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Office of Research & Innovation Newsletter - Winter 2025

Winter 2025 ORI Newsletter

In this issue:

An introduction from Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Research & Innovation, Office of Research

General

Applied Innovation

Research Compliance

Sponsored Programs

Did You Know?

Training, Education, and Meeting Opportunities

Introduction from Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Research & Innovation, Office of Research

Dear Drexel Community,

As we embrace the winter season, a time often associated with reflection and new beginnings, I am thrilled to join the Office of Research and Innovation as the Interim Associate Vice Provost for Research and Innovation during this period of academic transformation.

The Office of Research and Innovation is the hub of Drexel’s research ecosystem—a complex, dynamic, and interconnected network that thrives on the contributions of various stakeholders: researchers, academic institutions, funding agencies, industry partners, and policymakers. Researchers are the backbone of this ecosystem at Drexel. They drive innovation, conduct groundbreaking research, and mentor the next generation of scholars. Our professional staff play a crucial role by providing the necessary infrastructure and administrative support to facilitate research activities.

The Office of Research and Innovation is dedicated to fostering this ecosystem through our mission, vision, and values:

  • Mission: Cultivate and support Drexel’s research and innovation endeavors.
  • Vision: Set the standard for excellence in service to our research and innovation stakeholders.
  • Values: Collaboration, creativity, diversity, ethics, quality, and professionalism.

As we navigate this period of academic transformation, I am reminded of the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." By taking deliberate and thoughtful steps, we can create a research ecosystem that is more integrated, innovative, and supportive for all members of our community.

Warmly,

Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, PhD, RN, FASPEN, FAAN, FGSA
Interim Associate Vice Provost for Research and Innovation
Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research, College of Nursing and Health Professions

Questions? Email Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Research & Innovation, at rose.a.dimaria-ghalili@drexel.edu.

General

Research Update on Federal Executive Orders

Federal funding policies are rapidly evolving. A recent White House order (M-25-13) paused financial assistance, but it was partially blocked by a federal judge and later rescinded (M-25-14). ORI is actively assessing the potential impact on grants and contracts and may reach out to investigators for additional information. At this time, all research activities supported by federal funding should continue as usual unless we receive a stop-work or cancellation/termination order for a project. If you receive such an order, please contact ORI immediately.

We recognize the concerns these developments may cause and are committed to keeping the Drexel research community informed. As the situation continues to unfold, we encourage you to monitor your email and check the Federal Research Updates 2025 page on the ORI website for the latest updates.

Questions? Email ori@drexel.edu.

Welcoming New ORI Team Members

Please join in welcoming our new colleagues to the following teams:

Joining the Research Core Facilities team:

Beatriz Hernaez-Estrada, Flow Cytometry Specialist – Cell Imaging Center. Bea has been working for about a year part-time in the CIC supporting the management, training and maintenance of a recently acquired flow cytometry instrument. Beginning February 1, Bea will be reducing her time in the CIC slightly and taking on a role in a new Flow Cytometry Core Facility at Drexel’s College of Medicine. There she will join Jenna Hope and Elias El Haddad in the commissioning, management and maintain the new Cell Sorting Flow Cytometer being acquired via the NIH S10 program. 

James Porter, Senior Research Computing Specialist - University Research Computing Facility. James started on January 21 in the URCF role. James brings experience as a developer, administrator and facilitator in both academic and industry research computing environments. He is looking forward to applying that experience in service of our shared research computing clusters in the URCF. His role involves maintaining the Drexel cluster Picotte and interfacing with researchers from across the University to help facilitate and enhance their use of the cluster. James will also be an important part of developing our strategies for expanding and improving shared research computing infrastructure on campus. 

Bita Soltan-Mohammadlou, NanoCT Super User - Materials Characterization Core. Bita is a PhD candidate in Yury Gogotsi’s research group and an expert user of our recently acquired NanoCT 3D X-ray Microscope. As Super User, Bita is offering training and consultation on NanoCT to MCC users and coordinating maintenance activities with the manufacturer service team.

Jamarr Williams , Animal Care Technician - University Laboratory Animal Resources. Jamarr has recently joined the Drexel ULAR husbandry staff at the New College Building facility as a fulltime animal care technician. Jamarr has over 20 years of experience working in the research field as an animal caretaker and cagewash technician at UPenn & CHOP. His varied experience and knowledge will prove an invaluable asset to our capable team and in regard to his role performing husbandry care, health monitoring and environmental support of laboratory animals. He joins our permanent staff of two other employees who handle caretaker duties at the 15th Street facility and serve as essential personnel through weekends and holidays. We are happy to have him onboard!

