Welcome back to the University of Mississippi and to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). All of us in the ORSP are eager to meet new faculty and staff and continue our support for returning colleagues. This is a particularly exciting time for the research enterprise both here at the University and across the nation.

On the national scale, the President and Congress have just agreed on groundbreaking legislation to encourage competitiveness in science and technology enterprise. Following on the October 2005 National Academies report Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, the President released his American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), a proposal that was integrated into the 2006 State of the Union address and budget. Last month, Congress passed and the President signed the America Competes Act, which focuses on three primary areas of importance to maintaining and improving innovation in the U.S.: (1) increasing research investment, (2) strengthening educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from elementary through graduate school, and (3) developing an innovation infrastructure.

For a summary of the America Competes Act, please see www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-761&tab=summary

Here at UM, we have appointed a task force comprised of representatives from across the campus to develop recommendations on how we can enhance the competitiveness of our researchers and position UM to benefit from the renewed investment in research and development, and in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. Additional information on the composition of the task force and its agenda will be forthcoming soon.

We’ve also begun design on what promises to be a world class Research Park. This investment in the state’s economic future could not come at a better time. Together with the University of Mississippi Innovation Center (UMIC), the research park will help connect people with ideas to people with the entrepreneurial drive and resources to turn those ideas into innovations.

Of course, the promise of the Research Park rests on the innovation accomplished by the faculty, staff, and students of UM. The University Research Board (URB) is charged with the responsibility of creating an atmosphere for encouraging research and providing oversight, guidance, and coordination of research activities at the University. Although the board's primary concern is research, its responsibility extends to sponsored programs and educational, service, and other activities supported in whole or in part by external funding. More specifically, the board develops policies, establishes guidelines, and sets forth regulations for activities in the areas named above. If you would like to have input into the coordination of research at UM, please contact your representatives on the URB, listed below.

I also want to thank each of you for commitment to sustain research and scholarship as a priority for UM. As a flagship, research-intensive university, our mission — and our responsibility — is to discover and disseminate knowledge. How successful we are in achieving this mission depends entirely upon you; we are ever mindful of this fact and grateful to you for the work you do. We are here to serve you, so please let us know how we can help. I look forward to a productive and exciting year and to seeing you on campus.

Bridging the Funding Gap
For some, grant funding may be getting harder to find these days. What to do when grant cuts mean that ongoing work has a funding shortfall? Search for alternative funding sources. Don't ignore the smaller sources that offer smaller awards — you can tap into a wealth of funding offered by smaller or lesser-known sponsors, if you take the time to search for it. COS Funding Opportunities includes programs from thousands of lesser-known sponsors such as corporations, local governments and small charities. Review your current saved searches and refine them to include results for lesser amounts, other sponsor types, and even other funding types. You may turn up new opportunities that will help make up for funding shortfalls.

Record Number of Funding Programs Available through COS
The COS Funding Opportunities database recently reached an all-time high with 25,000 records (after beginning 10 years ago with 11,500). New opportunities for grants, fellowships and other funding are added to the database by the COS Funding Editorial Team. These editors, each with a distinct area of specialization, comb through current funding sources and look for new ones. Those 25,000 records include a diversity of grants:

• Award amounts from $100 to $2 million
• Sponsors including large US government agencies, other national governments, large philanthropic organizations, professional societies and small niche associations
• Disciplines ranging from technology, to medicine and natural sciences, to arts and humanities
• Many purposes, including equipment and facilities, travel, collaborations, curriculum development

Don't Know About COS?
Check out our COS page, the January 2005, September 2006, and March 2007 newsletter articles, and/or the COS home page. COS is for all UM faculty in all academic disciplines and research areas.

ORNL Users Week 2007 ~ October 8-11 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
This meeting focuses on the scientific resources of four ORNL user facilities funded by the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

• Spallation Neutron Source – The SNS is an accelerator-based neutron source that will provide the most intense pulsed neutron beam in the world for scientific R&D. User experiments are underway on the first three instruments of the SNS and eight more instruments will begin commissioning in the next year.
• High Flux Isotope Reactor – The HFIR is the highest flux reactor-based source of neutrons for condensed matter research in the U.S. There are users at five HFIR instruments with two others being commissioned.
• Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences – The CNMS is a collaborative nanoscience user research facility for the synthesis, characterization, theory/modeling/simulation, and design of nanoscale materials. It provides users with access to a complete suite of nanoscience research capabilities (facilities and expertise) housed in a new 80,000-ft 2 building and will mark its second anniversary as a user facility in October.
• Shared Research Equipment – ShaRE is electron beam microcharacterization facility providing access to a suite of advanced instruments and staff scientists for the mm-to-nm-scale characterization of materials.

