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Research Support

Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Programs provides leadership and administrative support to members of the Bentley research community engaged in the development and submission of proposals for grants and contracts to governmental agencies and foundations. Proposals may support research, curriculum development, instruction, service and other projects and programs. 

In addition to proposal development activities, on behalf of the faculty, Bentley negotiates contracts and subcontracts; oversees adherence to funding agency policies and regulations; and follows through on the completion of reporting requirements and award close-out.

If you have specific questions about support for Sponsored Programs or wish to notify the university about trouble using any of the links on this site, please contact Susan Richman (srichman@bentley.edu).

We’re here to help you

  • Identify funding opportunities
  • Develop grant proposals
  • Find guidance on research objectives
  • Accept and/or negotiate all government contracts and grants received 

Before you begin

We’re eager to work with faculty to refine their ideas, find matching sponsors, write and submit persuasive proposals and steward the relationship after funding has been received. We’ll simplify and standardize the proposal submission process for you to ensure a successful grant application. And we strive to assist anyone pursuing external funding.

Questions About Sponsored Programs

Is there a possibility of funding within my area of research and if so, how can I find funding?

There are many different funding opportunities available for a variety of areas of research.  We encourage you to refer to the links and resources on our website as well as e-mail your questions to Susan Richman.

Do I have to consult someone at Bentley before applying for funding?

Yes, if you are a faculty member any proposal to the government or a foundation must be approved by the university before it is submitted.

Will Bentley inform me of any funding opportunities that become available within my area of expertise?

Members of the faculty currently receive electronic Funding Opportunity notices in their areas of interest. Please notify Susan Richman if you wish to receive additional information. You may also refer to the Funding Opportunities page for current agency interests and deadlines. 

Sponsored Program Steps

Bentley has received copyright permission for you to copy and use the following excellent additonal article on proposal writing:

Proposal Writing Short Course

The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003
https://learning.candid.org/training/introduction-to-proposal-writing/

Policies and Procedures

Prospective Principle Investigators and Project Leaders should contact Susan Richman about any procedures that may need to be followed in regard to their particular proposal(s).  In general, remember that awards made to the college on behalf of a faculty member must be formally approved prior to the proposal submission to the agency. 

Research with Human Subjects

Research with human subjects must be considered by Bentley's Institutional Review Board (IRB). Applications to the IRB must be submitted well in advance for the committee's consideration. Susan Richman provides administrative support to the IRB and should be contacted for additional information about IRB review procedures.

Conflict of Interest

Following federal requirements, the college has developed a Conflict of Interest Policy for major participants on grants.   A Conflict of Interest form must be completed and turned in before a proposal is submitted.

CITI Program

Bentley University has subscribed to the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program).

The CITI Program is a web-based research education platform that provides courses in:

  • Human Subjects Research
  • Responsible Conduct of Research
  • Conflict of Interest

Anyone can register and access the training modules using their Bentley email address.

Students who are receiving funding through an award from the National Science Foundation are required to take Responsible Conduct of Research training and the Principal Investigator is required to ensure this is done.

Human Subjects Research (HSR)

CITI Program’s HSR covers the historical development of human subject protections, as well as current information on regulatory and ethical issues. This training satisfies the NIH requirement for IRB training.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

The RCR series covers core norms, principles, regulations, and rules governing the practice of research. CITI Program’s RCR series consist of a basic course, complemented with a set of additional modules of interest, and a refresher course.

Conflicts of Interest (COI)

The COI series covers the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) regulations on financial conflicts of interest and an investigator’s responsibilities relating to the disclosure of “Significant Financial Interests.” Any Principal Investigator or key personnel on a proposal to a PHS agency is required to complete this training and also submit a signed Financial Conflict of Interest form to the Sponsored Programs office before a proposal is submitted.

CITI Program’s HSR covers the historical development of human subject protections, as well as current information on regulatory and ethical issues. This training satisfies the NIH requirement for IRB training.

The RCR series covers core norms, principles, regulations, and rules governing the practice of research. CITI Program’s RCR series consist of a basic course, complemented with a set of additional modules of interest, and a refresher course.

 

The FCIO series covers the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) regulations on financial conflicts of interest and an investigator’s responsibilities relating to the disclosure of “Significant Financial Interests.” Any Principal Investigator or key personnel on a proposal to a PHS agency is required to complete this training and also submit a signed Financial Conflict of Interest form to the Sponsored Programs office before a proposal is submitted.

Questions?

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Susan Richman
Director of Foundation Relations and Sponsored Programs
Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations
781.891.2660

For questions about training requirements or obtaining training certificates, please contact Susan Richman with the contact information above, or CITI Support using the button below.

Contact CITI Support

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Nyudlia Araeva
Senior Grant Administrator

Nyudlia Araeva joins the Office of Sponsored Programs as Senior Grant Administrator. In this role, she will provide support to faculty for post-award grant administration and stewardship of nonfederal awards. She comes to Bentley from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she worked with faculty and students on sponsored research projects.  

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement