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NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Policy (DMSP)

January 26, 2023

As of January 25, 2023, most proposals to NIH now require the inclusion of a data management and sharing plan at time of proposal. While detailed information from NIH is expected to continue to emerge throughout 2023 and even beyond, there is already a wealth of information available on this topic. 

NSF Plans for Safe & Inclusive Work Environment When Conducting Off-Campus Research

Updated: January 13, 2023

New or renewal proposals to NSF submitted January 30, 2023 or later that are funded will require that PIs take an additional step to safeguard participants when engaging in off-campus research activities. Specifically, PIs must create a plan for a safe and inclusive work environment - and distribute that plan to each participant - in advance of departure for an off-campus research activity.

To reduce administrative burden on faculty, SPA has created a packet with a template plan that includes instructions, core University policy and procedure information, and for PIs to complete their project-specific information. See all the NSF Safe & Inclusive Work Environment information here >
 

Harassment Reporting

Updated: September 27, 2022

Various agencies (both federal and non-federal) are now requiring that the University (SPA leadership) report to them under certain circumstances when investigators have had either administrative actions or disciplinary actions taken against them related to harassment (including bullying) or sexual harassment. The requirements vary widely, as do reporting timelines, but some reporting obligations are extremely tight (as little as 10 days from the time an administrative action or disciplinary action was imposed). See additional information and a summary chart of current agency requirements:

If you would like a presentation on this topic for your department or college, please contact Pamela Webb (pwebb@umn.edu). Copies of presentations previously offered are also available upon request.

Procedures are still evolving, but in general academic affairs deans, EOAA, or research associate deans will alert SPA when there is a possibility that something needs to be reported, and SPA will do a complete analysis (also involving the Office of General Counsel).
 

NIH Childcare Reimbursement

Updated: August 11, 2022

Full-time fellows or trainees on NIH fellowships or training grants are now eligible to request and receive $2,500 per grant year for reimbursement of childcare expenses. Details about how to apply for and request reimbursement (including the University documentation form) are available in departmental business offices. Learn more about NIH Childcare Reimbursement >
 

CHIPs Bill

Updated: August 8, 2022

The CHIPS and Science bill provides support for the US semiconductor industry and provides a variety of key research security provisions that will be applicable to the University (e.g., mandatory research security training requirements, reporting on gifts and contracts from certain countries over $50K, prohibition against investigators participating in malign foreign talent programs, creation of a Research Security office at NSF). The bill also authorizes funding for a variety of agencies (appropriations are still needed by Congress). Key among that funding is support for NSF’s new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships directorate. Learn more about the CHIPS Bill >

  

Foreign Influence in Research

Updated: September 9, 2021

The University of Minnesota and government agencies continue to work to clarify their instruction for research grant applications and reporting regarding foreign influence. Also see the CHIPS Act mentioned separately. Learn more about Foreign Influence in Research >

Announcements for the UMN Research Community