They dedicate their time, effort, expertise, and willingness to learn the never-ending or changing regulatory criteria and commit to upholding the highest ethical standards of their relevant committees to each study. These reviews include amendments, reportable events, continuing reviews, on-site inspections and monitoring, which total thousands of reviews and hours a year amongst our members.

To our IACUC, IRB, IBC, Research Integrity Committees, and Radiation Safety Members: Thank you for your continued commitment; your invaluable efforts to protect our participants, our research community, and Drexel University can be an extremely heavy lift. We know that you do not take your charge and mission lightly, and we, as a University, would be unable to continue our work without you. We want to extend our most tremendous gratitude, respect, and commitment to you in appreciation for everything, and know that you make our successes and advancements possible.

If you are interested in joining the IACUC, IRB, IBC or Radiation Safety Committee, or learning more about the important role these individuals have in research, please contact Cassandra Myers, Associate Vice Provost Research Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, at cassandra.j.myers@drexel.edu.

General

FY’23 Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey Results

Drexel University has submitted its Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey for FY 2023, reporting an impressive and an all-time high of $169.6 million in total research expenditures! As part of a nationwide effort led by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this annual survey highlights Drexel’s commitment to advancing research and innovation across diverse fields. The HERD Survey collects important data on R&D activity, funding, and personnel, shining a spotlight on the sponsored research spending Drexel and universities across the country. This data is used by many of the entities that rank institutions of higher education, such as US News & World Report and the Carnegie Classification. Congratulations to all members of Drexel’s research community for helping us reach these new heights.

View the survey [PDF]

Questions? Email Evelyn Balabis, Executive Director, Research Accounting Services, at evelyn.balabis@drexel.edu.

Novelution Implementation Project

Novelution Implementation Project Logo

We’re excited to share that the Novelution Implementation Project has officially kicked off! We held a university-wide webinar to introduce the project and project team members on October 24th. In case you missed the webinar, you can access it through the Novelution Hub SharePoint site under the Documents & Recordings section when logged in with your Drexel credentials.

The Novelution Implementation Project (formerly known as the COEUS Replacement Project) will deploy a state-of-the-art electronic research administration system. Together with updated business processes, policies, and procedures, the new system will streamline and modernize research administration at Drexel and provide transparency to our end users while meeting the evolving needs of principal investigators, administrators, and research support functions.

We encourage you to check the Novelution Hub regularly for updates and additional information. This resource will keep you updated on all aspects of the Novelution project, including progress reports, FAQs, and more.

Questions? Email novelution_info@drexel.edu.

Professor Yury Gogotsi Receives 2024 Blaise Pascal Medal in Materials Science

Congratulations to Professor Yury Gogotsi, Director of the A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute, who has been awarded the prestigious Blaise Pascal Medal in Materials Science by the European Academy of Sciences. Presented at the annual EurASc Symposium in Lisbon, this honor celebrates Professor Gogotsi’s groundbreaking work in nanomaterials, particularly his discovery of MXenes—a novel family of two-dimensional materials that has revolutionized applications in energy storage and beyond. His contributions to carbon materials for electrochemical devices have also led to significant advances in supercapacitor technology. This well-deserved award highlights Professor Gogotsi’s global impact on the field and his dedication to advancing materials science for innovative technological solutions. We’re so proud to celebrate Professor Gogotsi on this remarkable achievement!

Questions? Email Dr. Yury Gogotsi Director, A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute at gogotsi@drexel.edu.

Spotlight on NIH S10 Grants: New Equipment Driving Collaborative Research at Drexel

In a major boost to Drexel University's research infrastructure, two NIH S10 grants have funded cutting-edge equipment: a flow cytometer and a confocal imaging system. These shared instruments will enhance cross-departmental collaboration and expand research capabilities across the university. Dr. Jenna Hope, Dr. Elias El Haddad, and Dr. Peter Baas—who led the successful grant efforts—share insights into their journey, offering key strategies for future S10 applicants, including the importance of early preparation and leveraging collaborations. Read the full article to explore how these tools are set to transform Drexel's research landscape.

Read the article

Questions? Email Becky Campbell, Senior Business Analyst, Research Systems - Training & Communications, at becky.campbell@drexel.edu.

Check out the Updated ORI Website!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the newly redesigned Office of Research & Innovation website!

The more user-friendly layout of the revamped site consolidates all Sponsored Programs resources into one central location, making navigation smoother and more intuitive. The website’s modern and refreshed look also aligns with Drexel’s updated brand style, offering an improved user experience.

In addition, keep an eye out for an exciting upcoming resource from the Compliance team—a centralized table of all ORI forms, guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This new tool, part of the CLARITY project, will provide a one-stop destination for quick and streamlined access to essential information.

We’d love to hear your feedback on the updated site and these upcoming features!

Explore the site

Questions? Email Becky Campbell, Senior Business Analyst, Research Systems - Training & Communications, at becky.campbell@drexel.edu.

Sign up for the Philadelphia Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC) newsletter!

