 |
High Performance Computing (HPC) Grant Program—Comments Being Sought
At the March Annual Meeting of the Council of Sponsoring Institutions, it was announced that a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) would be created to advance ORAU member use and access to the lab’s high performance computing capacity. ORAU and ORNL are in the planning stages of developing a special grant program for ORAU member institutions that would provide funding for and access to research using ORNL's high-performance computing resources in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In order to proceed most effectively with the best possible advice, we have been asked for our input.
A site (www.orau.org/blog) has been created that includes draft program details, and feedback is being requested. The site is set up as a blog so you can easily read the program details and then post any comments, input, or advice you have on the program itself or the proposal guidelines. See the following instructions below for posting comments.
*To leave your comments, you will need to click the "Comments" link following the last paragraph of the content (specifically on the "Home" page and "Proposal Guidelines" page). You will then see a blank field labeled "Leave a Reply" where you can begin typing. Depending on your view, you may see the "Leave a Reply" box without clicking the Comments link. All comments are shared, so you can see and build upon what your fellow member institutions are saying about the program. No one is required to enter personal information such as name, institution, e-mail address, etc., but doing so will allow follow up with you if you contribute a comment that further exploration.
We believe FSU faculty will be interested in helping to shape this program. Your comments on this effort are due by May 20.
|
|
|
|
|
Export Control Issues Related to Laptops or GPS Equipment:
US export control laws may apply to laptop computers, global positioning system equipment (GPS) and their associated software. Researchers export their laptops or GPS when they take equipment abroad to aid them with their research, allow a person in a foreign country to use their laptops or GPS, or allow a foreign national access to their laptops or GPS in the United States (a deemed export).
The export regulations vary based on which country you are traveling to and for what purpose you intend to use your laptop or GPS. Please note that the information contained in your laptop files may be subject to export control as well. A license may be required to export the laptop, GPS, or a prohibition may apply if the researcher intends to export to an embargoed country.
There are public domain and fundamental research exclusions that may apply so that a researcher is free to export the laptop or GPS, but an analysis of the applicability of any exclusion or exemption should be done in advance of any export scenario.
Red flags for export control issues in the area of laptops and GPS equipment are:
- whether any software contains source code for encryption software or mass market encryption products,
- whether the equipment, software, and technology are on the US Munitions List,
- whether the equipment or software will be put to a military or outer space use,
- whether the research could be used in the development of weapons of mass destruction.
Researchers should be mindful that many foreign governments have regulations that permit seizure of travelers’ computers and review of their contents. US Customs officials are also authorized to review the contents of travelers’ laptops. The US government requires that laptops and GPS equipment be kept under “effective control” at all times when travelling outside the US. If you have any related questions, please feel free to contact Jane Mostoller, Associate General Counsel, at 644-0284 or jmostoll@mailer.fsu.edu
Export Control Enforcement Update:
A recent news article from CNN .com
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/05/airport.arrests.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
focused on the arrest of two individuals enroute to China, who were allegedly attempting to illegally export nearly a dozen “sensitive infrared cameras” in their luggage at LAX.
|
UPDATE: Spring Equipment Grant Competition – Round 6
The deadline for submitting proposals for the sixth round of the Equipment and Infrastructure Enhancement Grant (EIEG) has passed. Five proposals were submitted this round. The EIEG Review Panel has met and has made their recommendations. If you submitted an application this round and have not received notification please contact Eric McNair at 644-3328 or emcnair@fsu.edu. The next round of the competition is scheduled for September 1, 2008. For more information about the Equipment Grant Program please visit www.research.fsu.edu/foundation/eieg/.
|
Human Subjects: New Fees
FSU researchers who submit applications for IRB review at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center (TMH) are advised that the Center has adopted a new policy to charge researchers for IRB reviews. The review fee will depend on the type of review and whether the research is federally funded. Student conducted research will not be charged (unless federally funded). The TMH will consider requests for waiver of the IRB review fee if the applicant meets certain criteria. Any questions should be directed to Ms. Julie Haltiwanger at 644-7900, email at jth5898@fsu.edu.
FSU researchers are advised that the Florida Department of Health has posted a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the imposition of an IRB Review Fee for research projects under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Health. The notice provides as follows:
The following notice was published in the Florida Administrative Weekly today, April 25, 2008:
Notice of Proposed Rule
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
64H Office of Statewide Research
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
64H-2.002: Institutional Review Board Applications
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule is to provide an application mechanism and fee schedule requesting IRB review pursuant to the provisions of Section 381.86(5), F.S.
SUMMARY: Rule 64H 2.002, F.A.C., adopts a fee schedule for review of human subjects research pursuant to Section 381.86(5), F.S.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: Number of people affected: 46; Number of entities affected: 10; Dollar impact $26,400; Cost to agency: $10,000 first year and $7,000 thereafter;
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 381.86 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 381.86(5) FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: May 8, 2008, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
PLACE: Conference Room 280N, 4030 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Ronique Hall, Office of Public Health Research, Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Mail Bin A24, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850)245-4444, x3927
THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:
64H-2.002 Institutional Review Board Applications.
(1) Requests for Institutional Review Board review shall be submitted electronically using the IRBWise system available at the program’s website http://FLpublichealthETHICS.net/. The website address is also available by contacting: Office of Public Health Research, Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A-24, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850)245-4585.
