Proposal Resources

Organized Research

Organized research includes both research and development activities.  Research is defined as a systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the studied subject.  Development is the systematic use of knowledge and understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems or methods.  Characteristics of organized research include systematic investigation, contributions to generalized knowledge, supporting, refining or refuting other research studies, production of research outcomes and the intent to publish or disseminate results.  These activities are separately budgeted and accounted for by the University, and include the following subcategories:

  • Basic Research – undertaken to acquire new knowledge without particular application or use in mind
  • Applied Research – conducted to gain knowledge or understanding to meet a specific need
  • Development – directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems or methods

Examples include:

  • Scientific laboratory or field research
  • Searching for applications of new research findings or other knowledge
  • Conceptual formulation and design of possible product or process alternatives
  • Statistical studies
  • Literary interpretations or criticisms
  • Health-related studies
  • Research on teaching effectiveness
  • Funding to maintain a center or facility (including its equipment and operations) which will be used for research
  • Support for the writing of publications, when the purpose of the writing is to publish research results
  • Training of individuals in research techniques (commonly called research training) where activities use the same facilities as other research and development activities and where such activities are not included in the instruction function (e.g., NIH T32 grants, AHA Fellowships, etc.)

Instruction

Instruction includes all teaching, course and curriculum development, and academic advising and development – except for research training as described above.  It includes activities that are part of the University’s instruction program to communicate educational content for credit and not-for-credit courses.  However, when the majority of activity is data collection, evaluation, and reporting, such evaluation may be considered “research”.

Examples include:

  • Student community service activities for which they are receiving academic credit
  • Grants funding dissertation work and related travel
  • Support for creating instructional material, course and curriculum development
  • Academic advising and development

Other Sponsored Activities

Other sponsored activities involve the performance of work other than organized research and instruction, and may encompass student services, administration, the library and public outreach activities.  Public service, or the delivery of professional (non-instructional) services to individuals or groups external to the University, is a common type of other sponsored activity. It does not include fellowships, work-study, or gifts. Unlike organized research, the work or project is often conducted without an evaluation of outcomes or any academic recognition for the project, such as publication and/or presentation of results.

Examples include:

  • Travel grants
  • Support for conferences or seminars
  • Support for University public events
  • Support for teachers or students in elementary or high schools for outreach purposes
  • Support for activities where there is no training of students, data collection or evaluation of any kind
  • Projects that involve faculty, staff, or students in community service activities, but only if the students are not receiving University credit
  • Support for projects pertaining to library collections, acquisitions, bibliographies, or cataloging
  • Programs to enhance institutional resources, including data center expansion, computer enhancements, etc.
  • Five (5) business days for electronic submission when OSP submits including Assist, workspace and Fastlane
  • Three (3) business days for all other submission types
  • For animal research, an ACC protocol “pending” status is required at the time of submission unless sponsor requires approval at the time of application submission*.
  • For human subject research, an IRB protocol “pending” status required at the time of submission unless sponsor requires approval at the time of application submission*.
  • For research at UIC hospitals or clinics, the Hospital Administration Office (1400 UIH) must approve the myProposals transmittal application prior to submission to OSP.
  • For use of the MRI Center (1801 W. Taylor Street), please follow the instructions provided here.
  • Identifying COI on Proposals and Continuing Awards