International engagement helps researchers at the University of Michigan advance the frontiers of knowledge and discovery, and the ongoing success of these collaborations depends on the highest standards of integrity, transparency and trust.
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The Office of the Vice President for Research will host three town halls that focus on best practices for international engagement. The events, which are free and open to U-M faculty and staff, will be:
• Feb. 17, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the College of Engineering, LEC Johnson Rooms.
• Feb. 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at University Hospital, Ford Auditorium.
• Feb. 20, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the School of Dentistry, Room G550.
OVPR plans to record the Feb. 17 town hall so faculty and staff members can view it online at their convenience.
In recent months, many federal agencies have implemented measures to emphasize the need for increased transparency around international activities that may unduly influence research or the peer review process. Failure to comply with these new and revised policies could jeopardize the ability of faculty and the university to receive federal research funding.
The OVPR team worked with units across campus to develop a web portal that features information and resources to promote successful research engagement with international collaborators in this evolving landscape. This includes updated guidelines for reporting foreign collaborations and sources of support, disclosing outside interests and registering international travel.
“We cannot expect to solve the world’s most complex problems without collaboration across global boundaries, which is why the University of Michigan will continue to value the importance and impact of international engagement,” said Rebecca Cunningham, interim vice president for research.
“There is indeed heightened pressure and a greater level of scrutiny around potential international conflicts of interest in our research, and the security of the university’s and our researchers’ intellectual assets.
“In order to maintain the highest standards in pursuit of new knowledge, we will continue to partner with faculty and staff to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibility, and obligation to comply with the federal regulations and guidelines that govern research and scholarship.”