Taber Yim, Research Instrument Specialist - Materials Characterization Core. Taber started on December 9, less than a week after earning his PhD from Drexel’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. As a student, Taber was a regular user of the MCC. He is now responsible for management, maintenance and training for our scanning electron microscopy instrumentation in the MCC.

Joining the Leadership team:

Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, PhD, RN, FASPEN, FAAN, FGSA, Interim Associate Vice Provost for Research & Innovation. Rose Ann joined the Office of Research and Innovation on January 1 as the Interim Associate Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. Rose Ann brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. Currently, she serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Research and a Professor of Nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. As a geriatric nurse scientist, her continuously funded interdisciplinary program of research focuses on developing innovative approaches to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults with acute and chronic conditions across the care continuum.

In her new role, Rose Ann will serve as a vital liaison between our faculty researchers and the various administrative, technical, and operational units that support research at Drexel. Her primary responsibility will be to ensure that our faculty members have the support they need to conduct their research efficiently and effectively within the institution's framework. She will advocate for faculty needs and concerns, facilitate regular dialogue between faculty and research administration, and engage with the Provost's office on research-related matters.

Joining the Sponsored Programs team:

Rebecca Deeb, Grants Administrator. Rebecca comes to Drexel with several years of experience working as a Research Administrator at Northwestern University focusing on full lifecycle grants administration within a clinical trials unit. She is a trained archaeologist and has had multiple teaching positions at several institutions of higher education in the Chicago area.

Renee Grabelle, Lead Contract Negotiator. Prior to Drexel, Renée negotiated various types of research contracts at a pharmaceutical company. Renée has previously worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as a Senior Contracts Administrator.

Questions? Email hire_ori_aj@drexel.edu.

The 2023-2024 Office of Research & Innovation Annual Report is Here!

We’re proud to announce the release of this year’s Annual Report, highlighting the incredible achievements of the past academic year.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A message from Aleister Saunders, Executive Vice Provost for Research & Innovation
  • Key metrics and data from the Office of Research & Innovation
  • Major milestones and updates from our teams
  • Inspiring stories of impactful partnerships and initiatives
  • And much more!

Join us in celebrating our progress and exploring the innovations that are driving our mission forward.

Read the Full Report Here
Watch a video of our highlights

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Together, we are shaping the future of research and innovation at Drexel!

Questions? Email Becky Campbell, Senior Business Analyst, at becky.campbell@drexel.edu.

Novelution Implementation Project Update

The early stages of the Novelution implementation project are off to a strong start with great progress over the first two months. We are on schedule and on track with the project plan.

As a reminder, 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 the latest project updates and additional information. This resource will keep you updated on all aspects of the Novelution project, including progress reports, FAQs, and more.

Visit the Novelution Hub

Questions? Email novelution_info@drexel.edu.

COGR Releases 2023 F&A Survey Capstone

The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) has published the F&A Survey Capstone: Cost Reimbursement Rates, Actual Reimbursement, and Growing Regulatory Cost Burden [PDF], based on their 2023 survey. This comprehensive report offers insights into Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs—shared expenses universities incur while conducting federally funded research. F&A costs, also known as indirect cost recovery, consist of the construction and maintenance costs of laboratories and high-tech facilities; energy and utility expenses; and safety, security, and other government-mandated expenses. 

View a Costs of Federal Research Infographic [PDF]

With responses from 120 institutions, the report highlights key findings and observations about F&A cost reimbursement rates, the increasing regulatory cost burden, and the critical role these reimbursements play in supporting university infrastructure and operations essential for research.

The report underscores the importance of a consistent and fair funding model to maintain the United States' leadership in research and innovation while addressing rising costs tied to new regulations and cutting-edge research capabilities.

The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) advocates for U.S. research institutions by shaping federal policies that support innovation and discovery. Since 1948, COGR has strengthened the partnership between research institutions and the federal government, promoting accountability, efficiency, and global leadership in science and technology.

Questions? Visit the COGR Website.

