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Enabling the Global Research Enterprise from Policy to Practice
Facilitating Research: A Customized Service Approach
Diane Dobbins, MA
Manager, Research & Partnerships, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
April 12, 2014
• Objectives
• Setting the Context – Research Landscape
• Research Facilitation and Facilitators – growing impact
• Customized service: A Guelph example
• Identifying Best Practices and Discussion
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
• Gain a better understanding of the field of research facilitation in Canada/Ontario.
• Understand and describe the role of research facilitators in a research culture.
• Gain insight about issues researchers are currently confronting with respect to research productivity
• Enhance tools to assist researchers with pre-award preparation
• Share past experiences and lessons learned.
OBJECTIVES
• In 1827, Guelph (“The Royal City”) was named to honour the British Empire's King George IV, whose family name was Gwelf.
• Education on the Guelph campus has a long tradition, beginning well over 100 year ago.
• Heritage in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
• University of Guelph officially formed in 1964 – 50th anniversary
• One of Canada’s top comprehensive universities.
CONTEXT
THE RESEARCH LANDSCAPE
Research Facilitators always need to be aware of possible issues/challenges/changes which may impact their researchers.
Let’s consider some of the issues that may impact researchers at the various levels:
• Internationally
What are the key elements impacting research internationally?
• Nationally:
What is happening at the National level?
• Provincially/Locally:
What issues are critical within your own province?
What are some of the key issues within your institution?
RESEARCH LANDSCAPE AT GUELPH• Education on the Guelph campus has a long tradition, beginning over
100 years ago.
• Heritage in agriculture and veterinary medicine.
• University of Guelph officially formed in 1964 – 50th anniversary
• One of Canada’s top comprehensive universities.
• Programs in science & engineering,
social and applied human sciences,
liberal arts, humanities, fine and
performing arts, and economics
and business.
Office of Research (ORS)
Oversees $140+ million research enterprise
seven colleges;
four regional campuses;
10 research stations;
University of Guelph/Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs partnership.
RESEARCH LANDSCAPE AT GUELPH
Research Support System at UofG
VP Research
Research ServicesAssociate VP (Research Services)
Research Support Services
(Grants/Contracts)
Research Ethics
Research Communications and SPARK
Research Legal Review
Research Risk Management
Research Information Technology
Strategic PartnershipsAssociate VP Research (Strategic Partnerships)
OMAF & MRA / UofG Partnership
Campus Animal Facilities
Animal Care Services
Catalyst Centre
AVP Finance & ServicesAssistant VP Finance
Research Financial Services
CME CoA CSAHS CBS CPES OAC OVC
VP Finance
Dean
Associate Dean, Research & Grad Programs
***Manager, Research & Partnerships
Many Canadian Universities have begun to make the investment in research facilitation and facilitators
Seeing a shift from ‘research service’ to “research facilitation” WHY?
Examples:
Research Facilitation Offices - Research Service Office - University ... (Alberta)
Research Facilitation - VP Research - Simon Fraser University (BC)
Research Facilitation - Research Western - Western University (ON)
Office of Research Facilitation | The Schulich School of Engineering (Calgary, Alberta)
GRANT FACILITATION NETWORK | Office of Research Services (BC)
RESEARCH FACILITATION – growing impact
=
MY CONTEXT
+
College of Management & Economics
Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
and
Manager, Research & Partnerships
Service:• an act of help or assistance;• useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity
Customize:• to change (something) in order to fit the needs or requirements of a person,
business, etc.
Customized Service
Build a unique relationship with each researcher.
+Self-determination theory – what
motivates one researcher may not hold true for another researcher .
CUSTOMIZED SERVICE: A Guelph Example
CUSTOMIZED SERVICE: A Guelph Example
New research based initiatives launched in my unit since 2010
• College Support for Presentations at Research Conferences ($2500)• Modified the SSHRC 4A Fund – need to submit a research enhancement plan ($5,000)• CME – RA Summer Program – ($80,000)• SSHRC – SIG General Research Grant – matched funding program (up to $5000)• CME Fellowship Program (5)• Speaker Series and other research focused events• Workshops ( ex. Qualtrics training, Media training, SSHRC info sessions, etc)• Networking events with external agencies (ex. OMAF-MRA)• Research Enhancement Fund – annual call for innovative small amount initiatives• Ad-hoc seed funding initiative (emphasis on collaboration)• Launch of a joint URC/College Chair program• Launch of a CME – Research Chair program
CUSTOMIZED SERVICE: A Guelph example
Example of a new faculty research resource package used at Guelph
Faculty Profile & CV: • Connect with Communications
Researchers Guide:• Key policies – deadlines, internal forms, Use of Human Subjects policy, Indirect
Cost/Overhead, Consulting ……• Websites – College, OVPR, SSHRC, etc
Overview of Campus Resources: • Data Resource Centre, PIVOT, Equipment, etc.
Research Funding Opportunities:• Departmental Support: start-up funds, cash advance on conference travel• Internal : Conference Travel, General Research• External: SSHRC, CFI, CIHR, NSERC, OCE, OMAF & MRA, CFI, etc.
Mentoring:
Con’t
FINAL THOUGHTS• Part of a team - need support from (ie. ADR/Dean) as well as from admin’s.• Plan to get out of your office often to meet researchers, students, Academic
Chairs, support staff, where they are comfortable. • Participate in departmental, non-research related activities occasionally • It takes time before you begin to see research results (2-3yrs minimum). • Initially try to focus on securing a few small quick wins which will improve
your credibility with faculty. • Focus on making connections with “influencers” in each unit. They can
become your best advocates!• Faculty, pre-tenure in particular will often share information with me that
they’d never say in front of one of their colleagues – Trust is critical. • Research facilitator’s often have a pulse for emerging issues – know your own
limits and when to seek help.
What advice or tips do you have that has helped you to be effective in your position as a research facilitator?
What are the most significant challenges or constraints you face as a research facilitator?
BEST PRACTICES & DISCUSSION
CONTACT INFORMATION
Diane DobbinsManager, Research & Partnerships
College of Management and Economics
Dean’s Office – 9th Floor MacKinnon Building
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (519) 824-4120 ext. 52152