The document outlines efforts to streamline administrative requirements in research funding by identifying and addressing areas that impose significant burden on funders, research institutions, and investigators. Key focus areas include simplifying proposal submission, improving communication, expediting award issuance and acceptance, enhancing financial and progress reporting, and standardizing terminology. The goals are to diagnose the causes of these burdens, develop best practices, and facilitate collaboration both within and across relevant working groups.
To improve proposal submission, both research institutions and funders express the need for more consistent formats, better access to submission systems, updated contact information, clear deadlines, and measures to reduce unsuitable proposals. In award issuance and acceptance, emphasis is placed on maintaining online resources, reusing agreed terms, and developing standardized guidelines to expedite contract processing. Enhanced communication and collaborative development of guidelines are seen as effective strategies for reducing inefficiencies. Additionally, the document highlights the importance of aligning on terminology and reporting practices to further reduce complexity and foster mutual understanding. Overall, the initiative aims to lower administrative workload and costs while supporting more effective partnerships between stakeholders.
