CIE 500D Fall 2007 Oct. 29 Lecture

DEVELOPMENT OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROPOSALS

Professor George C. Lee

Outline

• Definition of Research• Academic Research• Examples

– Basic Research Agency– Mission Agency

• Graduate Student Research Proposals• Class Assignment

Definition of “Research” (Webster’s)

• Basic Research• Applied Research• Engineering Research• Open-Window Research• Problem-Focused

Research

• Classified Research• Academic Research• Industrial Research• Interdisciplinary Research• Multi-disciplinary

Research

Critical and exhaustive investigation having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly discovered facts, or the practical applications of such new or revised conclusions, theories, or laws.

Distinguish the following types of research:

Academic Research(Research carried out by faculty members and students)

Funding Sources:

University– All types

Federal Agencies– Basic Research Agencies (NSF, NIH)– Mission Agencies (NASA, DOD, DOF, DOT, etc.): problem-

focused research, both basic and applied

State and Local Agencies– Mission Agencies: applied research

Industry:– Applied Research

Foundations– All types

Academic Research

Funded Research Projects• Grants (mostly NSF, NIH, Foundation, University)• Contracts (mostly mission agencies, industry)

- Distinguish “grant” and “contract”

- Distinguish research fellowship,” “scholarship” and “research assistantship”

Academic Research

Review of Academic Research Proposals Carried Out by Faculty

• Peer Review (NSF, NIH, some mission agency programs) – by individuals or panels (external experts)

• Agency Review– by internal panels/committees– external experts sometimes involved

• Industry/Foundation/University– variable

Academic Research

Review of Academic Research Proposals Carried Out by Faculty (Cont’d)

•Basic Research Agencies (e.g., NSF)– Intellectual Merit (what’s new?)– Broader Impact

•Mission Agencies (e.g., DOE)– Guidelines specified in the RFP– Mostly problem-focused basic or applied research

with a strong emphasis on “deliverables”

•Other (e.g., industry)

Academic Research Proposals

Typical Grant Proposals• Letter of Intent (may not be needed)• Preliminary Proposal (may not be needed)• Proposal Including Budget

Typical Contract Proposals• Technical Proposal• Cost Proposal

Example (NSF Proposal)

• I had an idea of a basic research proposal – Development of a device to measure changes of acceleration for earthquake engineering applications.

• Studied possible programs in NSF that may be suitable for submitting a proposal.

• Visited the program directors and learn their views.

• Prepared a proposal.

NSF Home Page

NSF CMMI Division1. Control Systems

2. Dynamical Systems

3. Engineering Design

4. GeoEnvironmental Engineering and GeoHazards Mitigation

5. GeoMechanics and GeoTechnical Systems

6. George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Research

7. Information Technology and Infrastructure Systems

8. Infrastructure Management and Hazard Response

9. Infrastructure Materials and Structural Mechanics

NSF CMMI Division (contd)

10. Manufacturing Enterprise Systems

11. Machines and Equipment

12. Material Design and Surface Engineering

13. Material Processing and Manufacturing

14. Mechanics and Structures of Materials15. Nano and Bio Mechanics

16. Nano Manufacturing

17. Operations Research

18. Sensor Innovation and Systems

19. Service Enterprise Engineering

Sensors Innovation and Systems

SYNOPSIS

The Sensor Innovation and Systems program supports research on acquiring and using information about civil and mechanical systems to improve their safety, reliability, cost, and performance; knowledge base for development of advanced sensors for engineering solutions and strategic decision-making for safety, security, and reliability and for implementation of real-time adaptive system performance through dynamic response control, smart sensing, and innovative actuating capabilities that use the sensed information; innovative sensor technology development including micro devices based on five senses and their embedment, micro and wireless networks, analytical tools and strategies for health monitoring and diagnosis, and engineering for smart structures.

Example (DOT Proposal)

• I learned that FHWA has an interest in Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) from TRB meeting, and other FHWA publications, etc.

• I discussed with several individuals and read all the literature and relevant references, and decided on one specific aspect of ABC - ABC in high earthquake regions.

• Submit a proposal in response to agency announcement (RFP).

Federal Register Page

Academic Research Grant Proposal

Typical Table of ContentsSummaryPart I

1. Motivation2. State-of-the-art3. Specific Objectives

Part II4. Research Plan5. Qualifications of Investigators6. Anticipated Outcome7. References

Part III8. Budget and Budget Justification9. Appendices

- Resources, commitment letters, facilities, other supporting documents

Graduate Student Research Proposals

• Your own idea Need an advisor

• e.g., developed from attending lectures and seminars

• Your advisor’s idea He/She has an idea for students to work on

• Your advisor has a grant or contract Research subject pretty much defined

Class Exercise What to do between Oct 29 – Dec 3:

1. Think about possible research subjects

2. Choose one based on reading, internet search, discussions with instructor or other faculty members, or whatever

3. Perform in-depth literature review and prepare a one-page summary describing the rationale with a list of references reviewed

4. Meet with the instruction (mandatory) to frame the scope and table of contents

5. Prepare rough draft of proposal (Table of Contents, Part I)

6. Present your proposal to the class and receive comments and questions from peers

7. Prepare and submit final version

Class Exercise (Cont’d)

Emphasis: Items 1, 2, and 3 (see Table of Contents)

Search for a subject area and carry out intensive literature reviews so that you can write a good Part I, based on the review of 6-10 most important references in the subject area (must be listed).

Class Exercise (Cont’d)

Presentation:

•Submit a one-page summary (to be distributed to classmates) before presentation

•Give a 15-minute presentation using ppt (professionally prepared) about your proposal.

Class Exercise (Cont’d)

Submission of Proposal:

•December 3, 2007

•Include:

– Summary (You Already Prepared)

– Items 1, 2, and 3

– Item 7 (6-10 References)

– Other (Your Choice)

•Format:

– Total Length: Approximately 6 pages (5-7) Including Summary and References

– Use Manuscript Guidelines Given by ASCE J. of Structural Engineering