The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $9.2 million to Emory University to support the expansion of the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) Consultants Program. The NORDP Consultants Program is dedicated to diversifying the national research ecosystem by providing research development services to minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and emerging research institutions (ERIs). The award is the first non-conference project funded by the Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) program offered through NSF’s Office of Integrative Activities.
“I am excited that this important investment will advance ambitious ideas and innovative strategies by engaging and empowering the science community across our nation to address impending challenges and opportunities,” shared NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, who earned NORDP’s Research Development Champion Award in 2022. “NSF’s new GRANTED initiative will accelerate progress by promoting full inclusion of the excellent talent in our nation’s research enterprise.”
In this project, led by Dr. Kimberly Eck, Associate Vice President at Emory University and former NORDP President, the NORDP Consultants Program will extend research development support to 16 non-R1 MSIs across four new cohorts. “This award will promote the participation of faculty from minority-serving institutions and strengthen their competitiveness for federal funding,” according to Dina Stroud, program director for GRANTED. “Together, this will enhance the recognition of these institutions as leaders in scientific discovery.”
The project reflects NORDP’s deep commitment to inclusive excellence. “The Consultants Program has had a major impact on the HBCU and ERI partners already engaged. I am excited GRANTED funding will provide additional MSIs with access to the incredible expertise of the NORDP members serving as consultants in this program,” said NORDP President Nathan Meier.
When asked about her experience moving from behind-the-scenes to Principal Investigator, Dr. Eck said, “As a research development professional, I’ve supported the development of hundreds of proposals but being the PI on a federal award was a new experience for me. It was both the easiest and most nerve-wracking proposal I’ve ever written.” She continued with recommendations for other research development professionals, “If you have a project that can help GRANTED achieve its goals, you should apply. Going through the process of submission for yourself (even though you’ve supported many proposals led by faculty) is a great learning experience. It provides a new perspective on the process that will ultimately make you a better research development professional.”
Potential MSI partners interested in being a part of the program, the NORDP Consultants Program will host an information session on October 2, 2023 at 3 p.m. EDT. Those interested should register to attend. The RFA and application submission portal may be accessed here.
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