Research Training, Education and Communication at Northwestern University

The goal of Northwestern's research training, education and communication program is to partner with the Northwestern research community to provide innovative, research-related education in an effective and comprehensive manner. ORI's primary role in this initiative is coordinating efforts to create a comprehensive catalog for research education and to provide the research community with defined programs that communicate University and sponsor expectations for conducting and administering research.

Working with Northwestern's research community, we will continue delivering new educational programs throughout fiscal year 2008. Information will be available on this web site and The Guide for Research Information.

To join our mailing list and receive information about training events, please click here.

Research Administration Training Seminar - New!
This four-session seminar, which is held on a quarterly basis, is geared toward research administrators and any staff involved in research administration.  The next seminar will be held on Sept 23rd, 25th, 30th and Oct 2nd on the Evanston Campus in Chambers Hall, Lower Level Classroom.  You are encouraged to attend all four sessions.  The seminar is free, but registration is required.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Please contact ORI at nu-ori@northwestern.edu or 312-503-0054 to reserve a seat. 

Preliminary Agenda:

Tuesday, September 23rd, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

• Research roles and responsibilities
• Research policies and procedures overview

Thursday, September 25th, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

• Grant charging overview (OMB Circular A-21)
• Cost-sharing
• F&A rate
• Cost transfers
• Program income
• Recharge centers
• Office for the Protection of Research Subjects - IRB and ACUC
• Center for Comparative Medicine

Tuesday, September 30th, 9:00 - 11:40 a.m. - * Note: This session is 2.7 hours long.

• Research safety
• Proposal submission and endorsements
• Budgeting
• Effort reporting

Thursday, October 2nd, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

• Released funds
• Pre-spending, grants vs. gifts
• Contract and consulting
• Travel and inventory policies
• Award establishment, monitoring and close-out
• Conflicts of interest
• Scientific misconduct
• U.S. export control laws and working with industry

The next Chicago campus seminar is tentatively scheduled for November 2008.  Check this page for forthcoming details.  Reference materials from the May 2008 seminar can be found on The Guide for Research Information.  Materials from the most recent seminars will be made available online once the seminar is completed.  

Training Resources
Research Roles & Responsibilities
Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research


Additional comprehensive and detailed research-related training and education information is available through The Guide for Research Information!