Organized Research Unit - Budget Proposals and Hearings
This announcement begins the budget development process for all current as well as newly proposed research centers and institute (organized research units – ORUs) that seek continuing or new campus-level funding support.
The results of this process will inform the campus level decisions to establish the funding commitment in support of research for FY10 as well as the funding allocations to currently supported ORUs and ORUs that are seeking funding for the first time. Existing ORUs are defined as all established and recognized campus, college, or department level research centers or institutes. Potential ORUs include emerging research centers composed of an organized group of faculty of sufficient number to have a significant impact on a defined topic or discipline.
Funding Proposal Process
This is a two-step process. First, brief written progress reviews and proposals for continued (or new) funding need to be prepared following the guidelines below and submitted to the Office of Research no later than December 15th. This process is an opportunity to request continuing or new funds that will support the highest priorities of the institution via funds distributions to the ORUs. These narratives will be posted on a page of the Office of Research website for viewing by the campus community for one month prior to the public hearings.
The second step is that a select number of the ORU’s directors will be invited to give public presentations on their proposals and to stand for clarifying questions. These hearings are currently scheduled for January 29th and 30th.
Content of the Budget Proposal and Presentation
The written and oral presentations should be divided into two broad sections.
Section I – Progress Review
- Briefly present the ORU’s primary goals for this past year as well as how the near term goals contribute to the long-range vision. Include a review of the organizational structure and key personnel.
- Present a progress report for the past year as measured against the unit’s goals. To the extent that the campus budget permits, ORUs that have made significant progress towards accomplishing their goals will be given funding priority. The report should have particular emphasis on the impact of the research achievements on academic departments. Directors are free to identify and highlight the positive impact of their ORU as appropriate for the discipline. Lists of proposals and awards are not needed. These will be added by the Office of Research. ORUs that have received funds should provide a broad review of how these resources have been used.
Section II – Outlook and Funding Proposal
- Briefly present ongoing and any new goals for the ORU. Provide a narrative summary of the unit’s key opportunities and challenges for the next year and beyond, and how these topics will be addressed. It maybe helpful to discuss the resource implications of the goals in terms of personnel, space and facilities, operating, equipment, and technology requirements.
- Potential new ORUs should present a campus-level funding proposal. The general use of these funds as well as other sources of support should be identified. A review of how these investments can be expected to provide substantial returns over the next two to three years should be provided, including any variables that may influence the chances of success. If the potential ORU wants to be a recognized ORU, an application must be submitted (instructions are on the Office of Research website).
Format and Submission Details
The written review and proposal narrative must not exceed three pages with adequate margins and font. Longer submissions will be returned.
For those ORUs invited to give an oral presentation, PowerPoint and printed handouts are encouraged. Additional information concerning the length of individual presentations and location of the hearings will be sent to ORU directors and will be broadly distributed to the campus community.
Evaluations
Each presentation will be evaluated by the criteria outlined in the ORU Budget Proposal Evalution Form (Word or PDF).
Please deliver the narrative document in electronic format no later than December 15, 2008 to Jane Taylor, (e-mail: tayloje@utk.edu) Room 104, 1534 White Avenue Building.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jane at the above e-mail address.
Contact Information
Jane Taylor
Administrative Specialist
UT Knoxville Office of Research
1534 White Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37996-1529
Phone: (865) 974-0437
Fax: (865) 974-7400
Email: tayloje@utk.edu