Goals include:

• Showcase the important scientific research challenges that are being addressed at these Oak Ridge facilities by both users and facility scientists.
• Receive feedback on developments in next-generation instrumentation.
• Acquaint current and prospective users with the research capabilities of the user facilities through presentations, tours, and workshops.
• Introduce prospective users to the user proposal process.

Complete details, including scholarships, agenda, and registration are available at neutrons.ornl.gov/workshops/users2007/index.shtml.

NSF Regional Grants Conference ~ October 22-23 in Portland OR
Key officials representing each NSF program directorate, administrative office, the NSF Office of International Science and Engineering, Office of General Counsel and Office of the Inspector General will participate in this two-day conference. The conference is considered a must, particularly for new faculty, researchers, educators and administrators who want to gain insight into a wide range of important and timely issues at NSF including: the state of current funding; the proposal and award process; and current and recently updated policies and procedures. For more information, please visit www.nsf.gov/events/event_summ.jsp?cntn_id=108420&org=NSF.

Third International Conference on Telecommunications and Networking (TeNe 2007) ~ December 3-12 on the Internet
TeNe 2007 provides a virtual forum for presentation and discussion of the state-of the-art research on Telecommunications and Networking. TeNe 2007 is one of the sub-conferences in the CISSE series of international joint e-conferences. The virtual conference will be conducted through the Internet using web-conferencing tools, made available by the conference. Topics include Optical Networks and Switching, Computer Networks, Network Architectures and Equipment, Access Technologies, Telecommunication Technology, Coding and Modulation Technique, Modeling and Simulation, Spread Spectrum and CDMA Systems, OFDM Technology, Space-time Coding, Ultra Wideband Communications, Medium Access Control, Spread Spectrum, Wireless LAN: IEEE 802.11, HIPERLAN, Bluetooth, Cellular Wireless Networks, Cordless Systems and Wireless Local Loop, Mobile Network Layer, Mobile Transport Layer, Support for Mobility, Conventional Encryption and Message Confidentiality, Block Ciphers Design Principles, Block Ciphers Modes of Operation, Public-Key Cryptography and Message Authentication, Authentication Application, Stenography, Electronic Mail Security, Web Security, IP Security, Firewalls, Computer Forensics. For more information, please visit www.cisse2007online.org.

NIH Outstanding New Environmental Scientist Award ~ Internal Deadline October 13/NIH Deadline December 10
The Outstanding New Environmental Scientist Award is intended to identify outstanding scientists who are in the early, formative stages of their careers and who intend to make a long term career commitment to research in the mission areas of the NIEHS and assist them in launching an innovative research program focusing on problems of environmental exposures and human biology, human pathophysiology and human disease.
Only one application per school or college within a university will be accepted. Since submissions are limited, internal coordination at UM by the ORSP is required.  Those planning to apply should contact an ORSP Program Development Specialist no later than October 13, 2007 for assistance with this process.
Sponsor Website: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-ES-07-005.html
COS Record: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=110428

Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowships ~ Deadline October 30
The Faculty Research Abroad Program offers opportunities to faculty members to engage in research and study in modern foreign languages and area studies. Only research projects that focus on one or more of the following areas will be funded: Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, the Near East, East Central Europe and Eurasia, and the Western Hemisphere (Central and South America and the Caribbean).
Sponsor Website: a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-17362.htm
COS Record: fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=8773

NSF Collaborative Research in Chemistry ~ Preproposal Deadline November 12
The CRC Program is designed to promote collaborative research in a coherent, defined project at the forefront of the chemical sciences. CRC proposals will involve three or more investigators with complementary expertise. Co-investigators may include researchers with backgrounds in diverse areas of chemistry and other science and engineering disciplines appropriate to the proposed research. The use of cyber-infrastructure to enable and enhance collaborations is encouraged. Projects should be scientifically focused in areas supported by the NSF Division of Chemistry, limited in duration, and substantial in their scope and impact.
Sponsor Website: www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5115&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
COS Record: fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=81065

NSF Major Research Instrumentation ~ Internal Deadline November 16/NSF Deadline January 24
UM Internal Selection Process and Schedule: www.research.olemiss.edufunding/NSF_MRI_F07.html
The National Science Foundation's Major Research Instrumentation Program assists in the acquisition or development of major research instrumentation by U.S. institutions that is, in general, too costly for support through other NSF programs. The maintenance and technical support associated with these instruments is also supported. Proposals may be for a single instrument, a large system of instruments, or multiple instruments that share a common or specific research focus. Each institution is limited to three proposals, of which one must be solely for instrumentation development.
Sponsor Website: www.nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf07510/nsf07510.htm
COS Record: fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=25494

