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Research Mechanics

A goal for NU EM Research for 2010 was to improve the process of finding grants, applying for grants, negotiating contracts, and obtaining IRB approval.  To this end, we have initiated several interventions to improve the process of conducting research for investigators.

Obtaining department and University approval is an important part of the grant application process that is often challenging. In 2009, the University created an electronic submission mechanism for the paperwork associated with this process that automatically routes proposals for approval and allows faculty and administrators to track the progress. We felt that using this mechanism would make it easier for investigators to approve and track proposals; however, the site proved cumbersome and we have returned to the paper approvals. For 2011, we are evaluating ways to educate faculty on the application/contract negotiation process and streamline the approval process.

Some changes were also implemented to our IRB submission process this year. We made a point to submit guidelines regarding the use of eIRB to the faculty and residents as well as post these guidelines as a resource on our department website. These guidelines seem to have been particularly helpful for the residents because during Fiscal Year 2010, we had more resident-initiated protocols than we had the year before. During 2011 we will continue the progress that we have made by educating the incoming resident class and focus on compliance.

Research Dissemination and Resources

The communication of new discoveries as part of our research is an integral part of fulfilling our mission. This not only includes to the medical community through presentations at academic meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals, but also with our university community.  In 2010, we made a goal to improve and enhance our methods for disseminating our research findings as well as resources to enhance our research.

While some progress was made, such as addition of resources to our department website, the department and program are still evaluating what is the most effective way to disseminate new information both to our internal community as well as to the Northwestern and research communities as a whole.