Research

A Letter of Intent, also called a White Paper, Pre-Proposal, Concept Paper, or Quad Chart (hereafter called LOI), is a shortened version of a complete grant proposal. Typically, sponsors will request LOIs to allow them to assess whether or not there is a good match between the proposed project and their interests. The Office of Sponsored programs has a document explaining procedures for letters of intent.

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Research Development Services would like faculty to know about some upcoming opportunities to assist them in their professional development.

Keep in mind the multitude of tools available to aid faculty in their searches for external funding opportunities. One of those tools is the Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN).

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has enabled a number of enhancements for proposals submitted in Research.gov, FastLane, and Grants.gov. In addition, the updated NSF-approved biographical sketch and current and pending support SciENcv and fillable PDF formats that fall under the revised Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 22-1) will be available to preview by September 17, 2021.

Mason’s Research Continuity Working Group announced the university will no longer have separate research-related protocols for COVID-19. The group’s website now redirects the community to the university’s main COVID-19 guidance. Additionally, the Return to Research form is no longer necessary.

Study leaves for tenured instructional faculty, funded by the provost, are intended to provide paid temporary leave for advancing scholarly research, teaching, and/or creative activity, including the development of innovative teaching approaches and methods. The college encourages its full-time, tenured faculty with six or more years of service to Mason to pursue this opportunity.

The journal Nature discusses the impact of the Fast Grants program, co-created by economics professor Tyler Cowen, in expediting early research into the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Cynthia Lum joined Mason President Gregory Washington to talk about how evidence-based policing is part of an overall strategy to fight crime that also includes police being respectful to the communities with which they work.

In a Thrive Global editorial on the importance of assessing and changing our relationships with technology, Robyn Mehlenbeck, director of Mason's Center for Psychological Services, discusses drawbacks of screentime entertainment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents relaxed screen time restrictions on students confined to home. Robyn Mehlenbeck, director of Mason's Center for Psychological Services, offers advice on managing screen time for all family members.