The following Research Administration policies have been promulgated by the appropriate officers of the University within their delegated responsibilities from the Board of Trustees. The Research Administration section of the Policy Manual presents Penn State policies governing the administration of sponsored projects and the conduct of research. A "sponsored project" is a specific research, instruction, training, or service activity established by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, with funds provided, at least in part, by external sponsors. These Policies specify the manner in which sponsored project funds are solicited, acquired, allocated, expended, and accounted for. In addition, this section enunciates policies that ensure compliance with federal regulations, policies and procedures governing the conduct of research, and the administration of sponsored projects. Finally, this section addresses issues related to the transfer of research results for public benefit. The joint Policy Stewards for this section of the Policy Manual are the Senior Vice President for Research and the Associate Vice President for Budget and Finance. If there are questions about any of these policies or guidelines, please contact one of those offices for assistance. Future Research Administration policies, or revisions of these policies, will be released for inclusion in this Policy Manual when they become effective. To see a breakdown of research administration policies and guidelines by subject matter area, please click here.
Effective Date: February 26, 2016
Date Approved: February 22, 2016
Date Published: February 26, 2016
Revision History (and effective dates):
July 10, 2023 - Editorial changes:
- Vice President for Research title changed to Senior Vice President for Research
- University Corporate Controller title changed to Associate Vice President for Budget and Finance
March 13, 2019 - Introduction edited to include hyperlink to new taxonomy.
February 26, 2016 - This introduction was edited to reflect the policy reorganization brought about by implementation of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
February 20, 1998 - New Section of the Policy Manual
Research Administration Policies