Did you know the Philadelphia FSRDC has a newsletter that shares important updates about projects and data?

Drexel University is a proud partner of the Philadelphia Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC), located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Established in 2017 through a consortium of top research institutions, the FSRDC provides secure access to restricted-use data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the National Center for Health Statistics, among others. This resource enables Drexel researchers to conduct impactful studies in many different fields such as business, economics, public health, or sociology. As part of a national network, Drexel remains committed to advancing innovative research through this valuable partnership.

Don’t miss out on reading the Philadelphia FSRDC’s latest news and announcement – register for their mailing list today!

Read the Q3 2024 Newsletter [PDF]

Questions? Email Dr. Andre Kurmann, Professor of Economics, LeBow College of Business, at andre.kurmann@drexel.edu.

Stop Paying for Open Access Publishing

Thinking about publishing Open Access? Join the 135 other Drexel researchers who’ve taken advantage of the Drexel Libraries’ APC agreements and publish your research in eligible journals for free. The Libraries has saved Drexel researchers over $500,000 so far this year!

Learn more about the Libraries’ Open Access Publishing Discounts

Questions? Email Stacy Stanislaw, Director of Communications, Drexel University Libraries, at stacy.v.stanislaw@drexel.edu.

Link your ORCID profile with your Drexel Research Discovery profile

Save time and keep your ORCID profile up-to-date by connecting your Drexel Research Discovery profile today! Once connected, publications shown in your Drexel Research Discovery profile are automatically sent to your ORCID profile.

Benefits of connecting your profiles:

  • Improves discoverability of your work
  • Saves time and reduces errors so you don’t have to reenter information on publications, grants, and other CV information
  • Increases opportunities for collaboration

To connect your ORCID:

  1. Sign in to your Drexel Research Discovery profile AND your ORCID profile via Drexel Connect (yes, you can use Drexel Connect for both!).
  2. In Drexel Research Discovery, go to Edit Profile or Settings. In the Global IDs section, you'll see “Register or Connect your ORCID”
    ORCID Login
  3. If you already have an ORCID, you'll be prompted to grant Drexel Research Discovery permission to read and/or write data to your ORCID profile. (Important note: you can revoke this permission at any time through your ORCID profile.) If you don't have an ORCID, the link will offer to create one.

That’s it! Your accounts are now linked.

For more information about ORCID and the Drexel Research Discovery portal, visit the Drexel Libraries’ Drexel Research Discovery resource guide.

Questions, concerns, or need any research assets updated? Email libsystems@drexel.edu.

Announcing the 2024-25 HBCU-Drexel Health Science and STEM Partnership Pilot Research Awards

Drexel University’s Office of the President, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Office of Research & Innovation are excited to launch the 2024-25 HBCU-Drexel Health Science and STEM Partnership Pilot Research Awards competition. This program aims to foster collaboration between Drexel University’s STEM and Health Science units and five partner HBCUs: Cheyney University, Delaware State University, Hampton University, Lincoln University, and North Carolina A&T State University.

This initiative is designed to support research and scholarly or creative projects that:

Each team will include undergraduate students and faculty from both Drexel and a partnering HBCU, encouraging rich collaboration and innovation across institutions. A total of five grants (one per HBCU partner) will be awarded, with up to $10,000 in funding for each team. This one-year funding aims to propel projects that will advance Health Science and STEM fields, while fostering diversity, inclusion, and civic engagement.

Eligible teams must submit proposals by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, December 2, 2024.

For additional details, including submission guidelines and review criteria, visit the Drexel Limited Submission & Intramural Funding Portal.

Questions? Email HBCUPartnerships@drexel.edu.

ORAU Innovation Partnerships Grant Program

As of last year, Drexel is a proud consortium member of Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), joining a prestigious network of 158 universities collaborating on scientific and technical initiatives with government and industry partners. ORAU provides expertise across fields such as health, environment, preparedness, and workforce solutions, enhancing Drexel’s opportunities for funding, professional development, and impactful partnerships.

Now open for FY2025 applications, ORAU’s Innovation Partnerships Grant Program invites projects that align with ORAU’s focus areas:

  • Improving Our Behavioral Health (e.g., health equity, cultural approaches to care)
  • The Post-Pandemic World (e.g., workforce resilience, telehealth)
  • Implementing Innovative Technologies (e.g., data safety, digital divide)
  • Our Changing Planet (e.g., sustainability, environmental justice)

Awards are capped at two per university per year, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. For details, visit ORAU Partnerships and consider applying today to further Drexel’s contributions in these critical areas!

Questions? Email university.partnerships@orau.org.

Drexel-Salus Aging AEO Pilot Research Awards

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the Drexel-Salus Aging AEO Pilot Research Awards!

Co-sponsored by Drexel University and Salus University, these research awards sought innovative and strategic collaborations between Drexel and Salus in Aging in two of Drexel’s Areas of Excellence & Opportunity (AEOs): Health Innovation and/or Health Equity and Wellness.

