Research Development Program (A-65)
Original Implementation: January 19, 2006
Last Revision: April 17, 2012
Research Development Funds are intended to promote increased research capacity at eligible general academic teaching institutions (Texas Education Code, Chapter 62).
The Research Development Program at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) uses these funds to directly support the university’s research agenda and have the potential to increase competitiveness in acquiring external funds for research and development.
Funding is limited to research and development activities on the basis of the following guidelines (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Chapter 13. Financial Planning, Subchapter G. Research Development Fund):
- Research means “a systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied.”
- Development means “the systematic use of knowledge and understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes.”
- Curriculum development activities are also eligible for funding when “the primary purpose of the project is developing and testing an instructional or educational model through appropriate research methodologies (i.e., data collection, evaluation, dissemination, and publication).”
Research development requests must address the purpose of the Research Development Fund, i.e., to increase the research capacity of the university; therefore, requests that would benefit or address only the research interests of a single individual will not be considered.
Research Development Funds may not be used to supplant funds for research activities or equipment supported by other sources. However, Research Development Funds may be used for matching or cost-sharing. Researchers who have access to research funds from other sources are encouraged to exhaust all alternative funding pathways before requesting Research Development Funds.
In the expenditure of Research Development Funds, recipients are subject to all local, state, and federal regulations.
Before initiating research that involves human subjects, laboratory animals, or hazardous materials, researchers must obtain approval from the chair of the appropriate university board or committee.
Recipients of Research Development Funds must meet deadlines for deliverables, including periodic reports, as outlined by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Publications resulting from Research Development Funds shall acknowledge the source of funds as the Stephen F. Austin State University Research Development Program. Copies of the publication shall be filed with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and with the East Texas Research Center in the Steen Library.
The director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs evaluates requests for Research Development Program funds and makes awards based on criteria established by the director and the provost and vice president for academic affairs. For awards of $50,000 or greater, the director makes recommendations for funding to the provost and vice president for academic affairs.
For information on procedures to request Research Development Program funds, contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Cross Reference: Human Research Subjects Protection (A-62); Academic Appointments and Titles (E-1A); Tex. Educ. Code §§ 62.091-.098; 19 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 13.120-.127
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Forms: None
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs