Mission Statement

The mission of the Office for Research Information Systems (ORIS) is to provide leadership and strategic direction in the design, creation and deployment of technical solutions to address cross-functional business issues for the University's research enterprise. The ORIS will champion the application of IS solutions and technologies to the Northwestern research enterprise. The ORIS will advise the Vice President for Research on the impact of novel, developing, and mature applications of IT solutions as they relate to research at Northwestern. The ORIS will support the technical mission of the Office for Research and will communicate this mission to the University community. The ORIS will identify technical solutions to streamline business processes, improve efficiency and simplify the administrative process for faculty and staff users. The ORIS will build and maintain strategic partnerships with faculty and staff members to ensure smooth internal implementations and transitions. The ORIS will utilize IT technical experts within research to support new initiatives and to provide on-going support and training to its constituents. The ORIS will work closely with Central Information Technology (NUIT) to ensure that Office for Research systems are well integrated with the University-wide information technology systems and that the greater University technology needs are considered. The ORIS will provide oversight of the Office for Research's hardware and software acquisition program to ensure that purchases are made in the most cost-effective manner. The ORIS will oversee the development and delivery of technical training programs for all users of research administrative and business systems.