SPECIAL PROJECTS ANNUAL NEWSLETTER 23-24 If you are interested in applying for a grant, please contact Sponsored Projects office (see contact below) for pre-award and post-award guidance. ANNUAL ISSUE AY2023-2024 Sponsored Projects Dr. Alyssa Kiesow Northern State University 1200 S Jay St. Aberdeen, SD 57401 Phone: 605-626-2602 Alyssa.Kiesow@northern.edu Student Research Dr. Susan Citrak Northern State University 1200 S Jay St. Aberdeen, SD 57401 Phone: 605-626-2419 Susan.Citrak@northern.edu Export Controls Dr. Debbi Bumpous Northern State University 1200 S Jay St. Aberdeen, SD 57401 Phone: 605-626-3394 Debbi.Bumpous@northern.edu Q: I heard about the Pierre poster session held during the legislative session. What is the Pierre poster session? A: The Pierre Poster session is an annual research poster session held in the Rotunda at the state capitol in Pierre where students from universities across the state present their research in the form of a poster. 1-2 students for each university is chosen as the representative(s) for their school. For us, it is a time to give legislators a snapshot into the research we do at NSU, since many don’t know that we even conduct research on the NSU campus. Often chosen to represent NSU is one of our Competitive Research grant recipients, who will go along with their research advisor and the student research coordinator. The process of researcher selection will likely soon change to a competitive format with the roll-out of our new Spring Research Forum (name undergoing a change, currently in review). If you are a student conducting research and are interested in this opportunity, please contact the student research coordinator, susan.citrak@northern.edu for consideration! Q: Similarly, does Northern have any opportunities to present research here on campus? A: Northern has traditionally hosted an annual Spring Research Forum, where students across disciplines showcased their research to the university and local community. The 2023 forum was postponed to revamp the event with a more inclusive and dynamic format. Scheduled for April 2024, the upcoming forum will feature a diverse array of presentations, including posters, oral sessions, exhibits, and performances. Additionally, it will provide opportunities for faculty to discuss special topics, engage community members, and invite middle and high school students to experience the vibrant academic community at Northern, potentially envisioning themselves as part of our future. We are excited about this new direction for highlighting all the amazing scholarship going on here at Northern! (stay tuned for the new name of this event!) Q: I have heard about IRB and IACUC. What are these committees, and when do I utilize them? A: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) for biological research is a committee that has been established to review and approve research involving human subjects. Its primary responsibility is to ensure the protection of the rights, welfare, and wellbeing of research participants. This includes reviewing research protocols to ensure ethical standards are met, informed consent is obtained, and that there is a balance between scientific objectives and the risks to participants. A student would need to utilize the IRB when their research involves collecting data from human subjects. This could be in the form of surveys, interviews, clinical studies, observation, or any interaction where private information might be collected. Before beginning their research, the student, with the help of their supervising professor, must submit their research proposal to the IRB for approval. The board evaluates the ethical implications and decides whether the research meets the required ethical standards. Similarly, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is concerned with the welfare of animals used in research. The IACUC reviews all aspects of the institution's animal care and use program, including the evaluation of animal use protocols, the inspection of animal facilities and labs, and the oversight of training and educational programs. Students must consult the IACUC when their research involves the use of live vertebrate animals. They must provide details of the study, including the justification for using animals, the species to be used, the number of animals required, and the procedures that will be implemented. The goal is to ensure the humane treatment of animals in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Both IRB and IACUC approvals are crucial steps in the research process for ensuring ethical compliance and are required before any research involving human subjects or animals can begin. Reader’s Corner (click on text below): US Funding Opportunities for International Collaboration NCURA Magazine
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