The Research Project Support Costs Work Group, co-chaired by James Luther of Duke University and Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association, has undertaken a two-pronged approach to enhance understanding and management of research funding. The Education subgroup recently organized an educational webinar aimed at funding organizations to clarify aspects of facilities and administrative costs. Building on this, the subgroup plans to design an educational program for universities that will elucidate the structures of funding organizations, the internal and external pressures they face, and the broader implications for research funding. The effort also invites input on pressing questions in this domain.
Simultaneously, the Support Costs subgroup is focused on delineating which research project support costs are eligible for direct inclusion in budgets and can be charged to awards. Led by Diane Bovencamp and Cindy Hope, this subgroup's forthcoming phase will gather concrete examples to serve both as educational resources and practical tools for budget development and negotiation. Both subgroups seek collaborative involvement to address these challenges and improve research support frameworks.
