Practical Resources

ORI is dedicated to providing the research community with tools and resources to ensure consistent and reliable internal mechanisms for supporting University-wide research activity. The suggestions on this page are intended to assist Northwestern’s research community with conducting, administering and facilitating research in compliance with federal and University policies and procedures. You can also check out ORI's list of useful acronyms.

The following represents a compilation of common practices and resources to assist you with research at Northwestern University. If you've developed a useful tool or procedure not listed here that would be helpful to others in Northwestern's research community, please tell us about it!

Operating Environment | Fiscal Administration | Responsible Conduct of Research | Research Safety

Operating Environment

Suggested Practice

Resource

Description

Check-out/termination procedures related to research activities are completed when faculty leave the University.

PI Research Checkout Procedures

A checklist containing steps to take for proper transfer/closure of research projects when a Principal Investigator (PI) leaves the University.

Equipment practices relative to disposal, transfer, sale, and donation of University equipment are documented.

Equipment Inventory Worksheet

An excel worksheet created by Accounting Services to assist with tracking equipment in accordance with University equipment policies.

Equipment Inventory Log

A template inventory log created by Accounting Services to assist with creating and maintaining a current list of equipment.

Bill of Sale Form

A one-page Bill of Sale form created by Accounting Services to document the disposal, sale, or transfer of any University equipment.

Procedures are in place for tracking NIH progress report deadlines.

NIH Progress Reports Tracking Tool

Instructions for using the NIH web site resource for tracking upcoming due dates and non-competing continuations.

Fiscal Administration

Suggested Practice	Resource	Description
Effort reports are completed in an accurate and timely fashion. Up-to-date effort reports are completed and certified during the time a PI is employed by the University.	Effort Reporting System (ERS) Tutorial	An online tutorial created by Financial Operations which provides screen-by-screen instructions for completing certification and updating an email address in the Effort Reporting System (ERS).
	Effort Reporting Paper Template	A template created by Financial Operations for use in exceptional circumstances when completing and certifying effort using the online system is not possible (i.e. when a PI has left the University).
Procedures are in place for ensuring that all costs charged to a contract or grant are appropriate.	PI Expenditure Certification Checklist	A checklist to assist PI's and administrators with reviewing and certifying project expenditures according to cost principals in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-21, University policy, and specific terms and conditions of the award.

Responsible Conduct of Research

Suggested Practice	Resource	Description
Northwestern University's research community conducts and administers research responsibly and ethically.	ORI: Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research	This online resource provides an overview of the federal rules, regulations, and professional practices that define the responsible conduct of research.
Data Management Plans (DMP) help researchers think about how they will gather, organize, store and safeguard their data.	*Data Management Plans and using the DMPTool*	This online resource provides an overview of the federal requirements for Data Management Plans (DMP). This resource includes a DMPTool, which can help you create a DMP for a specific funding agency.

Research Safety

Suggested Practice	Resource	Description
Laboratories are closed in a manner consistent with Office for Research Safety (ORS) policies & procedures.	Laboratory Closeout Checklist	A checklist created by ORS to use upon closing out a laboratory with guidelines relative to disposal of chemicals, controlled substances, tissues, radioactive materials, equipment and more.
Employees working in and outside of laboratories undertake the appropriate required training based on job duties.	Training List: Workers In a Lab	A list of training requirements based on job activity created by ORS for those who work for the University in a lab.
	Training List: Workers Outside a Lab	A list of training requirements based on job activity created by ORS for those who work for the University outside a lab.

Related Links

Newsletter

Practical Resources

Operating Environment

Fiscal Administration

Responsible Conduct of Research

Research Safety