Five Rhode Island higher education institutions have been awarded $3 million in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the Rhode Island Research Administration Collaborative (RIRAC). This groundbreaking initiative will enhance the research capabilities of Roger Williams University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Salve Regina University. The aim is to bolster the state’s research-driven growth and maintain its position as a leader in higher education.
The collaborating partners, all primarily undergraduate institutions, will receive funding over a span of three years through the NSF grant.
The partnering institutions have a common goal of enhancing research capabilities. This will be achieved through various means, such as providing financial and administrative support to university-sponsored research offices, nurturing the next generation of professionals, offering professional development opportunities to small non-profit organizations, addressing statewide needs through research projects, and facilitating the commercialization of academic research. RIRAC will foster a learning community focused on research administration, where evidence-based practices and resources will be shared. Additionally, collaborative research proposals will be encouraged among the partner institutions.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed expressed his support for the institutions’ proposal to the NSF GRANTED program.
According to Senator Reed, the federal investment in the consortium of Ocean State colleges and universities is a significant achievement for Rhode Island. He believes that this funding will strengthen the research ecosystem and capabilities of the state. The Rhode Island Research Alliance Consortium (RIRAC) will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research among students and faculty from different institutions, leading to future breakthroughs in various fields. Additionally, Senator Reed emphasizes that this project will provide valuable insights to the National Science Foundation (NSF) on how to collaborate with smaller primarily undergraduate institutes of higher education.
Roger Williams University is taking the lead on the RIRAC initiative, with Peter Wong, the director of research and sponsored programs at RWU, serving as the principal investigator. As part of this initiative, RWU will receive $614,727 to develop a framework for technology transfer that will benefit all partner institutions. Additionally, RWU will be responsible for creating grant administration mini courses to support small nonprofits in Rhode Island in their efforts to compete for and manage federal funding.
“Roger Williams University expresses its gratitude to Senator Reed for his ongoing support and to the National Science Foundation for providing funding. This financial support will contribute to the expansion of research initiatives on crucial matters that affect Rhode Islanders. These include the development of the blue economy workforce, the enhancement of coastal resiliency, and the creation of innovative technological solutions,” stated RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis. “We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our partners to enhance Rhode Island’s competitiveness and foster research innovations that bridge the gap between private and public organizations. These efforts will address the state’s challenges and fulfill industry requirements.”
The Rhode Island Research Administration Collaborative for Emerging Research Institutions is set to begin operations this fall, and they will be providing updates on their work in the near future.