Category: From the VPR

One of the more unfortunate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of UGA campus operations, is the restrictions it has placed on our ability to gather as a community and celebrate each other. Just one example: For the last two springs, UGA Honors Week has featured no live award ceremonies, no podium walks, no handshakes as awards are bestowed, no ringing applause from colleagues and friends. I know we’ve all missed those simple symbols of community.

Next spring, I hope, will be different. And in keeping with those hopes, I encourage you to think about who will make those podium walks and hear that applause. Which of your colleagues deserve special recognition? Which junior faculty are making impacts in their field far beyond their years? Which senior faculty should be feted for decades of sustained contributions to the advancement of knowledge? Which faculty members, postdocs, and graduate students are tirelessly and enthusiastically committed to mentoring? Which students are already building research reputations even before they graduate?

The Office of Research website features a list of our internal Research Awards and the criteria for each. This year we’ve added a new Team Impact Award to recognize an entire research team for excellence in innovation and impactful scholarship that could not be accomplished by single individuals.

Formal nominations for all these awards are made by deans and center/institute directors, but please don’t wait for an invitation to nominate, our leaders need everyone’s help in identifying outstanding candidates. I encourage all of you, UGA researchers, to check with your school, college or research unit about the nomination deadlines and procedures.

Not only is honoring the great work of colleagues and students the right thing to do through our internal Awards mechanism, but it also lays the groundwork for nominations for prestigious external awards. So submit those nominations! You never know where one could lead.

Also: On the topic of research community, please mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 15, from 3-5 p.m., when we will hold our annual research orientation to help faculty learn about the programs and services offered from the Office of Research. This year’s event will be virtual, and it’s open to all faculty and postdoctoral researchers. To register, first log into UGA’s Professional Education Portal and then either search for “Keys to UGA: Launching Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities at UGA” or click this registration link. Hope to see you there!

Best wishes and many thanks,

Karen Burg
Vice President for Research
Harbor Lights Chair in Biomedical Research

Hello everyone,

First, let me say how thrilled and honored I am to be serving as the University of Georgia Vice President for Research. Having served as a UGA faculty member since 2016, I’m well aware of the quality of the work our faculty, staff and student investigators produce, and it’s a privilege to serve the UGA research community in this role.

Let me also acknowledge that we begin 2021-22 with some of the same uncertainty we faced a year ago. We’re all anxious about the ongoing pandemic and how it will affect our health and that of our families, students, friends—and, yes, our research programs. Many of you continue to face significant challenges to your work due to COVID-19. I can’t promise that I will erase those challenges in the weeks and months ahead, but I can pledge that the Office of Research (OoR) will do all we can to support you.

Over the past couple of years, there have been multiple surveys, gathering feedback on OoR processes and services—thank you to all of you who provided input—I’ve been carefully reviewing that data; much of this year will be devoted to being responsive to your suggestions and our own self-assessment. When we can fix or improve something, we will. When we’re unable to address a problem, I’ll be upfront about that and the reasons why.

Finally, I want to expand and improve our channels of communication to better exchange information and opportunities. We will spend this fall working on the major Office of Research internal communications vehicles, and every month I will send a personal message highlighting a process or policy improvement, spotlighting a particular OoR office or individual, explaining a research office function, or simply singing the praises of you, our terrific investigators, and the work you do.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving as UGA’s Vice President for Research. We are here in OoR to help you succeed. If you have a question or concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Karen Burg
Vice President for Research
Harbor Lights Chair in Biomedical Research