Office of Integrated Research Support (OIRS)
Our Office of Integrated Research Support helps mitigate the steep learning curve for faculty and fast-tracks support for Benjamin-Carver Scientists, giving you a competitive advantage for research awards. The OIRS includes dedicated personnel for administrative and support functions, which are often not available to junior faculty, as well as Research Navigators who are there to provide you with concierge-like assistance.
Research Navigators
Your Research Navigator is your key contact in the OIRS and provides both direct support (e.g., by assisting with scheduling and communications with mentoring teams) and assistance navigating institutional systems (e.g., connecting you to key resources for research development, IRB and regulatory assistance, budgeting, purchasing, communications and graphic design, and others).
Research Navigators can also connect you with available resources and expertise outside the UAB/TU FIRST Program, such as:
- Study design and biostatistics
- Core facilities
- Scientific review panels
Key Services
Key services within the OIRS are available through your Navigator and are provided by highly-experienced personnel either within the Benjamin-Carver FIRST OIRS or by other experienced professionals on the UAB or Tuskegee campuses.
Concept Development
Trained and experienced personnel can help you think through your project or proposal, assist with developing outlines, connect you with potential collaborators and internal reviewers, and help with refining your documents.
Scientific Writing Assistance
Specialists can help you with conducting focused literature reviews, drafting/editing proposals and manuscripts, or document review and feedback.
Statistical, Bioinformatics, & Study Design Consultations
The OIRS can help with your study design, choosing the most appropriate design to answer your research questions, selecting an appropriate analyses to use, identifying sources of existing date, development of sampling strategies, and writing up results.
Regulatory & IRB Consultation
We can help you work through IRB submissions, HIPAA requirements, and other Human Subjects Research issues, including completion of NIH-required forms.
Communications & Design
Skilled communications and graphic design experts can help you develop recruitment materials, websites, presentations, and graphics for your projects.
Community Engagement
The MHERC Community Engagement staff has years of experience and hundreds of partners around the state to assist you in connecting and collaborating with community residents and organizations in your health equity related research.
Research Recruitment & Retention Services
In collaboration with the UAB MHERC Recruitment and Retention Shared Facility, the OIRS can help you develop a recruitment and retention plan for your research study and provide recruitment and retention services for your funded study with a negotiated contract.
HR, Budgeting, &
Admin Support
Experienced personnel are available through the OIRS to assist with administrative tasks or issues related to your proposal or project. They can help you navigate UAB and TU administrative systems, ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations, help develop project budgets and staffing, and connect you with assistance for day-to-day administrative tasks such as scheduling, room reservations, and admin requests.
Education & Training
The OIRS can connect you to education and training resources to help you gain expertise in areas such as Team Science, Clinical Trials, Community-Engaged Research, Health Equity, Data Analysis and Methods, and others.
Request a Consultation
Whether you’re thinking through a potential project, unsure of where to start, or are looking to plug into one of our many service offerings, we’re here to help.
