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Federal Research Support Fund provides “invisible” helping hand for researchers
91泡芙 (SFU) researchers benefit from an important resource, the (RSF). This federal government funding is not tied to any specific project, but is used across the university in various ways to ensure a robust research environment.
The RSF covers the indirect costs of research, which includes maintaining and upgrading laboratories, acquiring digital and library resources, supporting administrative and financial services for research projects, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
According to Valorie Crooks, associate vice-president, research, the RSF provides for 鈥渋nvisible鈥� support that is woven into the research ecosystem at SFU. And the fact that it is provided in a seamless way to support research activities, means it is working exactly as it should. 鈥淭he RSF is really designed to be behind the scenes, but it is is meant to lift up research programs,鈥� says Crooks.
We spoke to Crooks about the ways the RSF promotes research success.
How do SFU researchers rely on the RSF to support their work?
The RSF provided from federal funding agencies is built into the research ecosystem at SFU to support the infrastructure and services that researchers need. For example, RSF is used to cover some of the administrative costs of hosting research activities at SFU. It helps cover the some of the expenses for maintaining research labs. It also enables the university to hire research grant facilitators within the faculties to support research grant proposal development.
How is research made possible by the RSF that would not be possible without it?
The RSF helps facilitate a robust research ecosystem, and it helps all researchers undertake their work. Because RSF funds are available to the university as a whole, it means new researchers who have yet to receive grant funds from federal agencies can still benefit from the resources supported through RSF. Importantly, it frees up researchers鈥� time from the administration and regulatory aspects of having to oversee many of the indirect costs of their research programs and enables them to focus on their research. It also enables them to receive guidance and support from the university鈥檚 grant facilitators.
What are some of the ways grant facilitators support researchers?
Grant facilitators have an excellent working knowledge of research funding opportunities. Many cultivate meaninful relationships with SFU researchers and develop deep knowledge of their research goals in ways that enhance tailored support when applying for funding. They are also a huge support to new and junior faculty who may not be aware of the ins and outs of Canada鈥檚 funding system. And, they understand the research landscape at SFU (and beyond) and know where to go to find answers鈥攖hey are an invaluable resource.
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