Neil H. Ringler, Vice Provost for Research

ANNUAL REPORT

(June 1, 2014 – May 31, 2015)

NEIL H. RINGLER, VICE PROVOST FOR RESEARCH

07/09/15

1. Summary

This was a pivotal year for research at SUNY-ESF, with the arrival of President Wheeler coupled with new visions and ultimately goals at the College, as well as new potential for our research portfolio. While the statistics summarized below help portray a success story, we also recognize the positive outlook of ESF faculty and collaborators. Pitching of major proposals, collaborating in new ways, posing new questions of global importance, and integrating research with course/service opportunities and new patent/license avenues are all on the upswing.

The keyword for the year is “collaboration.” The Office of Research Programs takes pride in seeing ESF faculty energetically embrace collaborative opportunities: The $1.3 M biofuels facility is now functional with a grant-supported project (SBIR) underway. Four ESF faculty members are actively engaged in the Biotechnology Accelerator (BAC). Faculty members in several departments have won collaborative grants through the Hill Collaboration in Environmental Medicine, published papers from them, and participated in an evolving (Challenge 2020) Institute for Environmental Health and Environmental Medicine. The Research Foundation has responded to the needs of New York State and beyond with the Networks of Excellence. ESF has been among the most active in supporting these Networks, particularly the 4E and Materials and Advanced Manufacturing. Our winning of another Challenge 2020 grant supporting the Water Research and Education Center (Onondaga Environmental Education Center) will accelerate solutions to water research and education state wide, and capitalize on decades of research and teaching in our watersheds.

A second keyword this year is “challenge,” perhaps equivalent to “compliance.” Incorporation of the new Proposal and Compliance System (PACS) to replace aspects of COEUS and PI/AI will ultimately be of great benefit, but the changes come with a startup cost of learning. Our faculty are gradually coming to appreciate the College’s need to heighten compliance in every aspect of the proposal, IRB, and expenditure process: state and federal regulations are simply more demanding and far less forgiving than in prior years. Audits are real and remarkably detailed. A simple example is the disallowance of office supplies on most federal grants: an annoyance to busy faculty, but a financial fact of life. ORP will continue to work toward thoughtful education of the needs for compliance and the tools to achieve it. This year has largely been a financial success in the research life of ESF, reflecting high levels of research productivity by the faculty, abundant graduate student support, and record expenditure levels of $16 M and a complementary $16.7 M in new awards. Virtually every metric (key indicator) met or exceeded last year’s goals. Our five-year performance remains remarkably stable during times of increasing competition for extramural funds. A total of 375 funded projects are underway, including several won through the SUNY-RF Networks of Excellence. Our record per-capita research expenditure level of $119.7 K (vs. $108.7 last year) remains well ahead of all SUNY doctoral-granting units except for Albany. ESF again won a SUNY grant in support of the Entrepreneur in Residence Program, which provides a new venue for young investigators/entrepreneurs. The SUNY 4E program, led by SUNY-ESF, Binghamton University, Stony Brook and SUNY Albany, is far ahead of the other five Networks of Excellence, with a total of $1.9 M utilized for seed grants and workshops. A record number of proposals (335 vs. 308 last year!) were submitted to a diverse group of private, state and federal entities, providing a yield on base proposals (i.e., < $2.5 M) of 41%. Large awards were won from the National Science Foundation, USDA Cooperative State Research Service-McIntire- Stennis, and the NYS Department of Conservation. A successful $2.0 M NIH grant, received jointly with Upstate Medical University, brought a new 800mhz NMR to campus during the fall of 2014. We are virtually assured of receiving NSF support for a state-of-the-art $1.6 M electron microscope, which will be jointly funded by ESF (A&TS facility), Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University.

Energies of the Office of Research Programs included contributions to the strategic planning of the Research Foundation and the SUNY system, as both become a more fully integrated and influential academic force. SUNY is ranked fourth in the nation in research expenditures. In addition to active participation on the Research Council, we teamed with three Vice Presidents/Provosts for Research, who are integral to the SUNY Networks of Excellence. ESF is playing a leadership role in the 4E Network, which seeks to stimulate federally funded, collaborative research in Energy, Environment, Education and Economics. A 4E Charrette at SUNY Stony Brook in early June 2015, was a great success in recognizing the contributions of collaborative participants across our SUNY system: not only by the recognized research institutions, but comprehensive and community colleges as well.

