Catalyzing new opportunities to enhance Northwestern University's research enterprise.

The Office for Research Development (ORD) amplifies the cooperative and collaborative research activities at Northwestern and building inter-institutional alliances by expanding Northwestern's capacity to strategically pursue major multi- and interdisciplinary, team-based research initiatives that garner national and international recognition.  A unique institutional resource, ORD consists of a team of PhD-level scientists from different domains and STEM educators and research administrators who support and advance transdisciplinary faculty-led research and the University's collective research enterprise by establishing and fostering strategic alliances.

The Office for Research Development (ORD) serves the faculty by:

  • Coordinating large and complex proposal efforts, including assistance with programmatic and strategic development of research, program project, center, consortium, research training, and cooperative grant proposals;
  • Catalyzing program development in response to the funding opportunity landscape and new research directions;
  • Serving as a nexus of information regarding large, team based research activities;
  • Developing internal and external strategic alliances to help build effective teams, translate research discoveries, and provide access to collective research resources;
  • Developing and implementing appropriate tools to maximize the benefits of social networking and knowledge management across the University's research enterprise;
  • Fostering relationships with funding agencies, foundations, science policy organizations, national laboratories, and professional societies to gain access to new and evolving research priorities and corresponding funding programs;
  • Guiding the development and implementation of a strategic plan for increased investment in research infrastructure.
  • Managing the Limited Submissions process for awards, grants, and contracts;
  • Providing information about education partnerships and outreach resources at the K-12 (OSEP) and higher education levels.