Drexel's Environmental Collaboratory and Philadelphia Climate Justice Collective Secure $500,000 Grant from Google's EJ Data Fund

Drexel University’s Environmental Collaboratory, in partnership with community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Philadelphia Climate Justice Collective (PCJC), has been awarded a $500,000 grant from Google’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Data Fund. This funding will support the creation of a community-hosted environmental data dashboard designed to empower local residents with actionable insights into environmental and health conditions.

The dashboard will aggregate data from a variety of sources, including environmental monitoring systems, public health databases, community surveys, and other partner resources. It will track key environmental indicators such as air and water quality, green space availability, and pollution levels, alongside health metrics like asthma rates and heat-related illnesses.

CBOs will play an integral role in this initiative by identifying the most relevant data indicators and ensuring the dashboard addresses the real concerns and priorities of the communities they serve. These organizations will also provide guidance on how the data should be presented to maximize accessibility and impact.

Once the key indicators are established, the PCJC and Drexel teams will focus on technical development, including the creation of interactive maps to visually represent the data. The dashboard will prioritize user-friendly features to ensure it is accessible and easy to navigate for all community members.

Drexel faculty, with input from CBOs, will analyze the collected data to uncover patterns and correlations between environmental conditions and health outcomes. The analysis will offer a clear, comprehensive overview of the environmental health landscape in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and suggest actionable steps for improvement.

The PCJC will also develop a robust dissemination plan to ensure the dashboard reaches the community effectively. Strategies will include online platforms, local meetings, and collaborations with CBOs to make the tools widely available and impactful.

This partnership between Drexel, the PCJC, and local CBOs exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing environmental justice challenges, creating tools that are scientifically sound, deeply relevant, and community-centered.

Questions? Email Hugh Johnson, Director, Senior Director for Research Strategy and Development, Environmental Collaboratory at hugh.p.johnson@drexel.edu.

Young Dragons: Summer STEAM Camp

Have you heard about this incredible opportunity for West Philadelphia middle school students? Young Dragons is a free, six-week Summer STEAM camp hosted at Drexel University, offering dynamic enrichment activities like robotics, Python coding, health sciences, and music technology.

Why participate?

  • Help bridge the STEM/STEAM enrichment gap in West Philadelphia.
  • Elevate Drexel’s reputation as a civically engaged anchor institution.
  • Provide faculty with a platform to prototype new concepts.
  • Offer valuable learning opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.

UCP manages marketing, recruitment, and clearances for working with minors and provides up to $1,500 per week to support camp programs. Unit partners oversee curriculum and instruction for one week and participate in a half-day training session.

Questions? Email Maggie Cohen, Lindy Scholars Program Manager, at marjorie.marie.cohen@drexel.edu.

Publish for Free in Cambridge University Press Hybrid Journals

The Drexel Libraries is in the process of finalizing an agreement with Cambridge University Press (CUP) that will allow Drexel authors to publish their research as Open Access (OA) in any CUP hybrid journal for free. Check the Libraries’ Open Access publishing guide for updates and details about this benefit, plus other article processing charge (APC) agreements available at Drexel. 

Learn more

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

Drexel's Research Repository Reaches 100k Assets

Last month, Drexel Libraries staff added the 100,000th research asset to Drexel Research Discovery, the University’s research repository, marking the latest milestone in the Libraries’ efforts to provide a comprehensive database of Drexel research and scholarly work.

The Drexel Research Discovery repository provides access to work produced by Drexel faculty, staff and even students, including theses and dissertations, books, journal articles, conference papers, creative works, and data sets.

The repository also provides researcher profiles, which help showcase Drexel faculty expertise to attract funders and new students and enhance Drexel’s academic reputation. Profiles help highlight faculty expertise and can help facilitate global collaborations. Members of the Drexel community can update their own profiles, which can be populated with details about publications, awarded grants, creative works, achievements, and academic activities.

For more information: 

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

New Altmetric Explorer Features that Support Your Research

Reminder: the Drexel Libraries provides access to Altmetric Explorer, a unique tool that allows you to track research publication citations in patents and policy documents plus mentions in social media, news media, blogs, and more. 

Altmetric Explorer now includes the following new features to help you with your research and grants: 

Clinical Guidelines 
Altmetric Explorer now includes Clinical Guidelines as a new attention source. Clinical Guidelines, defined as evidence-based recommendations designed to optimize patient care, represent an important resource in healthcare decision-making and the application of research into clinical practice. Clinical Guidelines contribute to Altmetric Attention Scores and appear with a unique aqua green color in the Altmetric badge.

