Fall 2008, Volume 2, Issue 2

Research Ethics

Research Affairs will co-sponsor the Provost’s Lunch on Learning on Rightness and Wrongness: Learning the Ethics of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. The discussion will be introduced by Chris Glembotski of Graduate Affairs. Cathie Atkins (College of Sciences), Eniko Csomay (Undergraduate Research) and Dena Plemmons (Research Affairs) compose the panel. Join us at the Faculty-Staff Club on October 15th beginning at 11:30 a.m. Register for this event through the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Ethics over Breakfast - Ethics over Lunch. Dena Plemmons coordinates opportunities for students and faculty to discuss research ethics during their lab meetings either over a breakfast or lunch (light fare provided). Contact Dena by e-mail or call 619-594-2309 to schedule for the fall semester.

Seminar in Research and Scholarship Ethics (INT-S 690) is offered each semester to graduate students. The fall semester section is at capacity with 20 students from several departments, including Philosophy, Linguistics, Biology, Engineering, Psychology, Chemistry and Social Work. This one-unit course is designed to meet current NIH and NSF requirements for training in the responsible conduct of research/research ethics. Additionally, an advanced three-unit course on scientific and research integrity will be offered in spring 2009.

The Center for Ethics in Science and Technology hosts an ethics seminar the first Wednesday of each month, beginning at 5:30 at the Fleet Space Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Events and News

University Grants Program

The University Grants Program (UGP) is accepting applications for this funding cycle. The UGP supports scholarly research and creative activities, assists faculty at lower ranks in activities that encourage retention, tenure, and promotion, permits completion of projects, helps faculty develop a research program competitive for extramural funding. The maximum award is $10,000. The UGP funding period is for 18 months beginning in January. All Unit 3 members are eligible to apply for UGP funding. Join Camille Nebeker and Gary Grudnitski at the Faculty-Staff Club on September 18th at 11:30 a.m for an overview of the UGP. Register for this event through the Center for Teaching and Learning.

The Division of Research Affairs will accept nominations for the 2009 Albert W. Johnson University Research Lectureship through October 27, 2008. The recipient will be invited to give a public lecture and will be named Distinguished Professor in his/her discipline. Eligibility for the Lectureship is restricted to faculty holding full-time, tenure-track positions at the time of nomination. For more information, visit the Division of Research Affairs website.

Research Updates

The Human Research Protection Program will host the Human Subjects Seminar Series this fall to highlight ethical practices in research and provide a forum for discussion with peers/colleagues. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend.

The first session, scheduled for September 23rd from 1-2 p.m. in the Alan and Debbie Gold Auditorium in the BioSciences Center, will focus on the informed consent process. Two panelists, Dr. Nader Amir, Psychology and Dr. Tracy Love-Geffen, Speech, Language and Hearing will discuss their research and methods for conducting the informed consent process with prospective subjects.

Joint Doctoral Program and IRB

Beginning this fall, SDSU/UCSD JDP students who use human subjects in research will submit their IRB application to either the UCSD or the SDSU IRB. The “Reviewing” IRB is determined by the affiliation of the faculty mentor responsible for oversight of the research. This cooperative review process is allowed through 45 CFR 46.114 to avoid duplication of effort and reduce burden for investigators, IRB members and staff. At this time, the agreement is limited to UCSD/SDSU JDP students. The impact of this agreement will be evaluated over the next six months to determine whether it may be expanded.

For more information contact Wendy Bracken, Human Research Protection Program Coordinator at 619-594-3380.

*** SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 27-28, 2009 ***

2009 Student Research Symposium

SDSU is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Student Research Symposium (SRS) and cordially invites all SDSU students to participate in this event. The SRS showcases student research, scholarship and creative activity through oral and poster presentations. SRS awardees may also compete in the 2009 CSU Student Research Competition. Online registration opens via the Graduate and Research Affairs’ website on December 1, 2008. The SRS is a two-day event scheduled for February 27-28, 2009 at the Aztec Center.

Visit the Division of Research Affairs at SSE 1410 or on the web.