A convening event was held on May 31, 2024 and 13 pitch presentations were delivered. Ten Drexel-Salus teams submitted applications in July. Drexel and Salus faculty reviewed each grant submission. The applications were scored on 5 criteria: investigators, background & rationale, innovation & sustainability, approach/research methodology, facilities & other resources, and, finally, an overall impact score. Scores were then averaged and ranked. The four highest ranking applications were selected for funding.

The following teams of faculty and students across Drexel and Salus will spend a year engaged in interdisciplinary AEO-aligned research on Aging with a $5,000 award to help support their work.

Congratulations to the following teams:

  • Dr. Annalisa Na (DU), Ben Senderling (DU), and Dr. Bre Myers (SU), project titled, “Building a Mobility Profile for Dementia: A Feasibility Study”
  • Dr. Laura Baehr (DU) and Dr. Anna Grasso (SU), project titled, “Let’s Get Moving: Championing Health Equity of Older Adults through an Interprofessional Recreational Needs Assessment of the Daskalakis Athletic Center”
  • Dr. Justine Sefcik (DU) and Dr. Aaron Roman (SU), project titled, “Determining the Optimal Soundscape Presentation Level for Environmental and Sensory Experience (EASE) Intervention Administration”
  • Dr. Mark Schafer (DU), Dr. Joshua Greene (SU), and Dr. Elise Ciner (SU), project titled, “Low-Cost Screening Protocol for Early Detection of Macular Degeneration”

Questions? Email Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, PhD, RN, FASPEN, FAAN, FGSA, Professor of Nursing and Senior Associate Dean for Research, College of Nursing and Health Professions at rose.a.dimaria-ghalili@drexel.edu.

Have you seen the latest edition of the College of Engineering's research highlights publication, Dragon Discoveries?

Dragon Discoveries banner

Dragon Discoveries showcases groundbreaking research from Drexel University's College of Engineering, The 2024 edition features advances in detecting digital forgeries and misinformation, identifying lead water pipes without costly excavation, unlocking sustainable energy with nanomaterials, and using bio-inspired design to improve underwater vehicles. Discover how Drexel engineers are developing practical solutions to society's most pressing challenges.

Read Dragon Discoveries

Questions? Email engineering@drexel.edu.

Drexel University Retains National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Designation through 2029

Drexel University is proud to announce the successful renewal of its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). This prestigious recognition, which Drexel has proudly held for more than 20 years, has been extended through 2029.

The CAE-CD designation highlights Drexel’s unwavering commitment to advancing cybersecurity through innovative research and immersive learning experiences. At the heart of this success is a talented group of faculty specializing in cybersecurity across the Computer Science, Cybersecurity & IT, and Electrical & Computer Engineering programs, who are leading Drexel’s Center for Cybersecurity Education as it continues to drive cutting-edge research and hands-on learning opportunities for students. Notably, the Bachelor of Science in Computing & Security Technology (BSCST) program, directed by Chris Carroll, stands among the nation’s best, offering students practical, real-world cybersecurity skills.

This achievement solidifies Drexel’s role in shaping the next generation of cybersecurity experts who will safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure. From undergraduate to graduate programs, Drexel equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in this critical field. In addition, Drexel’s CyberDragons club offers students the chance to hone their skills through labs, competitions, and industry engagement. Open to all students, regardless of experience, CyberDragons fosters a collaborative environment where members learn how to secure corporate environments and tackle real-world cyber-defense challenges. Drexel remains dedicated to empowering students to become leaders in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

For more information about Drexel’s cybersecurity initiatives, visit the Center for Cybersecurity Education.

Learn More

Questions? Email Steve Weber, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Curriculum and Education at steven.p.weber@drexel.edu.

Certificate
NCEC event
NCEC event
NCEC event

Applied Innovation

Farewell to Shintaro Kaido

We announce with mixed emotions that Shintaro Kaido, Vice Provost for Innovation and Executive Director of Drexel Applied Innovation, will be leaving Drexel as of November 1. Since joining us in 2019, Shintaro has re-envisioned our tech transfer program and built a thriving innovation enterprise, closely aligned with our mission to amplify Drexel’s research impact.

In his tenure, Shintaro launched an Industry Engagement team that has greatly expanded opportunities for collaboration by connecting Drexel innovations to industry needs. His work here, along with the creation of the Entrepreneur Support team, has helped instill a culture of commercialization and societal impact among our researchers. Shintaro also played a key role in establishing Drexel’s NSF I-Corps program and secured significant funding to support I-Corps projects both locally and regionally. Under his leadership, the Drexel University Innovation Fund took root, enabling our students, alumni, and tech transfer partners to launch startups addressing critical societal challenges. Beyond these initiatives, Shintaro generously shared his expertise across Drexel, leading strategic projects like the Drexel Medicine Diagnostics lab and streamlining research operations to benefit faculty and staff.

Shintaro’s selfless dedication has had a lasting impact on Drexel’s research and innovation landscape. While he embarks on his next chapter, we have such gratitude for his many contributions that will continue to benefit Drexel and the communities we serve. We wish Shintaro all the best in his future endeavors.

