Department of Labor announces final overtime rule
Graduate School call for outstanding dissertations and theses
Faculty nominations to be featured in “Innovate”
News from NSF
Taft Nicholson Center Faculty Research Collaborative Research retreats
Upcoming deadlines for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP)
Postdoc information: 2016 summer workshop series and funding resources
Limited submission funding opportunities
Extramural funding opportunities
Upcoming classes in the Research Administration Training Series (RATS)
Research news and publicizing research
Department of Labor announces final overtime rule
The U.S. Department of Labor released final rules classifying employees as eligible for overtime pay based on their compensation level. The new pay rule requires that employees paid less than $47,476 per year be eligible for overtime for working more than 40 hours per week. This threshold doubles the previous standard of $23,660 which was set in 2004. For research faculty, this rule change will likely affect lab employees including postdocs*.
*This does not apply to students if the work is part of their education.
This rule will become effective December 1st, 2016 (unless otherwise modified by Congress). For more details see Overtime Final Rule and Higher Education.
Graduate School call for outstanding dissertations and theses
Deadline: June 10, 2016
The Graduate School is posting a call for Outstanding Dissertations and Theses written by students at the University of Utah in the last few years. We encourage faculty, students, and departments to nominate excellent and groundbreaking graduate student Masters Theses and Dissertations. The Graduate School will choose the best nominations to represent the University of Utah in the national competitions listed. In addition to their participation in these prestigious contests, authors of the selected papers will receive a cash award from the Graduate School.
Faculty nominations to be featured in “Innovate”
Deadline: June 14, 2016
Please nominate faculty members to be featured in the next edition of “Innovate,” the annual report of the U’s Innovation Ecosystem as overseen by the Internal Commercialization Coordination Council (IC3). The publication celebrates innovations emerging from collaborative, cross-disciplinary and high-impact work performed by our faculty and departments across campus. Find the last edition here. This year, we would like to feature as many stories as possible about Utah impact.
News from NSF
New NSF Grand Challenges — Ideas for Future Investment
The increasing volume, variety, and velocity of data are giving rise to a profound transformation of research in all fields of science and engineering. New types of questions are being asked, and new challenges addressed; indeed, the very nature of scientific inquiry is changing. Building on NSF’s past investments, we propose a bold initiative to engage NSF’s research community in the pursuit of fundamental research in data science and engineering, the development of a cohesive, federated, national-scale approach to research data infrastructure, and the development of a 21st-century data-capable workforce. Advances will be required across the breadth of NSF’s research community… This initiative will enable and accelerate future discovery by providing the fundamental techniques, tools, research cyberinfrastructure, and educational foundations to harness the data revolution.
NSF Priority Goal: Improve STEM Graduate Student Preparedness
Improve STEM Graduate Student Preparedness
Dear Colleague Letter: Agency Priority Goal for FY 16-17
As part of this goal, supplemental funding is available in FY 2016 and FY 2017 to support science and engineering doctoral students so that they can acquire the knowledge, experience, and skills needed for highly productive careers, inside and outside of academe. NSF currently invests in a number of graduate student preparedness activities, and has historically encouraged investigators to include such activities in proposals. This Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) describes a variety of opportunities across the Foundation designed to explore approaches that will position NSF-funded graduate students for success in the 21st century Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce.
Taft Nicholson Center Faculty Research Collaborative Research retreats
Deadlines: July 1, 2016 for August Retreat
Aug. 1, 2016 for September Retreat
Applications for 2016 faculty retreats are now being accepted.
The Vice President for Research, Global Change and Sustainability Center, and Taft-Nicholson Center are hosting two retreats to encourage new faculty-led, multi-disciplinary research and scholarship. The four-day retreats take place in Centennial Valley, Montana. All costs associated with travel, food and lodging will be covered. Up to 20 faculty members will be selected to participate after an initial application process. For more information, see the TNC flyer or visit the website for the Global Change and Sustainability Center.
Upcoming deadlines for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP)
The undergraduate assistantships offered by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) are a great way for students to create their own projects, or to help faculty members with their current ones. It is a semester long opportunity that has the possibility to extend through a second semester. If you, or students you know, would be interested in this program, here are some deadlines to be aware of:
Fall 2016
Student Deadline: July 1, 2016
Faculty Reference Deadline: July 8, 2016
Postdoc information — 2016 summer workshop series and funding resources
The upcoming summer workshop series for postdocs, presented by Mary Anne Berzins from Human Resources, is now open for registration. This series has run for a number of years and is rated highly beneficial by postdocs. Thanks for helping us spread the word about this great training opportunity.
Summer 2016 Postdoc Series
Registration is required. To register click on the Topics.
Date
Topic
Description
6/17/2016
11:30 – 2
Getting Clear About Accountability
This workshop will examine mindsets about the concepts of personal responsibility and accountability. We will explore potential obstacles to delivering outcomes and identify strategies for getting clear about accountability at the individual and group levels. Participants will complete an accountability assessment.
