Council on Research Meeting Minutes
Dec ember 15, 2010
Life Sciences Research Building, Conference Room 1143
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Members present: Berhane Araia, Robert L. Brainard James Castracane, Richard Cunningham,
Kirsten Davison, James Dias, Elizabeth Gaffney, Daniel Goodwin, Daniel Keyser, Hamilton
Lankford, David Lewis, Elaine Lasda-Bergman,
Members absent: Michael Amrozowicz, Brian Barksdale, Oleksandr Kazakov, and Robert
Nakamura.
Also attending: Adrienne Bonilla, Antigone McKenna, Theresa Walker, Robert Webster,
Philip Nasca, and Kim Bessette
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Council on Research Chair, James Castracane, at 9:35 am.
Approval of November 17, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Richard Cunningham motioned to approve the minutes with one correction, seconded by Robert
Brainard. Motion passed with noted correction: Robert Webster was not in attendance.
Daniel Keyser referenced the minutes regarding the Vice President Dias’ request for
undergraduate information. He suggested creating a template to be sent to department chairs as a
means of facilitating the process.
Vice President for Research Report - James A. Dias
Vice President Dias reported that the spring edition of Accent on Research was recently
distributed.
Community Engagement in Scholarship – Philip Nasca, Dean of the School of Public Health
Dean Nasca is chairing a working group called Community Engagement in Scholarship. This
group is a part of the larger Community Engagement Committee, co-chaired by Miriam
Trementozzi, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement and Robert Banger-Drowns,
Dean of the School of Education. He noted that this is not an attempt to re-organize or re-
structure what is already in place, but rather to help position the University for a community
engagement designation of the Carnegie Foundation.
Although the working group has a good range of ideas and comments, Dean Nasca welcomes
input from the Council on Research. Salient points resulting from the discussion:
1)
Important to demonstrate how the community is informed of scholarship and ethical
practices
2)
Creating a conduit as new ideas or developed (“go to” person or unit) especially
pertaining to funded research
3)
How to capture relevant data
The next draft of the working group will be submitted to the larger community engagement
committee. Council Chair, James Castracane requested to receive the draft so that Council
members have an opportunity to provide input.
COR Standing Subcommittee Reports
Benevolent Award Review - David Lewis, Chair
David Lewis reported that for the fall round of competition, there were more applications of high
quality; however, the demand for funding continues to be larger than available resources. The
committee recommended seven applicants for funding totaling $3,494. He noted one of the
recommended applicants applied for external grant funding. If the applicant receives funding, the
committee recommends moving to the next person on the list.
Elizabeth Gaffney motioned to accept the committee’s recommendation; seconded by Daniel
Goodwin
Conference/Journal Support Award - Elizabeth Gaffney, Chair
Elizabeth Gaffney reported that the committee received two applicants: one for the conference
support award and one for the journal support award. The recommendation is to fund the
conference award applicant at $2,500.
The committee requested discussion at the Council meeting regarding the journal award request
based on the unusual nature of the request. The concern was whether the request for funding to
travel to conferences to meet with editorial boards for an associate editor is in keeping with the
spirit of the award.
After further discussion, David Lewis motioned to decline the journal award applicant request;
seconded by James Dias. The committee was asked to review the guidelines and recommend
wording that will appropriately address the issue discussed. ACTION ITEM
Elizabeth Gaffney will also draft a letter to the applicant for Vice President Dias’ review and
appropriate action.
FRAP A Review, Kirsten Davison - Chair
Kirsten Davison reported that applicants and procedures for review have been distributed to
committee members. The meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2011.
Centers/Institutes/Specialized Labs - Robert Nakamura, Chair
No report – Chair absent
Excellence in Research and Creative Activities Award - Hamilton Lankford, Chair
Hamilton Lankford expressed concern about the low number of nominations; however, the
committee is scheduled to meet January 14, 2011 to review both the UAlbany and Chancellor’s
excellence awards.
Conflict of Interest - David Lewis ,Chair
No report
Researchers Liaison - Berhane Araia and Katie Gonder, Co-Chairs
No report
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Indirect Cost Recovery Budget Review - Kim Bessette, Associate VP for Finance and Budget
Kim Bessette distributed copies of the 2010-11 Indirect Cost Recovery Budget, presenting a
breakdown of the budget by Division and by Function:
Resources
a.
Of the estimated $15M+ revenue, the Research Foundation assessment is deducted which
brings a total projected revenue of $12M+.
b.
The Research Foundation assesses UAlbany approximately 3% of direct and indirect
weighed average over 3 years. The assessment is basically used to provide personnel
services, legal services, financial services, assistance with policy management, etc.
Vice President Dias suggested that we invite Bonny Boice, Executive Vice President of
the Research Foundation to a future meeting to explain fully how the Foundation utilizes
the assessment. (ACTION ITEM) He cautioned that if the algorithm changes to favor
UAlbany, other campuses must absorb. Also, the Research Foundation may discontinue
some of the services that are currently provided.
Commitments
a.
ICR is used to support various activities on campus, e.g., pre and post award (salaries,
OTPS), incentive/development, internal awards for faculty.
b.
ICR is used to pay rent on the East Campus. Hamilton Lankford questioned why that is
the case. Vice President Dias explained that the UAlbany Foundation purchased the East
Campus, but there is not enough funding to cover total expenditures, thus the use of the
ICR. Note: the School of Public Health is paid partially by Department of Health.
c.
ICR is used to support other offices on campus, e.g., President, University
Administration, Corporate Woods, etc. These are mainly salaries and as there is turnover
in positions, attempts are being made to remove those lines from the ICR Budget.
Other questions from the Council included:
Q: What is the assessment at other SUNY campuses?
A: This information will be provided at the next meeting. ACTION ITEM
Q: Is there a plan to increase indirects coming from the Department of Health?
A: Per Vice President Dias, the PIs must embrace and partner with us in order to
make this happen.
Q: How does UAlbany’s portfolio compare to others (SUNY and peer institutions)?
A: Vice President Dias will provide this information at the next meeting. (ACTION ITEM)
In summary, UAlbany is faced with several challenges pertaining to ICR, including,
1)
generating more dollars in ICR
2)
continuing conversation with the Research Foundation to reduce the assessment
3)
relieving the budget of expenditures
4)
doubling the federal sponsored research portfolio
New Business
None
Adjourn – Meeting adjourned at 10:55 am
Submitted by Janice E. Bogan
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