Continued growth of the Hill Collaboration in Environmental Medicine has included expansion of the topics sought in the 2015 RFP. This program formed the base of a successful proposal to the Challenge 2020 program ($15 M), shared with Upstate Medical University, SUNY Oswego and Onondaga Community College: The Institute of Environmental Health and Environmental Medicine (IEHEM). An informative seminar by Dr. Mark Polhemus (UMU) launched the program in November 2014; Dr. Chris Nomura followed up with a great presentation in April 2015. We are seeking ways to connect, e.g., by a Director position, the Hill Collaboration with the IEHEM. Our formal relationship with Binghamton University continues to stimulate our intellectual property development: 14 new technology disclosures were filed. Our relationship with the NY Natural Heritage Program (26 employees of ESF via Research Foundation lines) is in full swing; it will bring more than $2.5 M of research expenditures annually to ESF, and a productive set of collaborations in support of conservation science. Our

2 future goal is to more directly involve SUNY-ESF graduate students in Natural Heritage Program (NHP) projects.

The large NSF revitalization of the aquatic laboratories in Illick Hall and at the Thousand Islands Biological Station has been an overwhelming success, with utilization of the facilities well underway, including a NOAA Sea Grant project. We plan formalization of approval for the Center for Integrated Research and Teaching in Aquatic Science (CIRTAS) this fall. Several additional grant-funded projects are booked to employ the facility. In part, these projects were won because of the new lab, the sole ARRA (Stimulus) grant won by ESF. We see great potential for further connectivity with the new Water Center in the Inner Harbor of Onondaga Lake. Work continues to bring businesses and faculty to the Biotechnology Accelerator; four faculty members now productively occupy three new labs for the next three years. The Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE) biofuels facility has emerged with the receipt and operation of $1.3 M in major equipment (fermenter, distillation column) for research and teaching, and completion of infrastructure, insurance and permits. The biofuels facility has been configured to directly support academic programs in Paper and Bioprocess Engineering, as well as ESF’s long-standing biofuels initiative. An MOU has been signed for the operation of the facility.

The new budget for the coming year (RF Financial Plan: ~$2.8 M) will provide the planning and financial base for programs that highlight and stimulate research, including Exemplary Researcher, Seed Grants, Hill Collaboration, as well as vital enhancements to compliance and reporting functions in the Office of Research Programs. We look forward to the expanded collaborations among the Cabinet as the College financial planning continues to evolve.

We are pleased to work with the Library via Jessica Clemons, who has taken over the Research Times (RT) and access to related funding opportunities. This position complements our renewed energy and projected success in finding, advertising and winning grants and contracts at SUNY-ESF. Jessica has enhanced direct contact with graduate students as well. The Office of Research Programs continues to energize faculty connectivity by direct contacts with appropriate PI’s on a biweekly basis, as the RT is published. She also helped us properly highlight and display our ESF patents for the first time since the College was founded. Similarly, Donna Follett plans to expand our social media offerings and to upgrade and update our website during the fall of 2015, and winter of 2016. ORP is capably supported by Dr. Arthur Stipanovic, particularly on large grants and the activities of the CoE and BAC, and our Entrepreneur in Residence Program.

Direct contributions by the Vice Provost for Research via teaching, research and graduate programs in the Department of Environmental and Forest Biology are outlined in the attached EFB report.

2. Introduction

This annual report precedes the Office of Research Programs (ORP) Bluebook, currently under revision, which includes the highlights described below and also the annual financial statistics and related metrics. In previous years, the Bluebook also included the

3 goals for the coming year. We will accelerate the release date and modify the format of the Bluebook as described below to better coincide with the Vice Provost’s report and the financial planning process. We have separated the Policies component of that document into a brochure and website. The new 2015-2016 Performance Program of the Vice Provost for Research (Attached) outlines the functions and responsibilities of the entire Office of Research Programs.

Many planned accomplishments were achieved in 2014-15, and several new initiatives were undertaken as the College develops its strategic directions under President Quentin Wheeler. The following components of last year’s Vice Provost for Research Performance Program (2014-2015) provide a partial template to describe and evaluate the year’s accomplishments:

A. “2014-15 Goals, Plans and Initiatives of the Vice Provost for Research, in conjunction with ORP professional staff” (The new Performance plan for 2015-16 is more complete and measurable!!!)

1. Develop new forms of research opportunities in cooperation with faculty, chairs, center directors and administration. These include initiatives of RF/SUNY Networks of Excellence (4E, Materials and Advanced Manufacturing); Syracuse Center of Excellence (CoE), and Biotechnology Accelerator (BAC) as well as newer agency sources (NIH); and increased medical research interfaces at Veterans Administration, Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University via monthly planning meetings and seed grant programs of the Hill Collaboration in Environmental Medicine. Complete the search for the new Associate Chief of Staff, Research at the Syracuse Veterans Administration. Win one new NIH or comparable grant resulting from this collaboration.

