Authorization:

Applications for research grants and proposals for contract research related to a faculty member's University commitment to research (or to a student's academic program) which utilize University facilities and services must be authorized by the University.
Minimum application requirements include an authorization/signature from the head of the department in which the project will be carried out and from a designated executive officer of the University. In some cases a Faculty may require that a faculty officer authorize applications/proposals. A faculty supervisor must also authorize student project applications.

Procedures:

Completed applications, signed by the principal investigator, are first submitted to the department head. Student applications are submitted to the faculty supervisor and, in turn, to the department head.

Following departmental authorization, the applicant is responsible for obtaining any additional authorizations, approvals, and/or certifications that may be required.

Finally, the original and one copy of the application are submitted to Research Services, which will issue or obtain University authorization according to the nature and scope of the proposal.

Signatures:

Applicant - indicates acceptance of academic, professional, scientific, and technical responsibility for the project. In addition, it represents an undertaking to observe sponsor and University policies and regulations, as well as any special award conditions.;

Faculty Supervisor - for student projects, indicates the same undertaking as the above (3.1), as well as willingness to complete or terminate the project in accordance with sponsor requirements if student participants are unable or unavailable to do so.

Department Head - indicates that the department is willing to accommodate the project; that required facilities and services are available; and that the researcher meets known university and sponsor eligibility requirements. It also represents general acceptance of expressed or implied time commitments, including willingness to recommend leave or other special arrangements as specified in the application.

Special Commitments - for proposals that entail new or incremental space, specific material or financial contributions, or preferred use of common facilities and services, the department head's signature indicates either approval for those items under departmental auspices or a commitment to seek the approval of appropriate faculty and University authorities. When non-departmental commitments have not received final approval, it is the department head's responsibility to state clearly any reservations or limitations in a letter of transmittal.

University Officer - underwrites the departmental commitment, confirms that the institution will accept and administer funds in accordance with agreed terms and conditions or will negotiate acceptable terms if these are not established at the time of application; that the researcher will have access to and normal use of university facilities and services; and that, when applicable, the project has been or will be reviewed for human ethics, animal experimentation, radiation and biosafety hazards, etc.

Special Requirements:

Without the necessary approval, authorization, or certification, general authorization of an application does not denote that any special university or sponsor requirements have been approved. The University may require the withdrawal of an application or a proposal if any of the special requirements are not fulfilled within a reasonable period of time. If a proposal is successful, the funds may not be accepted or released to the researcher until all special requirements have been satisfied.  

Special requirements include projects which involve the following:

Human Studies - must be certified by the appropriate University Research Ethics Board (Conjoint Faculties or the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board).

Animal Care - must be certified by the University Director of Animal Care.

Biohazards - must be certified by the University Biosafety Committee. Contact Dr. Don Woods, Faculty of Medicine, 220-4220, Room HSB 874. See Biohazards Certification Form.  

Radioactive Materials - must be carried out in accordance with University and AECB regulations. Normally, radiation safety certification is not required as part of a proposal. It is the investigator's responsibility to consult with the University Safety Office concerning any applicable regulations and to ensure that the proposal is prepared and the research carried out in strict accordance with those regulations.

Release Time/Leave - the authorization of a proposal does not commit the University to grant any leave of absence that may be required if the proposal is approved. When an assurance of leave is a precondition of submission, the researcher must consult with the faculty dean, who will then make a recommendation to the Vice-President (Academic).

Major Initiatives - include all projects that involve a significant commitment of University resources over an extended period of time. When these commitments represent a specific University undertaking, the proposal is subject to special review by the Vice-President (Research & International). The nature and extent of this review will be determined on an individual basis.

Academic Appointments - applications which commit the University to an academic staff appointment must be approved by the faculty dean and by the Vice-President (Academic).