The State of Health Technology Research Funding in 2024

Measuring Success in Team Science Grants for Science, Technology Research & Development

The Banking Institution's Team Science Grant program aims to stimulate new collaborations among scientists from diverse fields. To evaluate the effectiveness of these grants, it's essential to establish a robust measurement framework. This section outlines the key considerations for measuring success in Science, Technology Research & Development projects funded by this grant.

Outcome Metrics and Reporting Requirements

To assess the impact of Team Science Grants, the Banking Institution will require grantees to track and report on specific outcome metrics. These may include the number of collaborative research projects initiated, the development of new technologies or methodologies, and the publication of research findings in reputable scientific journals. Grantees will need to establish a data collection and reporting system to track these metrics and provide regular updates to the funder. The National Science Foundation's (NSF) reporting requirements for NSF Career Awards and NSF SBIR grants may serve as a reference point for the level of detail and frequency of reporting expected.

When designing their measurement frameworks, grantees should be aware of the NSF's emphasis on evaluating the broader impacts of research projects, in addition to their intellectual merit. This may involve assessing the potential for their research to contribute to societal benefits, such as improved public health or economic growth. By understanding these requirements, grantees can ensure that their measurement approaches align with the funder's priorities and NSF programme guidelines.

One concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the NSF's requirement for grantees to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), which mandates the reporting of certain data on grant awards and subawards. Grantees must ensure that their measurement and reporting systems are compliant with FFATA and other relevant regulations.

A verifiable delivery challenge unique to this sector is the difficulty of attributing outcomes to specific team members or collaborators in complex, multidisciplinary research projects. To address this challenge, grantees may need to develop innovative methods for tracking and attributing contributions, such as using collaboration software or conducting regular team assessments.

Ensuring Compliance and Managing Risk

To minimize the risk of non-compliance and ensure the integrity of their measurement frameworks, grantees should be aware of potential eligibility barriers and compliance traps. For example, grantees must ensure that their research projects comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to human subjects research or the use of controlled substances. They must also be mindful of the NSF's policies on research misconduct and the responsible conduct of research.

Grantees should also be aware that the Banking Institution's Team Science Grant program may have specific requirements or restrictions on the types of expenses that can be charged to the grant. For instance, grantees may need to ensure that their budgets comply with the funder's guidelines on indirect costs and fringe benefits.

Q: How do I determine the appropriate metrics to track for my Team Science Grant project? A: You should review the Banking Institution's grant guidelines and NSF programme documentation to identify the key outcome metrics and reporting requirements. You may also want to consult with NSF grant search resources to understand the types of metrics that have been used in similar projects.

Q: What are the implications of non-compliance with FFATA reporting requirements for my grant? A: Failure to comply with FFATA reporting requirements may result in delays or termination of your grant, as well as reputational damage to your organization. You should ensure that your measurement and reporting systems are compliant with FFATA and other relevant regulations.

Q: How can I attribute outcomes to specific team members in a complex, multidisciplinary research project? A: You may need to develop innovative methods for tracking and attributing contributions, such as using collaboration software or conducting regular team assessments. You can also draw on NSF's guidance on evaluating the broader impacts of research projects to inform your approach.