April 15, 2013

KU's Research Caliber: strengthen skills, technology, and retaining top performers

• No new updates

Pursue System Improvements: implement tools that increase faculty and administrative efficiency; collaborate with KUMC where feasible

• Implementation of Click IRB electronic system - The project mid-point meeting was held April 10 with Click project personnel, IRB representatives from all three campuses and KU project IT leaders. Go-live is scheduled for June 17th. System configuration details, testing and refinement procedures, and communications, training schedules and overall timeline were discussed.
• KUMC COI administrators visited KU-L on Friday, March 29 for additional training on the use of meeting management features of Click COI module. Discussion of harmonizing format and strategies for conflict management plans between campuses also ensued. This is becoming important as we have start-ups that involve individuals on both campuses and it would be preferable to have plans of equivalent measure for both campuses.
• For IACUC, a simple database is being developed in Access to aid in reporting and tracking protocol processing. This should result in the ability to draw metrics, provide up to date information on protocol status and linkage to sponsored projects, and afford additional streamlining opportunities for protocol workflow. This is an interim solution as the Click Module will not be ready until late 2014. Progress continues on a new IACUC application that will improve quality of information submitted and therefore reduce time spent on assessment and corrections. A disaster plan for animal care and use activities is in draft form. The final plan will be in place by July 29 and will be in a form consistent with, and will be integrated with other University emergency plans.
• A meeting to discuss a bi-campus position for export controls is scheduled for April 12.

KUCR Efficiency: strengthen operations, processes, and overall effectiveness

• In an effort to better serve researchers, RGS is currently assessing the instruments used to notify researchers about external funding opportunities. Faculty and staff have been surveyed about the tools they find most useful and these results will inform proposed improvements.