6/24/2016
11:30- 2
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
MBTI is a leadership development tool which, very simplistically, provides feedback in 4 main areas: where you primarily direct your energy; how you prefer to process information; how you prefer to make decisions; and how you prefer to organize your life.
This workshop will provide insights which influence our interactions and participation in collaborative based environments. Prior to this class participants will complete the MBTI on-line. Participants must attend class to receive MBTI results.
7/1/2016
11:30- 2
Conflict Styles
We will explore the nature of conflict, how the need to be right undermines effective performance, identify ways to address conflict and identify skills to help you detach as a listener and manage the conflict. Participants will complete the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) to gain an understanding of their own and other conflict-handling styles. Participants must attend class to receive TKI results.
7/8/2016
11:30- 2
Negotiating Essentials
In this workshop we will explore a number of concepts integral to effective negotiation. We will explore what makes some experiences more effective than others and examine the how and when of negotiation preparation. In this session, we will also explore the behavioral aspects of negotiation including dealing with emotion. Whether negotiation is part of your everyday work or something you are preparing for in the future, you will take away insights and strategies to build or enhance your effectiveness.
7/15/2016
11:30- 2
Mentoring and Professional Development
We will discuss the nature of mentoring and professional mentoring relationships, the respective mentor and mentee roles and learn how to maximize the mentoring relationship for professional development. This session will also include the mechanics of giving and receiving feedback.
The summer program is intended to assist post docs in fulfilling the professionalism competency component in the professional development plan recommended by The National Postdoctoral Association.
Location: Training Room, HR Building, 420 Wakara Way (next to the Marriott Hotel), Research Park.
-Lunch will be available.
If you have any questions please contact Mary Anne Berzins.
Postdoctoral Funding Resources
Postdoctoral training and research may be funded through a variety of sources. Most postdocs are funded through research grants, and many postdocs receive internally or externally (national and international) competitive fellowships. Postdocs may be funded through other external sources, such as salary continuation while on sabbaticals from current employers or through scholarships and fellowships from foreign governments or institutions.
To learn more visit the Postdoctoral Funding page from the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP).
Postdoctoral Researchers Networking Tour 2016
Application Deadline: July 15, 2016
Germany offers a broad spectrum of career options for young scientists at universities, research institutions and in industry. However, those who have never been to Germany and Germans who have been out of country for some time may not be familiar with recent developments and new opportunities.
The DAAD offers a new format to provide postdoctoral researchers with an insight into German science and the job market for highly qualified postdoctoral researchers.This year’s networking tour focusses on molecular bioscience (biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine and related disciplines). Visit the Postdoctoral Researchers’ Networking Tour webpage if you have questions or would like to view the eligibility.
Limited submission funding opportunities
Physics Frontiers Centers (PFC)
Internal Submission Deadline: June 20, 2016
The program is designed to foster major breakthroughs at the intellectual frontiers of physics by providing needed resources such as combinations of talents, skills, disciplines, and/or specialized infrastructure, not usually available to individual investigators or small groups, in an environment in which the collective efforts of the larger group can be shown to be seminal to promoting significant progress in the science and the education of students.
Curatorial Stewardship of a National Collection of Geological Rock & Sediment Cores from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
Internal Submission Deadline: June 21, 2016
The Antarctic Earth Science Program in the Antarctic Sciences Section of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Division of Polar Programs provides support for the curation and long-term storage of core material collected on the Antarctic continent and its margins. Consequently, this solicitation seeks a qualified organization to provide core curation services for geological cores collected in the polar regions. The award will be administered as a Cooperative Agreement and will cover a five-year operating period beginning Oct. 1, 2017.
Extramural funding opportunities
2017 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science or Fine Arts
Deadline: June 10, 2016
The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise were established in 2009 as a complement to the Vilcek Prizes, to encourage and support young immigrants who have already demonstrated exceptional achievements, and who often face significant challenges early in their careers. As with the Vilcek Prizes, the Creative Promise Prizes are awarded annually in biomedical science and in a changing category of the arts, next year recognizing accomplishments in the field of fine arts.
W.M. Keck Foundation Concept Papers
Deadline: June 13, 2016
The Development Office is currently seeking proposal concepts for The W.M. Keck Foundation (Advance ID 339071). If you would like to submit a concept paper for a research project in science, engineering or medical research that has the potential to meet the funding interests of the Foundation, please submit a one-page concept paper electronically (See guidelines and template) outlining the research to be considered. Please read the guidelines carefully because several of them have changed.
Bioenergy Research Centers
Pre-Application Due Date: June 17, 2016 by 5 p.m. EST
The purpose of the BRC program is to break down basic science barriers to establishing a commercially viable and sustainable domestic specialty biofuels and bioproducts industry. BRC is interested in solutions through innovative, integrated, multidisciplinary approaches and strategies, some of which being high-risk, high-reward. Research will be at the interface between basic and applied science, will maintain a focus on applications for specialty biofuels and bioproducts, and will provide basic knowledge as well as technical solutions.
