Office of the Vice President for Research Discussion Series

Is my proposal competitive? How can I gain more external support for my research ideas? Can I respond to major funding prospects? As federal agencies collapse programs, tighten rules and increase proposal requirements, navigating this ever-changing landscape can be bewildering. The Research Development Team (RDT) serves as a resource for mapping your path to proposal success and amplifying your opportunities. Discover tools and tips to improve your competitive edge.

Being aware of proper publication processes is important to the reputation of scholars engaged in research. Recently, questions have arisen regarding paying for works published, credibility of open access publishers, and the effects of government bounty for publication in specific journals. Join us for the OVPR Discussion Series on Research Publication Practices & Responsible Authorship to learn more about proper practices, and tips and tricks to make sure both you and your research are protected. The format will consist of presentations by several speakers followed by an open discussion time. Speakers include Alice Young, associate vice president for research and responsible research, Aliza Wong, associate dean of the Honors College and associate professor of History and the Director of European Studies, and Roman Taraban, professor and associate department chair in the Department of Psychological Sciences.

The construction of the Texas Tech Research Park is a tangible example of how Texas Tech is growing as a top tier research university. Join us for the OVPR Discussion Series where representatives directly involved with the building and implementation of the research park will discuss details of the new facility and what is available to researchers. The format will consist of presentations by several speakers followed by an open discussion time. Please feel free to bring a lunch. Beverages and cookies will be provided. Speakers include Michael Molina, vice chancellor for facilities planning and construction and Jennifer Horn, director of translational research and entrepreneurialism. Ryan Reber, technology manager in the Office of Research Commercialization, will discuss the TECH ACCELERATOR program and the attention the office is receiving from corporations, specifically corporate investment funds that are looking for innovative companies. Pat Delucia, faculty fellow in the OVPR, will give a short presentation about the Targeted Faculty Awards program.

The OVPR Discussion Series looks at what is the ideal relationship between a faculty member and a student when commercialization of intellectual property is involved? As Texas Tech encourages the development of a stronger student entrepreneurial culture, there is a need for a guide to best practices on how to form a startup company.

Texas Tech is expanding its horizons through the creation of innovative entrepreneurial initiatives on campus in order to become a great research university. Vice President for Research Robert V. Duncan will kick off the fall 2014 OVPR Discussion Series with a round-table discussion on entrepreneurialism and innovation at Texas Tech. Other speakers include Jennifer Horn, director of translational research and entrepreneurialism, as well as representatives from various colleges.

Discussion on requirements for researchers utilizing the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer centers. Speakers: Yehia Mechref, professor of Chemistry and NIH panel reviewer for SBIR/STTR; Susan Back, Associate Professor of Education EPL, Office of Program Evaluation and Research Support; Allen Carrigo, Assistant Regional Director of the SBDC; and representatives from the Office of Research Services.

Texas Tech has a unique opportunity to help the community by fostering economic recovery and growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. The university is placing a new emphasis on economic engagement with its external partners. Economic engagement activities can include transferring research discoveries into marketable products and services, sharing technical expertise and equipment with its community, and providing educational opportunities and workforce development. Come discuss Texas Tech’s current activities and plans for the future. Speakers: Robert V. Duncan, Vice President for Research, Texas Tech University; Lance Nail, Rawls College of Business Dean, Texas Tech University; Eli Velasquez, Associate Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization, Texas Tech University System.

Navigating the post-award process can be complicated, but staff from the Office of Research Services (ORS) and Sponsored Programs Accounting & Reporting (SPAR) will help to simplify the process. In this session of the OVPR Discussion Series, Kathleen Harris, Senior Associate Vice President for Research and ORS Director, and Simone Barnhill, Managing Director of SPAR, will walk you through the roles and responsibilities of their respective offices in the post-award process. Speakers: Kathleen Harris, Senior Associate Vice President for Research, Director of the Office of Research Services; Simone Barnhill, Managing Director of Sponsored Programs Accounting & Reporting.

Texas Tech University is committed to establishing and preserving a culture of Safety First. Texas Tech has made great strides over the years to ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. Representatives from the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Institutional Laboratory Safety Committee and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety will lead a discussion on the efforts that are underway to ensure that TTU is a safe and healthy place to work and study. Speakers: Alice Young, Associate Vice President for Research (Research Integrity); Dimitri Pappas, Chair, Institutional Laboratory Safety Committee; Cliff Harris, Interim Director, Office of Environmental Health and Safety; Jared Martin, Laboratory Safety Manager, Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Vice President for Research Robert V. Duncan will kick off the OVPR Discussion Series with a talk on the status of research at Texas Tech University and the vision for research in the future.