If you have questions on Applied Innovation’s portfolio please reach out to Bob McGrath, Senior Associate Vice Provost, IP & Agreements, and Sue Rhoades, Industry Engagement Manager, at Applied_Innovation@drexel.edu. 

Academic Research for Societal Impact: How NSF I-Corps Empowers Researchers Through Early Customer Discovery

NSF I-Corps empowers researchers to expand the impact of their research beyond the lab by helping them identify who outside of academia cares most about their innovation, why, and by how much. Throughout the program, scientists connect with industry's unmet needs and learn to articulate the value proposition of their research; these valuable insights are a direct input when applying for future grants and other opportunities. Hear takeaways from Drexel’s panel at the recent NSF I-Corps Northeast Hub annual meeting, where experts stressed that it’s never too early to start this process. Embracing early discovery can pave the way for real-world impact!

Read the full story here

Questions? Email applied_Innovation@drexel.edu.

Join Us for an NSF I-Corps Introductory Program on November 14!

Have you wondered, "Who outside of academia cares most about my innovation, why, and by how much?" but struggled to find the time to explore the answer?

Join us for an introductory NSF I-Corps "NOVUS" session, co-hosted by Drexel University and Temple University, to take the first step in exploring the real-world impact of your research. Through the NSF I-Corps process, scientists learn how to extend their focus beyond the laboratory to increase the economic and societal impact of research, which can help with future grants, finding industry funding, or launching a startup company around their innovation. Eat, drink, hear from NSF I-Corps alumni about their experience in the program, and participate in an interactive workshop —all in a low-pressure environment. We hope to see you there!

When? Thursday, November 14th from 4:00-7:00PM

Where? In person at the Temple University Innovation Nest (Suite 490, 3223 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA – 19140)

Register Here

Questions? Email applied_Innovation@drexel.edu.

Nucleate Activator Program Extension: Apply by November 6!

Drexel researchers working in the life science or eco (focused on food & agriculture, chemicals & energy, and/ or consumer products) areas - the Nucleate Activator program application deadline has been extended to November 6th, 2024!

Nucleate’s Activator Program is an accelerator program that provides mentorship from industry leaders, hands-on workshops, investor introductions, and the flexibility to progress at your own pace, empowering participants to successfully bridge the gap between academia and industry. With a proven track record of 78 alumni-founded companies raising over $322 million, the program offers participants a strong global network of advisors and comprehensive educational resources. The program is also completely free with no equity taken.

Apply Here

Questions? Email applied_Innovation@drexel.edu.

Have a Tech to Disclose?

When Drexel innovators find something new and useful has been developed, or unusual research results have been obtained, they can take the first step in moving an innovation forward by disclosing it here for review and guidance from the Applied Innovation team. We are a dedicated partner to help generate impact from Drexel research, offering strategic intellectual property (IP) protection, entrepreneurial advancement resources and industry engagement support to faculty, postdocs, and graduate students.

Among other potential benefits, disclosing an invention (or potential invention) can help researchers get more grants (agencies like NSF and NIH value the extension of existing IP in several programs) and increase opportunities for industry collaboration.

Have a tech to disclose?

If you're not sure if you have an invention, contact us!

Questions? Email applied_innovation@drexel.edu.

Research Compliance

Updates to Research COI - Annual Disclosures

This year, ORI’s COI team is asking researchers at Drexel to complete an annual disclosure form through our web-based COI Application indicating whether or not they have a research conflict. Those required to submit will be prompted to do so via an email from ORI- COI in the coming weeks. These disclosures are collected pursuant to the University’s Conflict of Interest Policy [DOC].

Questions? Email FCOI@drexel.edu.

Research Integrity Updates

Drexel University is committed to promoting and protecting the responsible pursuit of scientific research. Drexel Faculty and Students are obligated to practice intellectual honesty and to observe established professional standards in their fields at all times. This includes: submission of proposals, interactions with research associates and students, collection, handling and evaluation of data, to the peer review process, and the protection and presentation of results.

All members of the Drexel research community are expected to follow the highest ethical standards and are encouraged to report any concerns they may have by contacting the Executive Director of Research Compliance in Drexel’s Office of Research and Innovation directly, or submit the form here Research Integrity Report.

Questions? Email Reserchintegrity@drexel.edu.

ORI IACUC Guidance and Procedure Update

As the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) continues its efforts toward Drexel University’s strategic plan and CLARITY project we are excited to introduce a new and updated SOPs and guidelines through ORI’s established workgroup processes that will continue to provide best practices, enhance collaboration, and reinforce our commitment to Drexel University and our Research Community:

