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In this issue: Contingency planning for a government shutdown, additional research space, nursing education, and more
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Research Matters | Furthering Scientific Innovation and Discovery

Volume 7  |  September 2023

I’m sure you are following the news about the possibility of a government shutdown. The current spending laws expire on Saturday, Sept. 30, the end of the government’s fiscal year. Any part of the government whose appropriations bill hasn’t passed and been signed into law by midnight on Oct. 1, could shut down. A partial shutdown would occur if some but not all of the bills are enacted. We encourage you to stay informed about the potential impact. Each agency is expected to post updated contingency plans for its operations should the government shutdown. 

Funding Opportunities
NIH Grant Investments
Upcoming Trainings
Career Opportunities
Professional Meetings

What can you do to prepare for a shutdown? 

  • Consult with program before September 30 if you plan to apply to new federal funding programs 

  • Expect delays with award notices and new funding opportunities 

  • Adhere to posted guidelines for grant submissions or nominations, follow posted guidelines and deadlines for grant applications. In the past, applications could still be submitted during the government shutdown but were queued until the government reopens 

  • Contact your Grants and Contracts Administrator if your award is ending and you plan to request a no-cost extension

While we hope that our government will come to a resolution that avoids a shutdown, it is crucial that we remain proactive and prepared for any potential scenarios. Our commitment to advancing knowledge, and improving the human condition through scientific research is unwavering, and together, we can navigate these challenging times.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please stay engaged and informed as developments unfold. 

Thank you, 
Tina DaSilva
Executive Director Research Operations 

Dear Research Community,

It seems impossible, but Fall is almost here. We dropped my son off for his second year at Tufts, and my daughter started her senior year in high school, so expecting a busy year all around. Within the CSO Office and Research Operations, we also have been busy and are excited for what is to come.

We announced our inaugural BMC Bridge Funding recipients earlier in September. Many of you have seen the announcement, but we will be hosting a speed mentoring event on October 12th from 12-2. We also are planning a Research Town Hall for November (watch out for the announcement- this will be a hybrid event) to increase opportunities to share with each other and network, and we anticipate releasing a BMC specific pilot grant funding mechanism within the next few months.

In addition, I am incredibly excited to share that we will have ~3000 square feet of a clinical research unit as part of the Yawkey 6 renovations. Many in our community have been instrumental in designing this clinical research unit space, which will allow us to significantly accelerate our clinical research. Finally, in the background, we are doing a significant amount of broader strategic planning which we will share with our research community down the road.

As a reminder, in presentations and publications please remember to include your BMC affiliation along with your affiliation with the Chobanian and Avedesian School of Medicine. We are starting to build metrics for our success; in the first half of 2023, BMC investigators published almost 500 papers! As always, feel free to reach out any time. I am looking forward to continuing this journey with all of you.

Thank you, 
Dr. Megan Bair-Merritt
Chief Scientific Officer

Nicole Lincoln, Senior Program Manager (RN), Nursing Education; Advances the nursing profession while contributing to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare systems.

Nursing research is vital for improving patient care, advancing the nursing profession, and contributing to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare systems. It ensures that nursing within the nursing community practice is based on the best available evidence and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Nicole Lincoln is leading the way to the transformative power of research in enhancing patient care, improving outcomes, and advancing the nursing profession as a whole. Take a look at Tina DaSilva’s interview with Nicole Lincoln about integrating nursing in research.

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Research Education

Training and Education Opportunities and Development

Research Operations is planning new Research Community education development and will list live sessions on the calendar and add recorded sessions below as they become available. Check here from time to time to see what trainings are upcoming. Because we would like to tailor training development to your needs, please submit suggestions or priorities here.

The new academic year has arrived and the BMC/BU Clinical Research Resources Office (CRRO) is launching its 2023-24 Clinical Research Seminar series, held on the second Wednesday of each month. The Research Professionals Network, co-sponsored by the CRRO, University of Vermont, the Medical University of South Carolina, and University of Florida, also kicks off its workshop series this month.

Principal Investigators have until 8 am, Sunday, September 17, to register for the CRRO’s ThePrincipal Investigator Role:What Every New and Seasoned PI Needs to Know about the Conduct and Oversight of Clinical Research, which fulfills the Good Clinical Practices PI requirement for three years. Their study staff have until early October for the Fundamentals program.

Please note: the Research Administration Demonstration sessions for September and October have switched places. Click the link below for availability of upcoming sessions.

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Sponsored Programs
Administration (SPA)

Timely updates from Sponsored Programs Administration. The Federal Agency Corner provides valuable updates and news to keep you in the know.


Sponsored Programs is pleased to announce that Mitzi (Mitsuko) Tanaka has recently joined the SPA team as a Senior Grant and Contract Administrator.
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Research Finance

Timely Research Finance updates for the BMC research community. Check back frequently for information on policies,
contracts and forms, new processes and training information. Trainings are live and recorded and posted here.

In this issue:

  • Time and effort certifications for January-June 2023 have been distributed

  • Requesting or updating access to Infor projects

  • Policy Reminders: 

    • Financial Reporting to Sponsors

    • Research discretionary funds restricted use and form

    • Sponsored programs fund monitoring

Read More →

Clinical Research Network

The Clinical Research Network (CRN) is working to improve diverse participation in research by bringing community-
engaged staffing services to high priority, under-resourced trials in service to our researcher and patient communities. Our team will provide updates about how we’re engaging with our communities to improve awareness, understanding, and trust in research through outreach, education and building authentic community partnerships.
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Clinical Trial Office

Clinical Trial Office (CTO) serves as a central resource for principal investigators, study staff and departments involved in clinical research and for sponsors seeking to conduct clinical trials at BMC. Our CTO pre-award and post-award team(s) supports and advances BMC's mission by providing leadership and expertise in Research, Finance and Administration. 

Clinical Research Space Design is really happening! The Joint Clinical Research Unit (JCRU) design is moving forward…
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About Us:

Research Operations (“RO”) is dedicated to supporting Boston Medical Center’s research mission by offering sponsored research expertise, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies, and providing excellent service to researchers and staff – all to advance health and racial equity in our approach to biomedical research and discovery.

RO is comprised of three separate offices, each serving the needs of BMC’s researchers and departments while removing barriers to advance research breakthroughs. RO stands ready to partner with our researchers, departments, and communities to support BMC’s research endeavors. Let us know how we can help you!

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