Title: Enhancing Research Office Names at University of Georgia for Better Representation
The University of Georgia Office of Research has recently revamped the names of two of its units to better reflect their roles and values. The Office for Proposal Enhancement (OPE) is now known as the Office of Strategic Research Development (OSRD), while the Human Subjects Office has been renamed the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Office.
The changes, which took effect on Jan. 1, aim to provide a more accurate depiction of the offices’ functions. OSRD, established in 2015, focuses on securing funding for large and complex interdisciplinary research projects. Director Jake Maas recognized the challenges faced by UGA investigators in obtaining grants and assembled a team to assist faculty in enhancing their funding proposals, particularly for large and team-based awards.
Despite significant growth since its inception, Maas felt that the previous name did not fully encompass the office’s activities. The new name, Office of Strategic Research Development, aligns more closely with the standard naming conventions for offices with similar functions worldwide.
In addition to the name change, OSRD is refining its approach to handling major grant applications. Maas and his team are now collaborating closely with department heads, deans, and center directors to develop strategies for program growth and goal attainment through extramural funding.
On the other hand, the HRPP Office oversees research involving human participants and has transitioned to using the term “participant” instead of “subject” to refer to individuals involved in research projects. Director Kim Fowler emphasizes the importance of respecting participants as active contributors to research rather than passive subjects.
While the name change signifies a shift in language, the operations and programming of the HRPP Office remain unchanged. The office will gradually incorporate the term “participant” into UGA policies while ensuring compliance with federal regulations that may still reference the term “subject.”
In conclusion, the University of Georgia’s Office of Research has taken proactive steps to enhance the names of its units to better reflect their functions and values. The changes at OSRD and the HRPP Office demonstrate a commitment to accuracy, respect, and alignment with industry standards. By embracing these updates, UGA is positioning itself as a leader in research excellence and participant-centered practices. Further engagement with these offices can lead to valuable collaborations and advancements in research outcomes.