Grant IDs
 Grant IDs can now be searched in Altmetric Explorer. You can now track research impact on a grant-specific level. That means departments and researchers can now:

  • Track the attention and impact of the research outputs your grant has funded.
  • Easily identify and report on which research outputs are associated with specific grants and funders.
  • Export data linked to Grant IDs for enhanced performance tracking and analysis.

To get started using the tool, watch this short video from the Libraries: Introduction to Altmetric for Faculty & Researchers (11.7.2023).

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


Applied Innovation

Drexel Announces Third Investment Cohort of New Investment Selection for Innovation Fund

Drexel University has selected Ultrafix, an orthopedic medical device startup, for a $150,000 investment from its Innovation Fund! Ultrafix, founded by Professor Emeritus Sorin Siegler, PhD, in the College of Engineering, is pioneering advanced bone anchor technology to improve outcomes in orthopedic surgeries.

The Drexel Innovation Fund, launched in 2023, backs early-stage startups led by Drexel students, postgraduates, and researchers. It also includes a hands-on undergraduate course in the Close School of Entrepreneurship, providing students with real-world experience in startup investment.

Drexel’s commitment to fostering innovation in past Innovation Fund cohorts has supported diverse ventures, including horticulture lighting, sustainable cosmetics, and several materials startups. Executive Vice Provost Aleister Saunders highlighted the Fund’s role in advancing entrepreneurial talent and impactful research.

Read the full article to learn more
Learn more about the Drexel Innovation Fund

Questions? Email applied_innovation@drexel.edu.

Prof. Caroline Schauer Leads Drexel’s NSF I-Corps Program

We are pleased to announce that Professor Caroline Schauer has taken on the leadership role as the Principal Investigator for Drexel University’s participation in the NSF I-Corps program. As a member of the NSF I-Corps Hub for the Northeast Region, Drexel’s involvement in this program creates unique opportunities for our research community.

The NSF I-Corps program is designed to help researchers explore the commercial potential of their work while gaining valuable insight into industry’s unmet needs and innovation challenges. By participating in NSF I-Corps, Drexel researchers gain firsthand exposure to industry needs, enabling them to understand the real-world problems their innovations can address, evaluate the intensity of those challenges, and identify the affected audiences. This initiative is a transformative opportunity for postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and faculty to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications—whether through commercialization, startup ventures, or enhancing the impact of future grant proposals.
 
Stay tuned for more details about the entrepreneurial training programs available this year for Drexel faculty, graduate students, and other regional participants. If you would like an overview of the I-Corps program for your department or have suggestions for topics of local interest, please contact Prof. Caroline Schauer at cls52@drexel.edu. 

Coulter-Drexel Translational Research Awards: 2025-26 RFP Now Open

The Coulter-Drexel Translational Research Partnership announced the launch of its 2025-26 Request for Pre-proposals. The program provides non-dilutive translational research funding to develop medical devices, diagnostic, drug therapeutic and digital health solutions, and is appropriate for any faculty member who would like to see their work reach commercial markets.

Applied Innovation partners with the Coulter program to accelerate health-related projects on the path to licensing to a start-up or strategic partner.

The deadline is February 24. Interested faculty can review details here: View on InfoReady Funding Portal. For questions or to schedule a pre-proposal meeting, contact Jaya Ghosh, Coulter Program Director, at jg3948@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

ORI 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:

ORI Procedures Updates

ORI-006: Addressing Harassment and Discrimination in Research  [PDF]

  • These procedures define and outline Drexel University’s Office of Research and Innovation’s (ORI) response to allegations or concerns related to harassment, bullying, retaliation, hostile working conditions, or other unsafe environments. This includes the responsibilities of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and Institutional Official (IO).
  • Effective 12/2/2024 

This SOP, along with supporting materials/forms are available at ori’s guidelines and procedures page

Feedback or Questions? Email Marisa Corbett, Executive Director of Research Quality Assurance, at marisa.jo.corbett@drexel.edu or Cassandra Myers, Associate Vice Provost of Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, at cassandra.j.myers@drexel.edu.

Clinical Research Guidelines and Tools

  • ORI has released an initial set of Clinical Research Guidelines and Tools to promote best practices in line with applicable regulations, procedures, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). This webpage includes a roadmap to the clinical research process, new guidelines and tools, as well as additional resources for conducting clinical research. These resources will be updated and expanded throughout 2025 and 2026.

