Research Council Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2026 | 1:00 p.m.
Dade Phelan Building, Room 113A
Attendees: Xiangyang Lei, Soumava Bandyopadhyay, Jill Killough, Tracy Benson, Jennifer Fowler, Darrell Grissom, Serdar Ilban, Yan Yan, Sanaz Alasti, Xianchang Li, Sujing Wang, Yu Zhao, Angeliqueca Avery, Courtney Heatley
Not in attendance: Jeanette Fresne
Welcome and FY26 Research Outcomes
Ryan Lee called the meeting to order at approximately 1:00 p.m. Following introductions, members discussed a regular meeting schedule, with the second Tuesday of each month proposed.
ORSPA reported 114 proposals requesting approximately $35 million in FY26, compared with 83 proposals requesting $23 million in FY25.
Research Enhancement Grants
ORSPA provided an update on the planned relaunch of the Research Enhancement Grants (REG) program. A Council subcommittee is expected to assist with proposal reviews.
Faculty Excellence Awards
Faculty Excellence Awards will return for 2026–27. Members were encouraged to promote nominations, particularly for Creative and Artistic Endeavors. A Council review committee will be established.
Strategic Research Clusters
The Council discussed a proposed process for identifying university-wide strategic research clusters. Members will review the proposal and provide feedback.
Research Security
ORSPA provided an update on House Bill 127 and related research security requirements. Additional guidance is expected as requirements evolve.
Faculty Research Incentives and Excess Compensation
ORSPA is developing draft policies addressing faculty research incentives and compensation above institutional base salary. The Council will review the drafts when available.
Additional Discussion
The Council discussed coordination with University Advancement on external funding opportunities, research expenditure reporting, increased use of GrantForward, proposal review and faculty mentoring, and early submission of proposal materials.
Follow-Up Items
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:38 p.m.