Getting Started

Getting Started

It can be overwhelming to navigate the University and sponsor requirements when applying for a grant for sponsored funding. Here’s what you need to know to get started and to understand how this website is organized.

Understand the Research Project Lifecycle

Our processes and our website are organized according to the lifecycle of a research project to enable understanding of sponsored projects from the beginning phases (pre-award) to the award start and completion phases (post-award). Research projects are complex with regard to both the science and the administration. A sponsored project’s lifecycle could extend for just a few months to decades.

Obafemi Awolowo University Research Project LifeCycle

Understand Pre-Award and Post-Award

The Central Office Of Research (COR) primarily handles pre-award activities but also has roles throughout the life of a project.

COR project representatives review proposals and awards, negotiate agreements. ORSP processes all awards to Sponsored Programs (a unit of Finance) who partner with us to handle the financial aspects of post-award activities.

While Finance-Sponsored Programs handles post-award financial activities, COR continues to support project teams during post-award and throughout the remainder of the project lifecycle, working with the COR project teams and various sponsors to meet research-related milestones, technical reporting, award changes, and closeout.

COR helps
(a) advocate for our research community in its pursuits,
(b) protect OAU from financial and reputational harm, and
(c) help our sponsors achieve their scientific and programmatic goals.

The COR primarily handles pre-award activities but also has roles throughout the life of a project.

Leverage Your Unit Research Administrator’s Knowledge

Even before working with COR, you should start by working with the research administrator (RA) within your school/college/institute/department/unit who can help with policies, processes, systems, and forms. If you do not know who that person is you can use our directory to look up your research administrator to get a name and contact information.

Helpful Hints for Faculty Working With COR

Examples of OAU Funding information In early discussions with sponsors, defer discussions of indirect cost arrange COR for negotiation and review of agreements and grants. COR reviews and submits all proposals seeking external funding. For the most comprehensive review and submission, adhere to our Deadline Policy.

Where Should I Begin When Navigating this Website?

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