IACUC Procedure Updates

ACU-001 IACUC Procedure Manual 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: The purpose of this document is to assist and educate Drexel University faculty, students and staff in the preparation and submission of protocols involving live vertebrate animals for review by the IACUC and to provide procedures for the subsequent conduct of those protocols.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised with minor edits which include Addition of guidance for new president IO designation, update procedures to align with DragonSPOT (e.g. Animal Order procedures), and removal of Continuing Review Procedures.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 20 of the procedure document.
    • Update Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-002 IACUC Member Training and Continuing Education Procedures 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: The 8th Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide), p.15-17, requires that all personnel involved with the care and use of animals be adequately educated, trained, and/or qualified, and that training programs include continuing education. This document provides an overview of the training provided to new IACUC members.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised with minor edits.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 8 of the procedure document.
    • Update Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-004 IACUC DMR Procedures 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: In keeping with the federal regulations and to efficiently manage the IACUC workload and to provide timely turnaround for investigators, the IACUC has developed a procedure to facilitate the review of certain protocols and changes to approved protocols. This review method is called the Designated Member Review (DMR).
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised to include minor procedural changes to align with the use of an electronic protocol system.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 4 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-005 Wildlife and Field Studies Procedures 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: These procedures describe the proper procedures for surgery, including pre-operative and post-operative care of non-rodent mammals (such as rabbits, pigs) in accordance with the “Animal Welfare Act" and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International's guidelines, as outlined in the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals."
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised with minor edits which include the following: Addition of what is covered under the Certification of Scientific Exchange (COSE), Addition of clear semiannual inspection requirements for AWAregulated species and PHS Policy regulated species, Addition of the Guidance on Flexibilities for Conducting Semiannual Inspections of Animal Facilities.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 6 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-007 Investigating AWC & NC Activities 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: To ensure the humane care and treatment of animals used in research, teaching, and testing, the Drexel University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must “...review and if warranted, investigate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the research facility resulting from public complaints received and from reports of noncompliance received from laboratory or research facility personnel or employees”. The purpose of these procedures is to describe the process adopted by the Drexel University IACUC to review, investigate, and report animal welfare concerns.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised to include the addition of adverse events and non-compliance definitions, addition of criteria for reporting to AAALAC, and addition of criteria for reporting to DoD.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 10 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-008 IACUC VVC Procedures 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: These procedures allow for certain significant changes to be preapproved by the IACUC and verified by the institution’s Attending Veterinarian. This procedure will facilitate and expedite protocol revisions, improve compliance, and reduce the regulatory burden, while ensuring animal welfare.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised to include minor edits.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 4 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-203 Animal Enrichment 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: The Drexel University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) established this procedure to ensure that all animals housed in the animal facility receive appropriate environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment procedures are used to enhance physical and psychological well-being by providing structures and resources promoting species specific behaviors. Enrichment should be used in consideration of the physical and social needs of the animal and is the default for housing animals at Drexel.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised to remove enrichment criteria for cats.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 4 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-204 Transport of Animals 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: The Drexel University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has established this procedure to ensure that animal transport outside of ULAR animal facilities is performed in a manner that is safe for the animals and healthy for the personnel using the vehicle.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised with minor edits.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 4 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-208 IACUC Dosing Volume 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: The following are appropriate dosing volumes for the various laboratory animal species. Figures represent the maximum volume not to be exceeded for a single once per day administration. The veterinary staff is available to discuss appropriate volumes for species not listed. All administered substances must be approved by the IACUC. Volumes that exceed those listed must be stated in the IACUC protocol, scientifically justified, and should be discussed with a ULAR veterinarian prior to submission.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised with minor edits which include the removal of cat dosing volumes.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 6 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 9/17/2024

ACU-219 IACUC Veterinary Formulary 2024 [PDF]

  • Purpose: Establish a Drug Formulary of Anesthetic and Analgesic Agents for Laboratory Animals.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised with minor edits which now lists xylazine as a controlled substance and includes the removal of the cat formulary.
    • A full list of revisions can be found in Section 9 of the procedure document.
    • Updates Effective: 09/17/2024

We want to thank the IACUC members who participated in the review process, and their dedication and commitment were instrumental in the success we achieved. ORI is truly thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside you.

These documents are available on the animal care and use guidelines and procedures page

Stay up to date on all animal care and use procedure updates on the Post Approval Monitoring “The Latest” page

Questions? Email Liz Hann, Director of Animal Welfare, at iacuc@drexel.edu.

IACUC Protocol Personnel Guidance

New Personnel? No Problem!

IACUC Office’s Guide for Adding New Personnel to an Approved IACUC Protocol.

  1. Contact Edna Rojas to schedule occupational health review
  2. Complete Animal Research CITI Training CITI Training Instructions [PDF]
    • Investigators, Staff, and Students
    • Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats (only if working with mice or rats)
    • Aseptic Technique
    • Additional Species-Specific modules as appropriate (i.e., rabbits, wildlife)
  3. Once the occupational health review and CITI training are completed, Request hands-on animal training with Melissa Whitney using the ULAR Species-Specific Training Request Form
  4. Once SST training is completed, the SST training certificate will be provided and animal facility access will be granted.
  5. To add personnel to an approved amendment, submit an amendment within DragonSPOT for each approved protocol the personnel is to be added to.
  6. Each amendment must include:
    • Date of completion and a copy of the occupational health certificate
    • Date of completion and a copy of the SST training certificate
    • Date of CITI training completion.
    • List of responsibilities on that protocol
    • List of experience
  7. Personnel cannot begin work on the protocol until an approval letter is obtained from the IACUC Office.