2. Develop metrics and budget plans with a goal to achieve these Metrics for 2014-15:

a) Expenditures $16.0 M b) Total Proposal Dollar value $70 M c) Total Proposal No. 282; Base Proposal No. 278 d) Total Proposal Yield 30% e) Base Proposal Yield 38% f) New Award Value $19 M

3. Promote submission of three large, collaborative research proposals, as well as the more than 250 “base” proposals that we have a high probability of winning. The NYSERDA Proof of Concept proposals represent three opportunities for large grant promotion.

4. Assist in ESF’s hosting of the NY Natural Heritage Program, through collaborative meetings, graduate opportunities, and connectivity with ongoing programs.

4 5. Assess the productivity, services and financing (budget allocation) of the new Technology Transfer Program with Binghamton University, including connection with all potential ESF inventors.

3. Support, with Dr. Arthur Stipanovic, the RF/SUNY Entrepreneur in Residence Program in conjunction with Syracuse University.

4. Devote 20-25% of Vice Provost energies to Centers and Institutes, to increase financial resources and opportunities and elevate national recognition:

a) Create a venue to highlight, recognize and find funding for centers and institutes: March 2015; include announcement of competitive Center/Institute Enhancement Grants and Exemplary Center/Institute.

b) Complete the ESF biofuels footprint in the Syracuse Center of Excellence facility, utilizing more than $1 million in equipment, and develop an operating plan. Lend support to three faculty labs in the CNY Biotechnology Accelerator.

c) Solidify the growing financial/collaborative relationship with Onondaga Environmental Institute and promote Upstate Freshwater Institute via UFI@ESF.

d) Highlight these Centers/Institutes in 2014-15:

(1) SUNY /RF 4E accomplishments from its collaborative seed grants program by way of an Annual Symposium, in conjunction with VPR’s at Binghamton, Albany and Stony Brook

(2) Hill Collaboration in Environmental Medicine via an annual Symposium or comparable venue

(3) Institute for Environmental Health and Environmental Medicine via its first conference in Fall 2014

e) Continue discussions and evaluations with Directors and Co/Associate Directors: Synergy, budgeting and future faculty and resource needs. Identify relationships and opportunities to create fewer, stronger entities. Develop budgets for three centers (A&TS, Pilot Plant, Brownfields).

5 f) Stimulate and shepherd relatively new Centers including CIRTAS, ISMM, BAC, Trinity and the Center of Membrane Technologies for Sustainable Water and Wastewater (Clarkson University, et al.).

5. Complete these largely annual assignments:

a) Complete the ORP “Bluebook” in early fall (= Report on 2013-14; action planning for 2014-15), as a complement to the Annual Report of 2013-14.

b) Assess the “Climate for Compliance” at ESF and recommend needed enhancements.

c) Work with ORP staff to increase efficiency, communication and speed of operation: Outline the ORP Five-Year Plan.

d) Outline the ESF research capabilities/portfolio to local and global audiences; update the ORP ‘Road Show’.

e) Finalize and authorize McIntire-Stennis awards under ESF competition in conjunction with the Committee on Research.

f) Select Exemplary Researcher in conjunction with Committee on Research, and assist in coordination of the Spotlight on Research and Exemplary Researcher Award.

g) Determine the utilization rate and faculty reception of the Research Times: review its layout and content. h) Write and have reviewed the following Policies:

(1) Direct Cost Charging

(2) Code of Conduct (adopt RF version January 2012)

(3) ESF Conflict of Interest (RF and SUNY 1995 still in effect

(4) NSF Data Management Plan (drafted; add repository component)

(5) IRB: Convert Protocol to Policy; clarify communication channels among ESF, SU, UMU

6. Plan and carry out creative ORP Biennial Retreat (June, 2015).

6 a. Fisheries/Aquatic Science Research and Teaching Program

We plan to maintain contact with graduate student colleagues following a successful Graduate Reunion and Celebration at the Adirondack Ecological Center May 15, 2014, inviting 55 graduates (M.S. and/or Ph.D.) earning degrees under my direction since 1976. Thirty students and spouses attended from seven states, from Maine to California. Nine graduate students are underway for the summer/fall 2014. Our goal of three publications per year continues. Additional details are provided in the EFB Annual Report of June 3, 2014.

