Syracuse University faculty and staff have been receiving communications from federal agencies, both directly and indirectly, that impact research operations. The Office of Research and the Office of University Counsel continue to monitor and assess the impact of recent executive action and court decisions on federally-funded research.
At present, principal investigators should continue all activities consistent with the existing terms and conditions of your award unless directed specifically by the federal sponsor. Please ensure that you submit all required deliverables and reports, noting that sponsors may have adjusted content requirements, or may communicate such content adjustments in the future.
Please check the Office of Research SharePoint page (NetID login required) for updates and information about federal-level and agency-wide actions.
Syracuse University researchers now have a one-stop portal for accessing cutting-edge scientific equipment and central resources, thanks to a newly launched Core Facilities webpage from the Office of Research. The digital hub showcases the University’s collection of shared research infrastructure—specialized instruments, laboratories, and technical expertise that individual labs typically can’t afford or maintain on their own. Expert staff operate and maintain the equipment, while offering hands-on training to students, faculty, and staff at affordable rates.
A new highlight includes a state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope (SEM) that has just been installed on campus. The Zeiss Sigma 360 boasts a field-emission electron source capable of ultra-low voltage imaging and a variable pressure module that enables imaging of “damp” or “environmental” samples like hydrogels and biological specimens. The high-resolution microscope joins the benchtop SEM with energy-dispersive spectroscopy already available in the Microanalytical Laboratory, expanding possibilities for researchers across disciplines.
The webpage currently features four centrally-managed facilities:
Researchers interested in exploring the cores can contact the Research Operations group at resops@syr.edu or visit the Syracuse University portal on the scheduling and billing platform. Details on usage rates, training, and access for the new Zeiss Sigma will be announced soon.
The Office of Research is also soliciting feedback through a brief Qualtrics survey to guide future expansion and ensure the cores meet evolving research needs across campus. Faculty and potential users of the Core Facilities are invited to complete the survey.
The Office of Research is pleased to announce unlimited institutional access to the LevelUP Micro-credential Program from the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). LevelUP is a comprehensive set of online courses covering pre-award administration, post-award finance, and regulatory and financial compliance. The courses can be completed any time, from any location, and at no cost to you or your department. For each module completed, you earn a micro-credential and a digital badge.
For more information or to participate, email Jill Ferguson.
Syracuse University has established an Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to provide centralized resources and dedicated staff to serve the interests and well-being of postdoctoral scholars.
Part of the Office of Research and developed in partnership with the Graduate School, the new office is an expansion of the University’s commitment to a quality campus experience and positive career outcomes for postdoctoral associates, says Duncan Brown, vice president for research. Read more.
The Office of Research has announced a new internal grants program to support faculty research and creative endeavors as well as increase high-quality scholarly output. Full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members can apply for project grants of between $1,000 and $5,000. Brown says he expects FCAR grants to be awarded three times annually, at the start of the fall, spring and summer semesters, to provide faculty with maximum flexibility. The total anticipated funding for this cycle is $50,000. Read more.