(2) A fee shall be charged for review of each study according to the following schedule: Initial Requests for full board or expedited review $500, Amendments $100, and Continuing Reviews $500. Requests for continuing review are due 60 days prior to study expiration; requests for review after a study has expired will be assessed a $1,000 fee.
Fees are due at the time a request for review is made. IRB determinations will not be granted until payment is received by the department. Fees are nonrefundable, except if the investigator pays a fee when none is due. Specific instructions on how to pay the fee are available at the website indicated in subsection (1).
Fees do not apply to Department of Health employees, including contracted employees, or investigators conducting research involving human subjects at the request of the Department under a contract, memorandum of understanding, or similar agreement. Fees are waived for any student who is a candidate for a degree at a university regardless of location.
Specific Authority 381.86 FS. Law Implemented 381.86(5) FS. History–New.
NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Robert Hood, Assistant Director, Office of Public Health Research
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Susan Phillips, Director, Office of Public Health Research
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: April 3, 2008
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: July 20, 2007
Any questions should be directed to Ms. Julie Haltiwanger at 644-7900, email at jth5898@fsu.edu.
|
Florida Department of Children and Families Update
A related update relative to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). In previous years, the (DCF) relied on the Florida Department of Health to conduct IRB reviews of DCF-related research, pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement. As of March 2008, it is our understanding that this Agreement is no longer in effect. We have been advised that DCF is reviewing other options regarding an appropriate institution to conduct IRB reviews of DCF- related research. Ms. Jackie Beck at the DCF is the contact for this information at 921-5699 or you may contact Ms. Julie Haltiwanger at 644-7900, email at jth5898@fsu.edu for additional information.
|
News on FSU Conditional Approvals:
Researchers are advised that a conditional approval status from the FSU IRB will last for only 60 days from the date of status notification from the IRB. If the required conditions are not submitted within 60 days from the date of status notification (“conditionally approved by the IRB contingent on the following…”), then the application will be administratively closed, and the researcher will have to re-submit his/her application for review. Too often researchers submit an application for review, a conditional approval is granted by the IRB, and the researcher never gets back to the IRB with the required submissions to complete the review and approval process, creating administrative confusion and compliance jeopardy.
|
CRC and Cornerstone Updates
Workshops for New Assistant Professor Faculty
The Council on Research and Creativity (CRC) sponsored workshop for new assistant professor faculty (awarded 2007-2008) and others interested in learning about ways to generate external funding occured Thursday, May 1. Copies of the powerpoint presentations will be available on the CRC website on Monday, May 5. See http://www.research.fsu.edu/crc/workshops.html.
A poster session for those first year assistant professors from one year ago (2006-2007) was on display during the workshop’s lunch break period. Another workshop planned for Thursday, April 30, 2009. Watch for announcements when plans are finalized.
Distinguished Research Professors for 2007-2008 were announced at the April Faculty Awards Program. The three awardees selected this year are: Professors Nancy de Grummond (Classics), Efstratios Manousakis (Physics) and Joe Schlenoff (Chemistry/Biochemistry).
Developing Scholars for 2007-2008 were also announced at the same function. They are: Professors Igor Alabugin (Chemistry/Biochemistry), Paul Eugenio (Physics), Laurel Fulkerson (Classics), Xiuwen Liu (Computer Science) and Teng Ma (Chemical and Biomedical Engineering).
The CRC introduced a new honorary award program this year for Distinguished University Scholars. The inaugural awardees are: Sharon Hagopian (Physics) and Denis Markiewicz (Magnet Lab).
See http://www.research.fsu.edu/crc/index.html for a complete list of CRC programs.
The 2007-2008 Cornerstone awards for AHPEGs (Arts & Humanities Program Enhancement Grants) and SSPEGs (Social Sciences Program Enhancement Grants) have been awarded. The winners are:
SSPEG: $100,000 to Jennifer Jerit (Political Science) and co-PIs Jason Barabas, Charles Barrilleaux, Robert Crew, Jens Grosser, Robert Jackson, Cherie Maestes (all Political Science) and Carl Schmertmann (Economics)
AHPEG: $39,000 to John Corrigan (Religion) and Co-PIs Barney Warf (Geography) and Daniel Pullen (Classics),
$28,294 to Ladislav Kubik (Music) and co-PIs Alexander Jimenez and James Nalley (also Music),
$15,600 to Joe Sanders (Art),
$10,000 to John Raulerson (Art) and co-PI Daniel Kariko (also Art),
$10,000 to Lori Walters (Modern Languages).
See http://www.research.fsu.edu/cornerstone/index.html for information on AHPEG and SSPEG programs.
Please note: All CRC and Cornerstone Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be updated over the summer with new information posted by mid-August.
|
USF Biological Defense White Papers Due
The University of South Florida Center for Biological Defense is requesting white papers to expand its biodefense research capabilities for the FY 2009-10 funding period. Please click on the title above for more information.
|
NSF Dear Colleague Letter on Broader Impacts Proposal Requirements
On April 7, 2008, Luis Echegoyen, Director of the Division of Chemistry, released a Dear Colleague letter on the broader impacts of proposal requirements. If you have not already reviewed this document you can do so by visiting: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08044/nsf08044.jsp
|
|
|
