The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), as a part of the Office of the Provost, is responsible for the administrative oversight of the research mission of the University. The ORSP supports faculty, staff, and students who are conducting research by providing assistance with extramural funding from pre-award application to post-award management, with expertise on policy and regulatory compliance, with the oversight of veterinary services, and with the coordination of undergraduate research. Additionally, the ORSP provides support through the allocation of internal funding.

Organizational chart for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (details below)

Pre-award and Post-award

The ORSP oversees the submission, acceptance, and monitoring of externally-funded sponsored programs. The ORSP provides support to faculty and staff regarding grant-related activities and provides ongoing information regarding policy changes and funding opportunities. Support personnel are available to assist faculty and staff in all aspects of the pre-award grants process and in the management of post-award grants administration. All activities sponsored by external agencies should be directed to the ORSP, including, proposals and awards in support of research, instruction, training, and community service projects.

 

Research Compliance (ORC)

The Office of Research Compliance is responsible for the development and implementation of university policies and Standard Operating Procedures related to the use of human subjects in research, the use of animals in research, conflicts of interests, and misconduct in science.

 

University Veterinarians

University veterinarians provide oversight and support for the use of animals in research.

 

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Include scholarly activities undertaken by undergraduate students across the University and across all disciplines. The ORSP provides student travel funds, coordinates the Mercer Undergraduate Research Scholars (MURS) summer program, and administers other resources for the conduct and dissemination of undergraduate research.