More information on Training Requirements

Removal of Personnel

IACUC Office’s Guide for Removing Personnel from an Approved IACUC Protocol.

If personnel are no longer working on the protocol, please follow the following steps to remove the personnel from your protocol.

  1. Create an amendment for the protocol(s) the personnel should be removed from.
  2. In Section C, add an end date for the personnel in the “End Date” section under their name.
  3. In the amendment section, please indicate if their animal facility access can be removed.
  4. Submit amendment to IACUC Office.

Questions about the amendment process? Email Liz Hann, Director of Animal Welfare, at iacuc@drexel.edu.

Questions about the training process? Email Melissa Whitney, Animal Welfare Education Specialist, at mmw342@drexel.edu.

International Biosafety and Biosecurity Month: Spotlight on Select Agents and DURC

As we observe ABSA International Biosafety and Biosecurity Month this October, it’s crucial to focus on the vital areas that ensure the safety and security of our biological research. This year, we spotlight Select Agents and Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC)—two key aspects of biosafety that help protect both our environment and public health.

Understanding Select Agents

Select Agents are biological agents and toxins that pose a severe threat to public health and safety, agriculture, or animal health. These include certain bacteria, viruses, and toxins that have the potential to cause significant harm if not handled properly. Regulations surrounding Select Agents are stringent and designed to prevent misuse and accidental release.

Key Points on Select Agents:

  • Regulation: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversee the handling and transfer of Select Agents through strict guidelines.
  • Compliance: Institutions must register with these agencies and comply with rigorous safety protocols.
  • Training: Personnel must receive specialized training to handle Select Agents safely and understand the implications of their research.

Exploring DURC

Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) refers to research that, while intended for beneficial purposes, could be misused to cause harm. DURC includes studies that might enhance the pathogenicity, transmissibility, or resistance of agents or toxins. Identifying and managing DURC is crucial to prevent the potential misuse of scientific advancements.

Key Points on DURC:

  • Assessment: Research institutions must evaluate whether their studies fall under DURC guidelines. This involves assessing the potential dual-use risks associated with their research.
  • Ethics: Researchers must balance the pursuit of knowledge with ethical considerations, ensuring that their work does not inadvertently contribute to harmful applications.
  • Oversight: DURC requires oversight mechanisms to monitor and address potential risks, including enhanced review processes and risk mitigation strategies.

Educational Resources and Actions

To support your understanding and compliance, we offer the following resources:

  • Upcoming Survey: Drexel’s Biosafety Office, in conjunction with the Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) Department, will be conducting a survey to inventory the university’s current and future (if known) use of Select Agents and DURC. The survey will be distributed at the beginning of 2025.

By staying informed and proactive, we can collectively ensure that our research environments remain safe and secure. Together, let’s continue to advance science responsibly and protect our communities.

Thank you for your commitment to biosafety and biosecurity,

Drexel University Biosafety Office

Questions? Email Liz Hann, Director of Animal Welfare, at biosafety@drexel.edu..

ULAR News – AAALAC, International Site Visit

AAALAC Logo

Drexel University hosted Dr. Jim Sheets and Dr. Jason Villano from AAALAC, International on October 21 - 23, 2024 for a site visit of the Animal Care and Use program. The visitors were diligent in their review, touring animal facilities and research laboratories, meeting with the IACUC, and reviewing documents and protocols. At the end of the visit, Drexel was presented with the site visitor’s findings, which included the recommendation for Continued Full Accreditation after one easily correctable item is addressed. These findings will be further reviewed at the AAALAC Council meeting in January.

Our program received many commendations including the strong upper administrative support for the program; the well written program description; the enthusiasm and engagement of personnel, experienced; the dedicated ULAR staff; the well, maintained and clean facilities; the cage cards providing justification for single housing on animal cages; the robust animal enrichment program; and the dedicated and engaged IACUC. The site visitors identified some areas for improvement which are being addressed by senior administration, health and safety, the IACUC and ULAR.

Many thanks to the ULAR team, compliance group, the IACUC members and the research laboratories who worked hard to prepare for a successful AAALAC, International site visit.

Questions? Email Rick Huneke, Executive Director, ULAR, at richard.huneke@drexelmed.edu.

Expanding Training Excellence: Sean Daniels and Alexandra Middlebrook Step into Dual Roles to Enhance Staff Onboarding at ULAR Facilities

Sean Daniels and Alexandra Middlebrook have been promoted to dual roles as Animal Care Technicians and Training Coordinators. In these roles, they will develop and deliver orientation training sessions, which will now be apart from the technical training provided by Melissa Whitney, for onboarding lab staff at both the New College Building and Queen Lane animal facilities. Faith Witherspoon will oversee onboarding at Calhoun. In addition to in-person training, they will create and manage online training materials to supplement the sessions. Collaborating with Melissa, they will help ensure that lab members complete the necessary training programs.

