Council on Research Meeting Minutes
April 26, 2012
Life Sciences Research Building, Conference Room 1143
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Members present: Michael Amrozowicz, James Castracane, Vishnu Chaturvedi, James A. Dias,
Samantha Friedman, Elizabeth Gaffney, Robert Gluck, Dan Keyser, Elaine Lasda-Bergman, David
Lewis, Brian Macherone and Charles Scholes.
Members absent: Berhane Araia, Tracey Chen, David Andersen, Hemalata Iyer.
Also attending: Adrienne Bonilla, Katy Gonder, Theresa Walker and Robert Webster
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Council Chair, James Castracane, at 9:35 am.
Minutes
A motion to accept the March 29, 2012 minutes with the following correction was made by Michael
Amrozowicz and seconded by Elaine Lasda-Bergman. Correction: on page 2, under New Business
UAlbany 2020 Master Plan should be changed to say UAlbany Facilities Master Plan. Motion carried
with 11 yes and one (1) abstention.
James Castracane noted that he contacted the facilities staff and was informed that they would not be
available to present information on the impact of the facilities master plan on teaching and research to
COR at the April 26 meeting. This item is pending until the fall of 2012.
Vice President for Research Report
 Research Activity Report
The number of proposals submitted are down; however, the dollar amount of proposals
submitted is up due to three large applications that were submitted from RNA Institute, Center
for International Development and School of Social Welfare. Overall expenditures are also
down; however, it is critical to note that organized research is up. This is much more activity in
organized research compared to last year this time. Note that CNSE is not represented in the
research activity report.
Vice President Dias explained that organized research is the business classification which
distinguishes organized research from contracts. Organized research has the highest facilities
and administrative (F & A) return rate; however, the contract piece is still important, as it gets
visibility for the University and impacts economic development by creating jobs. Professional
Development Program alone brings in about $3M in contracts. Note that the research activity
report represents committed funds. State contracts are set up as at- risk accounts, so they are not
included in the committed funds. Also note that schools/colleges with more service related
activities have declined in applications.
Page 2 – COR 4/26/12 Meeting Minutes

Announcements
The 12th Annual Research Colloquium will be held on May 7, 2012 at 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
Theme: Changing Paradigms for Energy Economy: Smart and Green Energy Research
Bioconnex will sponsor the Capital Region Commercialization of Life Sciences Innovation Day
at UAlbany on Friday, June 1, 2012 in the Life Sciences Research Building.

Faculty Research Award Program – B (FRAP-B)
Vice President Dias has accepted the recommendations from the Deans for FRAP B awards. A
question arose as to what happens with the unused balance of FRAP. Vice President Dias
responded that the funds are used to support research programs on an ad hoc basis.
Subcommittee Reports

Benevolent Award Review – Samantha Friedman, Chair
Samantha discussed the subcommitte’s recommended changes to the Benevolent Grant
guidelines. There were two primary issues: clarification of eligibility, especially as it relates to
master’s degree students and clarification of preference for outside funding. After discussion, it
was decided that the subcommittee will again review and revise the wording and forward the
revised document to Janice to be distributed to Council members for a vote via e-mail.
(ACTION ITEM)
David Lewis noted that the Alumni Association, who funds the Benevolent Grant, should be
notified of any changes to the guidelines. (ACTION ITEM)

Conference/Journal Support Award – Daniel Keyser, Chair
Daniel summarized the subcommittee’s recommendations for funding. One application in
particular was discussed because of the fact that no registration fee was included in the budget.
Pursuant to the discussion, the subcommittee will revise language on registration fees for the
Council’s review and vote via e-mail. (ACTION ITEM)
A motion was made by Vishnu Chaturvedi to accept the subcommittee’s recommendations for
funding and seconded by Elaine Lasda-Bergman.
The issue was raised as to whether the conference support award deadline should be extended
since there are unused funds. Vice President Dias indicated that the date will be extended and
sufficient administrative staff support will be available to the subcommittee. A notification of
such will be sent to the deans, department chairs and others as appropriate.
Page 2- COR meeting minutes 4/26/2012

Researchers Liaison Committee - Berhane Araia and Katy Gonder, Co-chairs
Katy Gonder reported in Berhane’s absence. She referenced the draft of the Early Career
Achievement Award proposal that was distributed earlier to COR members. A few cosmetic
changes will be made and the final document forwarded to the Vice President for Research.
(ACTION ITEM)
Old Business—None
New Business
The University Senate will meet during the summer to elect a new chair of COR. The outgoing chair,
James Castracane, thanked everyone for their support during his terms as Chair.
Meeting adjourned at 10:03 am
Submitted by Janice E. Bogan