Tri-Alliance Project to Foster Collaboration and Innovation in Post-Award Research Administration

$7.2 Million NSF Grant to Boost Sponsored Research and Faculty Support Across Jesuit Universities

Santa Clara University, founded in 1851 and located in Silicon Valley, is known for its innovative approach and strong academic programs. It ranks among the top universities for graduation rates and graduate salaries, with a curriculum that blends technology with Jesuit values. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University and the University of San Francisco, the university has formed the Tri-Alliance for Post-Award Innovation. This initiative aims to advance research excellence by coordinating collaborative efforts and sharing resources. Each participating university is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and is recognized as an emerging research institution.

The consortium has been awarded $7.2 million by the National Science Foundation to consolidate resources and increase sponsored research expenditures. However, the impact of this initiative is expected to extend well beyond financial outcomes. More importantly, the consortium promotes equitable access to research support services at emerging institutions. In addition, it aims to foster a robust network through collective training and education. Furthermore, the consortium seeks to establish a sustainable and replicable collaboration, model that will strengthen research activities at emerging institutions across the nation.

The university expressed great enthusiasm about participating in the Tri-Alliance grant, with Executive Vice President and Provost James M. Glaser stating that the funding will be used to build the necessary operational infrastructure to support research initiatives by faculty and students. Moreover, he described this opportunity as extraordinary and emphasized the importance of collaborating with the University of San Francisco and Loyola Marymount University. While cross-institutional collaboration of this nature is rare, this project demonstrates the potential and necessity of such partnerships.

Improving research project’s management and support systems is crucial for emerging research institutions, like those in the Tri-Alliance. These institutions aim to grow their research activities, assist faculty, follow regulations, manage funding well, increase efficiency, and minimize risks. To improve the financial management of sponsored projects, the Tri-Alliance will introduce innovative blended positions, such as financial analysts, project managers, and compliance coordinators. These roles will enhance support for faculty research and strengthen post-award infrastructure across the participating universities. The Tri-Alliance for Post-Award Innovation project seeks to enhance post-award administration at emerging research institutions by improving staffing, financial systems, and faculty training. By 2029, the consortium aims to increase sponsored research expenditures by 25%, have 80% of post-award staff adopt best practices, and achieve at least 70% faculty satisfaction with post-award services.

Angie Rochat, Assistant Vice Provost for Research at Loyola Marymount University, was appointed as the principal investigator for the project from LMU's Office of Research and Sponsored Projects. Aida Shadfan, from LMU's Finance Division, will be the co-principal investigator. Additionally, Santa Clara University’s Sponsored Projects Office, led by Mary-Ellen Fortini, and the University of San Francisco’s Office of Sponsored Projects, led by  Camille Coley, are the other two recipient entities involved in the initiative.

Rochat expressed excitement about working with other Jesuit institutions in California, highlighting the opportunity to improve research practices, reporting, education, and faculty support. Camille Coley from the University of San Francisco added that the partnership strengthens USF's commitment to supporting faculty and ensuring emerging research institutions have the resources to thrive in a complex research environment. The project team will hold annual town hall workshops and create a dedicated webpage to share updates and resources. NSF GRANTED program director Kim Littlefield noted that the initiative could transform research operations and serve as a model for broadening and diversifying research participation.

Overall, the Tri-Alliance for Post-Award Innovation project will enhance research administration at emerging institutions through collaboration, innovation, and resource sharing. Improving research support and fostering sustainable practices promises to strengthen research capabilities and set a new standard for academic excellence across participating universities.

Editor's Note:

The Tri-Alliance for Post-Award Innovation is a groundbreaking initiative that brings together leading Jesuit institutions to enhance research infrastructure and support faculty. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared resources, the project promises to transform the research landscape at emerging institutions, ensuring greater access and opportunity for future scholars.

Skoobuzz believes that this collective effort highlights the power of partnership and the importance of building a sustainable research ecosystem.