USF Research Council

A Standing Council of the USF Faculty Senate

The Research Council (RC) is a standing Council of the USF Faculty Senate and receives authority for its actions through that body. Members are selected by the USF Faculty Senate and appointed by the Provost. See Nomination Form

The Research Council is responsible for advising the President, Provost, Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dean of the Graduate School, and other administrative officials on matters pertaining to policies and procedures intended to promote growth, excellence, and integrity in research and creative activity throughout the University community.

Membership consists of one representative from each college; one additional representative from any college having more than 250 full-time faculty members; a third representative from any college having more than 400 full-time faculty members; and two faculty members at large. Appointees typically serve a three-year term and have demonstrated productivity in research or other creative activity.

The Research Council meets twice a month during the Fall and Spring Semesters and on an ad hoc basis during the Summer, as needed. Since RC members conduct the Internal Award selection process for the Office of Research and Innovation, they are not eligible to apply for an Internal Award while serving on the RC.

Activities of the Research Council

• USF Internal Awards grant program: develop policies & procedures and select awardees
• University-wide grants and awards: review & recommend awardees

• Outstanding Research Achievement Awards
• Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Faculty Research Award
• Graduate Student Challenge Grant

• Limited submission pre-proposal selection: review & rank pre-proposals for Vice President
• Research misconduct review process: provide preliminary assessment of probable cause
• Solicit & report input on faculty research issues: conduct surveys, focus groups, discussions
• Proposal Enhancement Project: help faculty maximize the potential of grant proposals by improving the quality and funding success rate of research proposals from USF faculty members. It provides:

• Proposal "polishing" for experienced grant writers seeking an objective review of a proposal.
• Proposal "mentoring" for faculty seeking assistance with program selection, topic refinement, project development, budget preparation, and proposal presentation.