An Introduction to Research and Faculty Advancement at SPH..

Dear colleagues,

This note summarizes resources available to support research and faculty development at the School of Public Health (SPH). This serves as an introduction for new members of our community and hopefully serves as a useful refresher for others as well.

Who we are

The Research and Faculty Advancement team is comprised of three units:

• The Faculty Resources Office oversees a robust portfolio of faculty activities, including guiding faculty appointments and promotions, the Annual Faculty Review process, faculty searches, and faculty development events and programs.
• Our central Research Administration office oversees our pre-award and post-award operations, serves as liaisons between SPH and the BU Office of Sponsored Programs, and provides additional support to departments when needed.
• idea hub serves as a resource to help faculty, staff, and students who are interested in partnering with the private sector to generate opportunities for innovative scholarship.

Quick access to information

Here I highlight some the best ways to find information relevant to research and faculty:

• Faculty dashboard – provides quick links to information on all aspects of faculty life at SPH
• Faculty Handbook – details the school’s resources and policies relevant to faculty
• Faculty development seminar series – a monthly digest of seminars and workshops, communicated via SPH Today at the start of each month

Grant writing workshops

• SPH Grant writing workshop – provides guidance and support on the preparation of a grant application that by the end of the workshop will be ready to submit for external funding.
• Program for early career research development (PERC) – provides a roadmap and targeted guidance for launching an independent research career
• Career development award grant writing workshop – provides guidance and support on the preparation of an application for a Career Development Award (e.g. NIH K01)
• R01 proposal writing workshop – a structured program available to faculty who are planning to submit their first R01 proposal as Principal Investigator

Appointments and Promotions

• A&P guidelines – summarizes the criteria and procedures for seeking appointments or promotion to different ranks and tracks
• Promotion information session – offered each semester to clarify the promotion process and provide guidance on how to prepare a strong promotion packet
• Mid-rank review program – an optional and non-evaluative review program for faculty seeking feedback on their progress toward promotion
• A&P archive – a collection of promotion materials for faculty who have been successfully appointed or promoted at SPH

Faculty Development Programs

• Faculty mentoring program – coordinates the formation of a mentoring team to support faculty on their teaching, research, practice, and advancement toward career goals
• Pilot award program – seed grants and strategic initiative awards to support a variety of Think.Teach.Do activities at SPH
• Early career faculty development program – a program for BUMC faculty that introduces resources and helps faculty develop goals to advance their careers
• Faculty incentive program – rewards faculty who exceed salary coverage expectations and/or serve as PI for externally funded awards
• Sabbatical program – provides opportunities for faculty to take leave from SPH to engage in scholarly research or other activities leading to professional growth
• Narrative writing program – helps faculty to develop narrative skills and gain confidence through in-class reflective writing, discussion of literary works, and writing workshops
• Mentoring the mentor seminar – a one-day interactive training program using case studies to teach critical mentoring skills
• Phased retirement program – a program for customizing a plan for reduced engagement during the years preceding retirement

Leadership Training Programs

• BUMC Leadership Program – a longitudinal program for faculty interested in academic leadership and understanding the complexities of navigating careers for women leaders.
• Mid-career faculty leadership program – a year-long program that focuses on developing mentoring networks, strategic leadership skills, and inter-disciplinary collaboration
• Marcelle Willock faculty development program – a longitudinal leadership and career development program open to faculty from across the BU Medical Campus
• Emerging leaders program – a two-day intensive program that introduces key leadership skills to help late assistant professors and early associate professors

In addition to the resources above, SPH also offers a full suite of resources to support teaching and advising, which will be described in an upcoming note from Dean Sullivan.

I encourage you to reach out to me or the Faculty Resources Team with any questions about research support and faculty advancement resources.

Best,

Mike

Michael McClean, ScD
Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Advancement