These efforts are vital in familiarizing staff with the unique aspects of working within the ULAR facilities at each campus. The expansion of the current training is expected to enhance the overall program's robustness. We are excited to welcome these new additions to our current orientation, which will further strengthen our training efforts and ensure greater consistency and compliance across all campuses.

Questions? Email Luciana Villar RLATG, Manager, ULAR Operations, at luciana.villar@drexel.edu.

Sponsored Programs

Multifactor Authentication Implementation for Research.gov

In order to enhance security and safeguard its IT systems, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is requiring multifactor authentication (MFA) for Research.gov beginning October 27, 2024. All external users will need to complete a one-time MFA enrollment process and then use MFA to sign into Research.gov. On October 27, training guides including how-to guides and frequently asked questions will be available on the Research.gov Help page. For more information, please refer to the NSF Dear Colleague Letter (NSF 25-011). Please reach out to your OSP Grants Administrator with any questions.

Questions? Email Sarah Saxton, Assistant Vice Provost, Sponsored Programs , at sarah.m.saxton@drexel.edu.

Proposal Submission Deadline

Please remember that all proposals submitted to external sponsors need to be entered into COEUS and all application materials need to be submitted to OSP prior to the submission deadline. Since proposals are submitted on behalf of Drexel University, the OSP need needs complete an administrative review to confirm that proposals contain accurate institutional information; comply with both sponsor and University policies and procedure; and project budgets align with the technical statement of work and follow sponsor and University budgeting guidelines. To ensure that the Office of Sponsored Programs can complete this review, submit your Completed Applications and Completed COEUS Records (approval routing completed through the dean’s level) no later than three (3) business days before the sponsor due date. For further information, please see the guidance on the ORI website.

Questions? Email Sarah Saxton, Assistant Vice Provost, Sponsored Programs , at sarah.m.saxton@drexel.edu.

Federal Sponsor Updates

Ongoing sponsor updates can be found on our sponsor page, in addition to the newsletter

NASA
Effective October 1, 2024, NASA has revised it’s Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) [PDF] to streamline guidance, improve flow, and clarify policy. The revised GCAM provides a single source for comprehensive grant guidance that covers the pre-award, award, post-award, and closeout phases of the grant life cycle. In addition, NASA’s general and special terms and conditions will now be a standalone document rather than located in the GCAM.

In support of requirements in National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) and the CHIPS and Science Act, NASA has adopted common biographical sketch and current and pending (other) support forms. Effective October 1, 2024, all covered individuals, as defined in the NASA’s biosketch and current and pending support policy in the 2024 GCAM, will be required to submit the disclosure forms with their applications. The NASA Pre-award and Post-award Disclosure Requirements [PDF] document informs applicants of the activities that need to be disclosed, in which document the activity is to be disclosed, and whether post-award disclosures are required.

Additional information on key changes and NASA’s Implementation of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations can be found here [PDF].

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Effective October 1, 2024, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has updated its Proposal and Awards Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) [PDF] and revised its Award Terms and to comply with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) changes to 2 CFR. The revised directed agencies to implement the revisions to 2 CFR for awards made on or after October 1, 2024. In the case of any inconsistency between the coverage contained in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and 2 CFR (including 2 CFR part 200), the coverage specified in 2 CFR applies.

The NSF Fall Virtual Conference will be held December 9 – 12, 2024. More information can be found on NSF’s Policy Outreach webpage and in the "Training, Education, and Meeting Opportunities" section at the bottom of this newsletter.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Effective October 1, 2024, the HHS policy [PDF] on salary rate limitation outlines that the legislative mandate limiting salary to Executive Level II applies to

  • Direct salaries (individuals working directly on NIH projects) and
  • Indirect salaries (executive salaries in various cost pools)

This policy change applies to new, competing renewals, non-competing continuations and supplemental awards.

NIH has published a revised NIH Grants Policy Statement for FY2024. The revised policy applies to all NIH grants and cooperative agreements with budget periods beginning on or after October 1, 2023. All changes in regard to the updated Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) that will be implemented on October 1, 2024 will be included in the FY2025 release of the NIH Grant Policy Statement. For more information, please refer to NOT-OD-24-115.

For RPPRs submitted on or after October 1, 2024, NIH will have additional questions to align with the NIH Final Policy on Data Management and Sharing, including updates on the status of data sharing, repositories and unique identifiers for data that have been shared. Please refer to NOT-OD-24-123 for additional information. The revised Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) [PDF] is now available and more information is available on the NIH RPPR webpage.

The automated Just-in-Time email [PDF], generated by the eRA system and sent to applicants for all applications that receive an overall impact score of 30 or less, will be retired effective October 1, 2024 (NOT-OD-24-165). Official notification of the need for JIT material(s) will continue to be sent directly by NIH staff from the awarding Institute/Center to those who are required to provide the material(s). The JIT link to submit the materials, when requested, will also continue to be available in eRA Commons until the application is awarded. The JIT link is accessed:

  • By SOs, on the Status Results screen by clicking on the three-dot ellipsis in the Application/Award ID column and choosing JIT from the dropdown menu.
  • By PIs, on the Status screen, by expanding a grant application and clicking the JIT link in the Available Actions column.

