In a transformative move to bolster the scientific research landscape, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has conferred a generous $3 million grant to a coalition of university leaders from the University of Cincinnati (UC), Kent State University, and Iowa State University. The grant aims to fund the Supporting and HArmonizing Research Endeavors (SHARE) initiative, a comprehensive program designed to amplify access to research resources among smaller institutions and catalyze efficient collaborations across universities. This strategic investment targets the modernization and harmonization of research infrastructure, administrative processes, and regulatory compliance to usher in an era of streamlined, cost-efficient scientific endeavors.
The SHARE initiative, spearheaded by Ohio-based principal investigators including Jane Strasser from the University of Cincinnati, Douglas Delahanty from Kent State University, and Iowa State’s James Reecy, is poised to revamp how regional research ecosystems function. By focusing on reducing logistical and administrative redundancies, the program envisions the creation of easily replicable regional consortia that share not only expertise but also cutting-edge research infrastructure. Such scaling of resources is expected to democratize access, allowing smaller institutions, often constrained by limited facilities and budgets, to participate actively in high-impact scientific projects.
A core challenge in the current research environment is the burden of indirect costs, often referred to as facilities and administrative charges, which can significantly inflate the expenses associated with conducting research. Strasser emphasizes that the SHARE program’s most immediate impact will be in lowering these costs for participating institutions. By aggregating resources and standardizing administrative processes, the program facilitates a reduction in overhead burdens, which typically encompass expenses such as laboratory maintenance, compliance monitoring, and institutional support functions. This cost-saving mechanism is envisioned to translate directly into more funds being channeled toward actual research activities rather than ancillary operations.
Both the University of Cincinnati and Kent State University hold the prestigious R1 Carnegie Classification, a designation reserved for top-tier research institutions in the United States. This accolade signals their robust research capacity and distinguishes them as exemplary leaders capable of steering regional research initiatives. Their leadership within the SHARE project assures experienced oversight, strategic vision, and the capacity to forge impactful partnerships across diverse institutional landscapes, amplifying the regional and potentially national benefits of the program.
Douglas Delahanty, Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Kent State University, articulates that the SHARE initiative will not only increase research capacity but also enhance the economic footprint of all participating institutions. He further highlights that the program aims to develop publicly available tools and resources, expand the pool of qualified research administrators, and promote workforce development through trainee opportunities. This comprehensive approach integrates capacity building with economic growth, ensuring that the benefits of the SHARE program extend beyond academia into broader societal and economic domains.
Over the course of four years, the SHARE team is poised to establish replicable Regional Community of Practice (RCOP) models. These models focus on leadership development, regulatory compliance, and mentorship within the research domain. By nurturing research faculty and supporting staff through targeted training and shared best practices, the RCOPs aim to balance regulatory burdens that vary widely across institutional sizes and types. This harmonization ensures a more equitable research environment, reducing administrative bottlenecks and paving the way for innovative collaborations that transcend institutional boundaries.
Iowa State University’s co-principal investigator, James Reecy, seeks to extend SHARE’s impact beyond Ohio. Plans are underway to expand the RCOP framework into other states including Iowa, Georgia, and Minnesota, setting the stage for a national network of research consortia. This phased approach underscores the program’s modular design, wherein optimized regional models can be adapted to suit diverse institutional and geographic contexts without sacrificing the core principles of resource sharing and administrative harmonization.
Jane Strasser notes that focusing on Ohio as the initial hub allows the SHARE program to serve as a scalable model for other regions. By demonstrating successful outcomes in Ohio, the initiative lays the groundwork for future expansions that could transform the landscape of federal research administration across the United States. The program’s scalability rests on its modular design and collaborative ethos, which emphasize flexible yet standardized practices that can be adapted without overhauling existing institutional frameworks.
As Delahanty elaborates, the integration of Leadership Development and Compliance RCOPs has the potential to evolve into Regional Research Networks (RRNs). These larger networks could play a pivotal role in augmenting the nation’s overall research administration capacity, thereby indirectly strengthening the scientific enterprise at a national scale. This vision heralds a future where administrative excellence and regulatory compliance serve as enablers, rather than obstacles, to cutting-edge scientific discovery and innovation.
The University of Cincinnati, established in 1819, stands as a beacon of urban public research excellence, catering to a diverse community of over 53,000 students and staffed by 12,000 faculty and professionals. Known for its vibrant Cincinnati Innovation District, the university merges research creativity with practical applications, coupling a longstanding cooperative education program with an extensive health system and competitive athletic presence within the Big 12 Conference. UC’s commitment to innovation and community impact is reflected in its substantial economic contributions, injecting billions into both city and state economies.
Kent State University, recognized as the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio by U.S. News & World Report, has a distinct global presence with multiple campuses and international academic sites, including locations in New York City, Florence, Italy, and Curitiba, Brazil. Its standing as an R1 research university underscores its commitment to providing transformative educational experiences while fostering inclusive values such as kindness, respect, and freedom of expression. Kent State’s extensive support services and diverse student body position it as a major educational, economic, and cultural resource well beyond its Northeast Ohio roots.
The SHARE initiative epitomizes a forward-thinking approach to research administration, emphasizing collaboration, resource sharing, and strategic leadership to reduce barriers inherent in multi-institutional research endeavors. By reimagining how administrative workflows, compliance mandates, and infrastructure needs are managed across institutions, the program proposes a viable roadmap toward enhanced research efficiency and innovation. This model holds promise not only for the initial states involved but also for the broader national research community, offering a blueprint for scalable, impactful change in the conduct and administration of scientific research.
Through the concerted efforts of UC, Kent State University, and Iowa State University, supported by the visionary backing of the National Science Foundation, SHARE is situated to redefine regional and national research ecosystems. Its focus on harmonization and capacity building aligns with contemporary demands for greater efficiency and inclusiveness in scientific inquiry, making the program a potential catalyst for profound advancements in research methodology, collaboration frameworks, and economic impact in the years ahead.
Subject of Research: Enhancing regional research capacity and administrative efficiency through collaborative infrastructure and regulatory compliance harmonization.
Article Title: NSF-Funded SHARE Initiative Poised to Revolutionize Regional Research Collaboration and Administration
News Publication Date: Information not provided.
Web References:
– University of Cincinnati: http://www.uc.edu/
– Kent State University: http://www.kent.edu/
– National Science Foundation: https://www.nsf.gov/
References: Not explicitly provided.
Image Credits: Not applicable.
Keywords: Academic researchers, Scientific collaboration, Education, Research administration, Regional research networks, Research capacity building, Regulatory compliance, Research infrastructure, Higher education, Economic development