Clinical Trial Process Map

View the text version of the Clinical Research Guideline and Process Roadmap

These guidelines & tools, along with additional resources are available at ORI's Clinical Research Guidelines & Tools page

We want to thank the workgroup and advisory members who participated in the development of these guidelines and procedures. ORI is truly thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside you.

Feedback or Questions? Email Marisa Corbett, Executive Director of Research Quality Assurance, at marisa.jo.corbett@drexel.edu or Cassandra Myers, Associate Vice Provost of Research Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, at cassandra.j.myers@drexel.edu.

IACUC Procedure Updates

ACU-203: Animal Enrichment (Revised) [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 add an exception of housing two rats over 500g in standard ventilated caging system, a full description of the change can be found in section 4. Revisions.
    • Update Effective: 11/18/2024 

ACU-213: Surgery and Postsurgical Care of Rodents (Revised) [PDF]

  • Purpose: These procedures are to ensure that appropriate provisions have been made for preoperative and postoperative care of rodents in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, Drexel’s Assurance with NIH and AAALAC, International’s guidelines, as outlined in the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.”  These procedures require the use of “sterile instruments, surgical gloves, and aseptic procedures to prevent clinical infections” for all animals.
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised to remove “monitoring” from “Records of Anesthesia and Monitoring”, a full description of the change can be found in section 7. Revisions.
    • Update Effective: 11/18/2024 

ACU-217: Sanitizing Equipment for Use with Research Animals (Revised) [PDF]

  • Purpose: To define the methods and documents required for sanitization of equipment, instruments, and the experimental environment for use in animal research by the proper use of cleaning and disinfectants.  The goal of these procedures is to ensure clean equipment, instruments, and experimental environments for research animals and to prevent the spread of infectious agents within the animal colony. 
  • Updates: This procedure has been revised to include maintaining sanitation logs and when to monitor for sanitation efficacy, a full description of the change can be found in section 7. Revisions.
    • Update Effective: 11/18/2024

These documents are available on the Animal Care and Use Guidelines and Procedures page

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.

Feedback or Questions? Email Liz Hann, Director of Animal Welfare, at elizabeth.ashley.hann@drexel.edu. 

Reminder: Annual COI Disclosure Due!

ORI's annual COI solicitation was sent out in November, if you have not yet completed your annual Research Conflict of Interest disclosure, please complete it as soon as possible to avoid delays.  It is critical that ORI have annual disclosure to ensure compliance and maintain transparency.

You can find the annual disclosure here

Questions? Email FCOI@drexel.edu.

Reminder: Research Integrity at Drexel University

The Office of Research and Innovation’s Research Integrity Department is here to support you in maintaining the highest standards of ethical research. Whether you have concerns about research misconduct, conflicts of interest, or any other integrity-related issues, our team is ready to assist.

If you need to report something, please submit your concerns through the form linked below:

Submit a Report

Your commitment to ethical and responsible research helps ensure the integrity of Drexel's academic and scientific community. 

Questions? Email Reserchintegrity@drexel.edu.

Reporting International Travel and Remote Work Outside the U.S.

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Researchers,

As part of Drexel University’s commitment to compliance with university policies and NSPM-33 guidelines, we would like to remind you that any international travel that is reimbursable by the university or any plans to remotely work from outside the U.S. must be reported and approved in advance.

This includes:

  • International travel for research, conferences, or university business that will be reimbursed by Drexel.
  • Remote work from a location outside the U.S. for any university-related activities.

Please ensure that you submit the necessary travel or remote work approval form well in advance of your trip or remote work arrangement. This helps us stay in compliance with university policies and federal regulations.

Click here for more information and to submit your request

Questions? Email export@drexel.edu.


Sponsored Programs

Login.gov

Many federal agencies are using Login.gov as either an option or a requirement to log into their portals. If you have not created an account, please visit Login.gov to sign up. This will assist with proposal submissions and award management. 

Questions? Please reach out to your OSP Grants Administrator.

eRA Commons Accounts

All senior/key personnel, undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-docs working on an NIH project are required to have an eRA Commons account. To avoid delays in submitting RPPRs, please contact your OSP Grants Administrator to create an eRA Commons account whenever adding personnel to your project. An eRA Commons account is not required for a project staff person. 

Questions? Please reach out to your OSP Grants Administrator.