As a reminder, a request for JIT information is not a Notice of Award, nor should it be construed as an indicator of possible funding by the NIH. If you have any additional questions, contact the Grants Management Specialist assigned to your application.

The NIH Grants Policy Statement, Section 2.5.1 Just-in-Time Procedures, as well as resources on the eRA and NIH Grants and Funding webpages, will be updated to reflect this process update.

NIH will have many changes to grant applications submitted for due dates on or after January 25, 2025 (NOT-OD-24-084). Many of these updates were discussed at an NIH FY2025 Updates webinar on October 17, 2024. If you missed the session, you can see the video and review presented material here.

NIH is having a 2-day webinar on November 13-14, 2024 for new administrators and PIs to better understand NIH’s structure and pre-award processes. Registration is available here.

Questions? Email Sarah Saxton, Assistant Vice Provost, Sponsored Programs , at sarah.m.saxton@drexel.edu.

OSP Contracts Intake Form

Beginning November 1, 2024, The Office of Sponsored Programs will be implementing a Contracts Intake Form for all contract and agreement requests. This form will assist in lowering administrative burden and streamline our current process. The contracts intake form along with procedure documents, FAQs, and recording of the OSP training session are available on the ORI website at: https://drexel.edu/research/resources/contracts-intake-form.

All requests will be made via the form rather than through email.

Questions? Email Alice Reuther, Director, Contracts and Subawards, at alice.susana.reuther@drexel.edu.

Upcoming Subawards Intake Form

Similar to the Contracts Intake Form, OSP will be implementing an intake form for all outgoing subawards on funded projects. In preparation of the change, please attend the OSP Lunch & Learn Series on Tuesday, November 19, 12-1pm. Please register here. Effective December 1, 2024, all outgoing subaward requests will be completed via the intake form rather than email.

Questions? Email Sarah Saxton, Assistant Vice Provost, Sponsored Programs , at sarah.m.saxton@drexel.edu.

Training, Education, and Meeting Opportunities

Upcoming LabArchives Training – Maximize Your Research Efficiency!

Did you know Drexel offers LabArchives Notebook, Scheduler, and Inventory free to all faculty, staff, and students? These powerful tools can streamline your research data management and enhance your lab’s productivity.

Join us for:
An Introduction to LabArchives Notebook, Inventory, and Scheduler
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
2 – 3 PM
Register Here

What You’ll Learn:

  • LabArchives Notebook: Securely manage, document, and organize your research data online with Drexel’s Electronic Research Notebooks (ERNs). Designed to support reproducibility, collaboration, compliance, and digital data management for both research and classroom settings.
  • LabArchives Scheduler: Simplify scheduling for labs and research organizations. We’ll guide you through creating a scheduling system, adding resources, making reservations, and inviting colleagues.
  • LabArchives Inventory: Keep track of lab materials, orders, and supplies with ease to ensure your lab stays organized and efficient.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how LabArchives can elevate your research!

Visit the ORI's ERN website

Questions? Email the Drexel Electronic Resource Notebook team at ern@drexel.eduor the LabArchives support team at support@labarchives.com.

Office of Sponsored Programs 2024-2025 Lunch and Learn Series

The Office of Sponsored Programs is excited to announce the return of the Lunch and Learn "How to" Series for its second season.

You can register for the following episodes of the season via the links below:

Missed earlier episodes of our second season? Watch it on the ORI Informational & Training Library SharePoint:

Season 1 2023-2024 is also available on the ORI Informational & Training Library SharePoint and covers the following topics:

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Email Sarah Saxton, Assistant Vice Provost, Sponsored Programs, at sarah.m.saxton@drexel.edu.

Startup Fest 2024: Celebrate Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence on November 15!

Join us in-person on November 15th as we look at how "starters" are pushing boundaries and innovating. Startup Fest is The Close School of Entrepreneurship’s annual premiere event. Student and recent alumni entrepreneurs from different industries and verticals are expected to be in attendance in a number of roles including exhibitors, speakers, and roundtables. Register for a full day of competitions, a vendor expo, thought leadership conversations and workshops, networking opportunities, and more!

Find the event agenda and register here

Questions? Email Melissa Tevere, Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship Programs, at melissa.tevere@drexel.edu.

Fall 2024 NSF Virtual Grants Conference

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is hosting its Fall 2024 NSF Virtual Grants Conference from December 9 –12, 2024! This free event offers a chance to learn about NSF’s latest policies, procedures, funding opportunities, and more.

Registration opens Wednesday, November 13, at 12 PM. Sign up on their website to get notified!

Meanwhile, visit NSF's Policy Office Outreach for helpful resources and recordings from past events, including the Spring 2024 Grants Conference, available on their Resource Center and YouTube channel.

Questions? Email grants_conference@nsf.gov.

Follow the Office of Research and Innovation on LinkedIn!