BILAT USA 2.0 Session at ARMA: Introduction to the US Funding Environment

The US is currently ranked first in technology, innovation and R&D expenditures, and many European researchers and institutions have developed strong research links with US researchers and their institutions.  However, there is also a large number of European researchers and institutions, including many in Member States (MS), that have not established strong research partnerships with US counterparts.  In addition, a number of US research funding opportunities are open to researchers and institutions in MS. These are not necessarily well-publicized and in those cases in which they are known, European researchers and research managers may not be familiar with the application process and grants management procedures required by US research funding agencies. Increasing awareness and proposal success among European MS researchers and institutions eligible for US research funds will enhance transatlantic STI collaboration and result in more EU-US cooperation.

ARMA is the professional association for research managers and administrators in the UK and internationally. ARMA supports and encourages professional development amongst research managers and administrators in the UK and on an international basis by providing a range of training and development events. The events offer opportunities for the exchange of information, knowledge, expertise and best practice between members, and keep members up to date with developments in the field.

This workshop that is jointly organized by BILAT USA 2.0 partner NCURA and the UK-based ARMA (Association of Research Managers and Administrators) aims to do the following:

1. To promote awareness of US research funding opportunities for European researchers
2. To strengthen European institutions’ expertise in managing US research funds
3. To provide successful examples of research collaboration between US and European institutions

The presenters include the following:

1. Vivian Holmes, Director of Sponsored Research Operations, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard (US), and the President of NCURA
2. Patricia Hawk, Director of Sponsored Programs, Oregon State University (US), and the Past President of NCURA
3. Marcia Hahn, Director of Division of Grants Policy, National Institutes of Health (US) – via videoconference
4. Jean Feldman, Head of Policy Office, National Science Foundation (US) – via videoconference
5. Stephen Conway, Senior Assistant Registrar, Social Sciences Division, University of Oxford, and Director of Training & Development, ARMA

The first two presenters will provide their respective institution’s perspective of US federal funding and hands-on instruction on how to manage a US federal grant; the third and fourth presenters will offer their insights into strategic funding priorities, major funding schemes and routes to accessing funding for non-US research organizations; and the fifth presenter will provide a case study of a European institution that has successfully applied for and received US federal grants.