Earlier this year it was announced that five esteemed Rhode Island higher education institutions, all part of the OSHEAN member community, have been awarded $3 million in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This funding will support the establishment of the Rhode Island Research Administration Collaborative (RIRAC), a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Ocean State. The participating institutions—Roger Williams University, Providence College, Rhode Island College, Rhode Island School of Design, and Salve Regina University—are set to transform the research landscape in Rhode Island and beyond. This is a key initiative for the NSF to “democratize science” beyond the traditional research institutions like Brown University and URI.
A Collaborative Approach to Statewide Growth
The NSF’s GRANTED program has allocated this grant over three years to empower these primarily undergraduate institutions to expand their research capacities. The goal is to strengthen Rhode Island’s position as a leader in innovation by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging the collective expertise of these universities and colleges.
Through RIRAC, these institutions will focus on several key objectives:
- Enhancing Sponsored Research Support: By improving financial and administrative frameworks, the initiative aims to make research efforts more sustainable and impactful.
- Broadening Professional Pipelines: RIRAC will cultivate the next generation of research professionals by offering professional development opportunities and creating pathways for emerging talent.
- Empowering Nonprofits: The grant will support small nonprofit organizations by providing training to help them compete for and manage federal funding.
- Addressing Statewide Needs: Partnering institutions will develop research projects aimed at tackling pressing issues facing Rhode Island, such as coastal resiliency, workforce development in the blue economy, and technology innovation.
- Accelerating Research Commercialization: By building a framework for technology transfer, RIRAC seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and market applications.
Leadership and Vision
The initiative is being spearheaded by Roger Williams University, under the leadership of Principal Investigator Peter Wong, Director of Research and Sponsored Programs at RWU. As the lead institution, RWU will receive $614,727 of the grant to develop key components of the collaborative framework, including grant administration mini-courses for nonprofits and a technology transfer model that benefits all partner institutions.
RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Roger Williams University is grateful to Senator Reed for his continued support and to the National Science Foundation for this funding that will increase research efforts for important issues to Rhode Islanders, such as developing the blue economy workforce, strengthening coastal resiliency, and innovating technology solutions.”
Support from Senator Jack Reed
The proposal to NSF’s GRANTED program received strong support from U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “This is a big win for Rhode Island and a testament to the innovative research being done by this consortium of Ocean State colleges and universities,” said Senator Reed. “RIRAC will support interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research among students and faculty that will lead to future breakthroughs in many fields.”
Looking Ahead
The Rhode Island Research Administration Collaborative officially launches operations this fall, marking an exciting new chapter for the state’s research ecosystem. By fostering collaboration among academic institutions, nonprofits, and industries, RIRAC aims to create a sustainable model for research-driven innovation that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of Rhode Island.
OSHEAN is proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement by our member institutions and looks forward to supporting their continued success. Stay tuned for updates on RIRAC’s progress and its impact on our community.