Welcome back to MicroLearning Mondays, our biweekly series of bite-sized research administration trainings brought to you by the Department of Contracts and Grants. This week’s topic: Determining Activity Types Why It Matters: Identifying and categorizing the type of activity your PI’s proposal supports is vital. Whether it’s research, instruction, equipment, or fellowships, choosing the correct activity […]
Announcements
NSF Releases Updated Guidance on Funding Priorities
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has published a new “Updates on NSF Priorities“ page, outlining changes to its funding criteria and programmatic focus. Key Highlights: Merit Review Criteria: All NSF proposals will continue to be evaluated based on two statutory criteria: Intellectual Merit (the potential to advance knowledge) and Broader Impacts (the potential to benefit society and […]
Temporary Restraining Order Halts Department of Energy’s 15% F&A Cap on Higher Education Grants
The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) blocking the Department of Energy (DOE) from implementing its recently announced 15% cap on Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs for all grants to institutions of higher education. This legal action stems from a lawsuit filed by the Association of American Universities (AAU) and […]
USC Workshop – Pivoting with Purpose: Reframing Research in Changing Times
The USC Office of Research and Innovation is offering the below workshop on April 22, 2025. Pivoting with Purpose: Reframing Research in Changing Times How might researchers stay resilient and forward-looking in the face of evolving federal priorities and policies? Join the USC Office of Research and Innovation (OORI) team for a discussion about the […]
DOE Releases Supplemental Policy Flash on Indirect Cost Rates
The Department of Energy (DOE) has released a Policy Flash entitled: Department of Energy Overhauls Policy for College and University Research, Saving $405 Million Annually for American Taxpayers | Department of Energy, which introduces significant changes to indirect cost rates for grants awarded to institutions of higher education (IHEs). Effective as of April 11, all DOE […]
Introducing MicroLearning Mondays!
The Department of Contracts and Grants is proud to announce MicroLearning Mondays — a biweekly series of bite-sized research administration trainings. Every other Monday, you’ll receive a short, 5–10 minute video focused on a key research administration topic—such as carryforward, cost sharing, prior approval, effort reporting, and more. Each video will deliver clear, practical guidance […]