Economic & Social Research Council Large Grants Competition
Registration of Interest Deadline: July 8, 2016
Deadline: Oct. 13, 2016 by 2 p.m.
The ESRC Large Grants competition invites proposals from eligible individuals and research teams to take forward an ambitious research agenda with the potential to effect significant economic or societal impact. Similar to our standard Research Grants, we welcome proposals for standard research projects, large-scale surveys, infrastructure projects, and for methodological developments in any area of the social sciences. We actively encourage inter-disciplinarity both within and beyond the social sciences.
Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)
Full Proposal Deadline: July 22, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
Inquiries and Questions Deadline: July 1, 2016
The Department of Defense (DoD) announces the Fiscal Year 2017 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP). DURIP is designed to improve the capabilities of accredited United States (U.S.) institutions of higher education to conduct research and to educate scientists and engineers in areas important to national defense, by providing funds for the acquisition of research equipment or instrumentation. For-profit organizations are not eligible for DURIP funding. We refer to eligible institutions of higher education as universities in the rest of this announcement. DURIP is part of the University Research Initiative (URI).
Bridge to Independence Award
LOR Deadline: Aug. 1, 2016
Proposal Deadline: Aug. 8, 2016
Grants awarded through the Bridge to Independence Award program are intended to invest in the next generation of top autism investigators by identifying talented early-career scientists interested in autism research and facilitating their transition to an independent research career. This request for applications (RFA) is aimed at senior postdoctoral fellows who intend to seek tenure-track faculty positions during the 2016–17 academic year.
RusNanoPrize –Nanotechnology International Prize
Call for Nominations Deadline: Aug. 15, 2016
The RusNanoPrize is awarded to researchers, scientists and developers (up to three people) being the authors of scientific-technological discovery or discoveries in the field of nanotechnologies, and to the company being the first to apply the discovery to mass production with the annual production output of at least $10 million and reached business success through the application of the discovery.
Email nominations to rusnanoprize@forinnovations.org.
NSF Supplements for Research Experiences for Undergraduates/Teachers/Veterans
Deadline: Aug. 24, 2016
If you have an active NSF award and have potential opportunities for engaging undergraduate students/teachers/veterans into the research (not simply data collection or system administration work), then you can request a REU supplement for this research work to employ undergraduate students. NeTS will support up to 2 students per active award and also per PI, unless exceptional circumstances warrant the need for additional students.
Partnerships for Innovation: Accelerating Innovation Research-Technology Translation (PFI: AIR-TT)
LOI Deadline: Sept. 8, 2016
This PFI: AIR-TT solicitation is designed to support innovative ideas and partnerships in the translation of NSF-funded fundamental science and engineering discoveries toward market-valued solutions. The program outcomes will be more research discoveries translated onto a path toward commercial reality, more connections between faculty and persons knowledgeable about market need (e.g., potential customers, individuals with business experience, potential investors, etc.) and the engagement of faculty and students in entrepreneurial/innovative thinking.
Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative to Support Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences (DMS/NIGMS)
Deadline: Sept. 14, 2016
The Division of Mathematical Sciences in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences at the National Institutes of Health plan to support research in mathematics and statistics on questions in the biological and biomedical sciences. Both agencies recognize the need and urgency for promoting research at the interface between the mathematical sciences and the life sciences.
Sloan Research Fellowships
Deadline: Sept. 15, 2016
The Sloan Research Fellowships seek to stimulate fundamental research by early-career scientists and scholars of outstanding promise. These two-year fellowships are awarded yearly to 126 researchers in recognition of distinguished performance and a unique potential to make substantial contributions to their field.
Upcoming classes in the Research Administration Training Series (RATS)
For questions concerning RATS, please contact Tony Onofrietti (801-585-3492) or visit the RATS website.
The May 2016 Grant Writing Academy program has reached capacity, and registration for the Oct. 28-30, 2016 Grant Writing Academy(GWA) is now available. For information please visit the Research Education website or contact Tony Onofrietti Director, Research Education.
Also, if you are interested in knowing more about how to write a proposal for the National Science Foundation online materials are available through RATS Online Classes.
Research news and publicizing research
Interested in the cool research going on at the U? For the latest news on research, go to news. If you are interested in publicizing your research, guidelines and information on how-to, along with contact information, may be found at: Publicizing Research and Working with the Media.
Stay Connected with the Office of the Vice President for Research
Interested in the latest research updates at the University of Utah? Follow the Office of the Vice President for Research on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine and sign up for Researcher’s Corner, a blog published by the VPR office, to stay up-to-date on research news, grant deadlines, policies, resources, and more. If you would like to us to highlight your research, please email FollowVPR@utah.edu with a short description about your research and a PR coordinator will contact you.