Category: How-Tos

Transferring Sponsored Research to WashU – Faculty Guide

Welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! Transferring research is a lengthy, involved process that works best when the research administrators from both institutions work together with the PI. Please share this guidance with your research administrators at your current institution. Your WashU department administrator is working on adding you to our system to generate […]

Transferring Sponsored Research to WashU – Admin Guide

A faculty member transferring research to WashU can be a lengthy, nuanced process. As early as possible, begin the process of working with the faculty member’s outgoing institution to gather information. Identify key contacts (department and central staff) at the PI’s outgoing institution who can assist in the transition.  Review the faculty guidance and direct […]

Prepare for NIH Moving to Common Forms

NIH Biographical Sketch & Other Support Common Form Requirement Use of the Common Forms for Biographical Sketch, Current and Pending (Other) Support will be required for application due dates and all JIT, RPPR, and Prior Approval submissions on or after January 25, 2026. You must continue to use the current version of the forms (not the […]

Distinguish Between Financial Support and a Gift

Situation A An individual pledges to donate $1 million each year for the next 5 years to an institution to support an investigator’s research on a disease (such as Parkinson’s disease). There is a written request (such as an email, letter, or other document) that asks the institution to provide the donor with periodic written […]

Disclosing Activities to Sponsors

It is very common for researchers to engage in professional activities outside of WashU. Most of these activities do not present concerns for the university or funding agencies, provided they are properly structured and disclosed. It is important to be fully honest in all disclosures. Even if an activity does not feel relevant to disclose, […]

Ethical Peer Review Practices

Ethical per review requires confidentiality, objectivity, and competence. Confidentiality As a reviewer, you cannot use or share the unpublished information you are reviewing in any way. It is not acceptable to: As a reviewee, it is also important to respect the confidentiality of the peer review processes. You must not contact any potential reviewers related […]

Dealing with Mentoring Challenges and Changes

Throughout the relationship, the mentor and mentee must maintain open and honest communication. This is key to setting realistic expectations, working well together, and reaching goals. Effective communication, and understanding that others may have different communication styles, can prevent many issues from developing. If challenges do arise, talk it through, explain your side, listen to […]