Newberry Library Long-Term Fellowships ~ Deadline January 10
Long-term fellowships are available to post-doctoral scholars for periods of six to eleven months. Applicants for post-doctoral awards must hold the Ph.D. at the time of application. These grants support individual research and promote serious intellectual exchange through active participation in the Library's scholarly activities, including a biweekly fellows' seminar. Applicants may combine these fellowship awards with sabbatical or other stipendiary support.
Sponsor Website: www.newberry.org/research/felshp/long-term.html

NSF Scientific Computing Research Environments for the Mathematical Sciences ~ Deadline January 24
The Division of Mathematical Sciences of the National Science Foundation plans a limited number of awards for the support of computing environments for research in the mathematical sciences. Proposals may request support for the purchase of computing equipment and limited support for professional systems administrators or programmer personnel for research computing needs. These grants are intended to support research projects of high quality that require access to advanced computing resources. Proposers are encouraged to include projects involving symbolic and algebraic computations, numerical computations and simulations, and graphical representations (visualization) in aid of the research.
Sponsor Website: www.nsf.gov/pubs/2007/nsf07502/nsf07502.htm
COS Record: fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=83105

Find MORE on the ORSP Funding Opportunities Recent Announcements page

SEARCH using COS Funding Opportunities

New F&A Rate Agreement Now in Effect for Grants and Contracts
• Effective immediately, the University has a new federal Facilities and Administrative cost rate agreement for use on all contract, grant and other sponsored program proposals. Details of the new rates can be found on the ORSP website at www.research.olemiss.edutoolbox/current_rates.html.
• Please note that many of the rates have changed. The F&A rate for research projects will require special attention in budget preparation. This rate is 44.0%, effective until June 30, 2009. On July 1, 2009 , the rate changes to 43.0%. Any research proposals overlapping this change date must reflect this change in rates.
• Also effective immediately, for all new proposals please use the updated UM Transmittal Sheet for Sponsored Projects, found at www.research.olemiss.eduforms/transmittal.html.
• ORSP staff are here to assist with any proposal preparation questions. Please contact your Program Development Specialist — see www.research.olemiss.edutoolbox/PDS_assistance.html for details.

Green Tip: Change the Margins and Save the Trees
A new awareness project suggests that simply using narrower margins on documents can help save thousands of tons of paper each year. The website www.changethemargins.com/ asks, “ What if you could get people to adopt changing paper margins on a large scale? What if you could get companies to adopt narrower margins as their printing standard? It would result in a lot less paper consumption. [...] It's not a new idea. It's not complicated. But if we all did it, it just might work.” The site includes two university reports on margin changing, other research and support documents, statistics on paper and the environment, instructions on how to change your margins, campaign goals and petitions, and much more. Of course, printing your documents using both sides of the paper will save even more!

Congratulations! Faculty Workshop Door Prize Winners
Following the ORSP Faculty Workshops on September 5-6, four names were drawn from the pool of those who registered at the door prize stations. Each individual listed below received a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card usable at the campus bookstore, another B&N store, or online. Congratulations!

• Erin Chapman, History and African-American Studies
• Lane Gauthier, Curriculum and Instruction
• Jesse Scott, English and African-American Studies
• Eric Weber, Public Policy Leadership

Proposal Activity ~ ORSP staff (Lesha Agnew, Mickey McLaurin, Ginger Walton) processed 26 external funding proposals during August 2007. For a complete listing, see the August 2007 Report page.

Award Activity ~ ORSP staff (Scottie Casey, Julie Edgington, Anita Randle) processed 48 external funding awards during August 2007. For a complete listing, see the August 2007 Report page.

For complete information about the ORSP — mission, structure, services, responsibilities, and more — visit the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs page

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs oversees funding for research, service,
education projects. These activities complement the fundamental aspects of The University of Mississippi’s mission and are among its most tangible contributions to the future. Funding for these activities is one of the best measures of a university’s success in engaging with national and international communities.

All of us who have sought funding to test our ideas know that it is difficult and that the communities to which we belong are highly competitive. That spirit of competition is critical and it contributes more than a little to the relief and excitement a researcher feels on receiving a funding award.

Listed below are our colleagues who have been notified of external funding awards in the last calendar month. Please join me in congratulating them. The news of their discoveries and the importance of their contributions are part of all of our futures and the future of Ole Miss.

Alice M. Clark, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs

August 2007 Report: A list of awards received and proposals submitted by The University of Mississippi in the previous month.

August Proposals Submitted: 26 from 21 Principal Investigators

August Awards Received: 48 totaling $12,436,178

FY08 Year-to-Date Number of Active Sponsored Projects: 110

FY08 Year-to-Date Number of Active Investigators: 83