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 – 50 th 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 – 50 th 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 Services Associate VP (Research Services) Research Support Services (Grants/Contracts) Research Ethics Research Communications and SPARK Research Legal Review Research Risk Management Research Information Technology Research Services Associate VP (Research Services) Research Support Services (Grants/Contracts) Research Ethics Research Communications and SPARK Research Legal Review Research Risk Management Research Information Technology Strategic Partnerships Associate VP Research (Strategic Partnerships) OMAF & MRA / UofG Partnership Campus Animal Facilities Animal Care Services Catalyst Centre Strategic Partnerships Associate VP Research (Strategic Partnerships) OMAF & MRA / UofG Partnership Campus Animal Facilities Animal Care Services Catalyst Centre AVP Finance & Services Assistant VP Finance Research Financial Services AVP Finance & Services Assistant VP Finance Research Financial Services CME CoA CSAHS CBS CPES OAC OVC VP Finance Dean Associate Dean, Research & Grad Programs ***Manager, Research & Partnerships 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

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 Dobbins Manager, Research & Partnerships College of Management and Economics Dean’s Office – 9 th Floor MacKinnon Building University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1 Phone: (519) ext