NIH Grant Application and Review Changes for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025

As communicated in previous ORI newsletters, NIH has several changes to grant applications and reviews for due dates on or after January 25, 2025. All proposals with due dates on or after January 25, 2025 will require the use of FORMS-I (NOT-OD-24-086). Key changes within FORMS-I include:

  • New attachment field for the Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity on the PHS Research Training Program Plan
  • Modifications to some sections of the PHS Fellowship Supplement Form
  • Adoption and requirement of the use of the Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support by May 2025

Any applications submitted using the incorrect application package for their due date will be withdrawn and removed from funding consideration. 

Other significant changes include: 

  • A simplified review framework for most research project grant applications to enable peer reviewers to better focus on the scientific and technical merit or research projects, mitigate the effect of reputational bias, and reduce reviewer burden. (NOT-OD-24-085, NOT-OD-24-010).
  • Revisions to the NIH fellowship application and review process to focus reviewer attention to three key assessments, ensure a broad range of candidates and research training contexts, and to reduce burden (NOT-OD-24-107).
  • Updates to reference letter instructions for referees to provide more structure to reference letters to assist reviewers (Reference Letters web page).
  • Updates to NRSA training grant applications to reduce burden in developing and reviewing NRSA Data Tables; updating areas that contribute to the overall impact score, and further defining expectations for mentor training and clarifying positive outcomes related to preparing trainings in research and careers relevant to the NIH missions (NOT-OD-24-129).

Please refer to NOT-OD-24-084 for full NIH guidance. 

Questions? Please reach out to your OSP Grants Administrator.

OSP Subawards and Contracts Intake Forms

In Fall 2024, OSP introduced two intake forms to assist with the administrative burden of contract and subaward requests. 

For all outgoing subawards, please submit requests using the Subawards Intake Form. Additional guidance, instructions, and FAQs can be found on the ORI website’s Subawards Intake Form tab. 

For all other types of contract requests, please submit your requests using the Contracts Intake Form. Additional guidance, instructions, and FAQs can be found on the ORI website’s Contracts Intake Form tab.

If you have questions pertaining to the status of an agreement, please contact subawards@drexel.edu for all outgoing subawards and ResearchContracts@drexel.edu for all other sponsored programs and research agreements. If you have any questions about the process, please contact Alice Reuther, Director, Contracts and Subawards, at alice.susana.reuther@drexel.edu.

Funding Opportunities: Community Engagement and Knowledge Coproduction in NSF Arctic Research

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding opportunities to advance Arctic research through meaningful and respectful collaboration with local and Indigenous communities. These opportunities encourage researchers to collaborate with Arctic residents, recognizing the value of Indigenous knowledge in advancing scientific understanding.

NSF encourages researchers to engage communities early in the proposal process, align with the IARPC Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic, and plan for shared outcomes, such as data stewardship and outreach. Resources like the Arctic Research Support and Logistics Program are available to support community-focused research efforts.

Explore how these opportunities can enhance your research while building partnerships that strengthen scientific and community outcomes.

Learn More About These Opportunities Here

Questions? Email the NSF Arctic Community Engagement program at ACE@nsf.gov.


Did You Know?

Did You Know? - Animal Model Research: Ensuring Sanitization of Hand Washed Equipment

The efficacy of the sanitation process should be verified periodically by microbiological monitoring or other appropriate methods and the data reviewed to ensure the effectiveness of these methods. 

Monitoring the effectiveness of sanitization should be done when:

The University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) Team can monitor the effectiveness of the procedure by swabbing representative equipment following the sanitization process (equipment must be dry). 

  • Contact Luci Villar (NCB & QL) or Faith Witherspoon (University City) to conduct monitoring of the sanitation process of your equipment.
  • Please give ULAR a day's notice when scheduling the swabbing of your sanitized equipment.
  • The swabbing of the equipment takes less than 5 minutes and results are instant.
  • There is no cost associated with this service.
  • It is the laboratory’s responsibility to maintain a sanitation monitoring log that should be made available to the IACUC or Post Approval Monitor upon request.

For more information about sanitizing equipment and monitoring the efficacy of the sanitation process, please refer to ACU-217 Sanitizing Equipment for Use with Research Animals Procedures 2024 [PDF].

Questions? Email Email the IACUC Office at iacuc@drexel.edu.


Training, Education, and Meeting Opportunities

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 an episode? You can find webinar recordings on the ORI Informational & Training Library SharePoint. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

Follow the Office of Research and Innovation on LinkedIn!