III. Activities and Accomplishments -- June 1, 2014 – May 31, 2015

7 1. Relative to the Performance Program (See also Additional Accomplishments and Special Events, Item B. below)

2. New research opportunities were pursued primarily through collaborations, particularly through the SUNY-RF Networks of Excellence. The Hill Collaboration in Environmental Medicine was funded via joint contributions from ESF, Research Foundation, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse University, and the Veterans Administration. This collaboration, featuring a seed-grant program, is targeted to capture NIH and VA research funding in the fields of diabetes, cancer and disorders of the nervous system. It is now being expanded with a broader basis for the RFP in 2015. A set of presentations at the Biotechnology Symposium in May 2014, showed the genuine potential of the program and its natural connection with the new Institute for Environmental Health and Environmental Medicine (IEHEM). This Challenge 2020 project has been funded ($15 M), and recognized with an inaugural seminar (Dr. Mark Polhemus) at ESF in November 2014, and another in April 2015 (Dr. Chris Nomura). Building and facility contributions include the future Academic Research Building (ARB) at ESF, Weiskotten Hall at UMU, analytical equipment at the ARB and also at the BAC (already installed), and state-of-the art computer instrumentation at Oswego State College. We provided only modest support (time) to the Center for Membrane Technologies for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment), funded initially by the Pall Corporation, with others being sought to contribute. These contributions simply have not been forthcoming; leaders at Clarkson University are engaged in finding additional resources.

2. Substantial time and energy (about 18%) was devoted to ESF centers and institutes, particularly those shared with other institutions. Reviews and support of existing centers and institutes slowed, and will be resumed this coming year. We continue interactions with the Syracuse Center of Excellence to create the long-awaited biofuels footprint; actual installation of $ 1.3 M in equipment has been completed, an MOU and permits are in place, and the system is on line as of May 31, 2015. We envision the Biotechnology Accelerator (formerly CNY Biotechnology Center) as one site of the research and development laboratory for the biofuels program, but it also will be more broadly utilized: four ESF faculty members now occupy three of the new laboratories. An exciting project, deferred until 2016 was a Biennial Symposium to Highlight Centers and Institutes, to be held within the Gateway Center, coupled with the announcement of an “Exemplary Center/Institute/Consortium” for one of our highly deserving entities. We will allocate funds for this venue, along with (provisionally) funds for two to four special initiatives of creative centers/institutes/consortia. Reviews of a subset of ESF Centers and Institutes were deferred until 2015-16.

8 3. We are pleased and excited about the success of our collaboration with the Central New York and Upstate Hub at Binghamton University, formally initiated in August 2011. Working with Hub coordinator Scott Hancock, Associate Vice President Dr. Per Stromhaug and Vice President Paul Parker has been enjoyable and productive. It will lead to far more success in commercializing intellectual property than ESF has had previously. ESF inventors and entrepreneurs seem to have embraced the new approach, and in particular the expertise of the Binghamton team. We were successful in negotiating a reduced cost of services to $50,000, down from the previous $70,000, without substantial changes in services provided. (See additional details, Item B. 4 below)

4. The entire ORP Bluebook (Report 2013-14; and Action Planning 2014-15) was not completed this year. This is the responsibility of the VPR; the Action Planning 2014-15 component was provided as part of the VPR Performance Program. As originally structured, the Bluebook further depends on statistics that are not available until the end of the fiscal year, and on our timely development of useful graphs and tables. The latter are typically being prepared and analyzed amidst audit preparation, foil requests, compliance issues and other pressing tasks. It also includes a carefully developed RF-based budget (indirect return funds of about $2.8 M). This budget is developed as a team with ORP and the Provost’s Office, on behalf of research at SUNY-ESF. The budget is shared as soon as practicable with the department chairs, e.g., at a summer retreat. We propose a new structure to keep our Bluebook current: 1) We have already separated ORP Policies from the Bluebook and placed the policies on the ESF web site http://www.esf.edu/research/resources/, so that those would not need to wait for finalization of the statistics. 2) We recognize the desirability of focusing the report on accomplishments of the year, with the “Action Planning” component being restricted to an internal document (this can readily be shared with the campus as desired; it is essentially the VPR Performance Program). Thus, one can write up the most exciting and interesting aspects of our “research year,” and augment these with vital statistics within a relatively short timeframe. 3) We would like to discuss potential campus resources that would permit translation of the Annual Report into a brochure-quality document, e.g., on a biennial basis.

5. As always, working with the professional staff in the Office of Research Programs was a pleasure, and we have furthered our communications and efficiency. In particular, the new PACS pre-award system is being implemented, which will ultimately streamline our proposal submission and tracking capability. We are implementing the on- line effort reporting system, along with the rest of SUNY. We are working to implement new guidelines and protocols to enhance compliance capability.

9 6. Vital to research at ESF is thoughtful planning of the budget derived from indirect cost recovery. The budget for the coming year is under construction. As outlined on the attached end-of-year Green Sheet (2014-15), expenditures increased by 10%., and new awards and funding changes increased by 10% this year. Continued attention to appropriate levels of indirect funds on our grants and contracts has been rewarded with 31% increase in indirect funds this year ($2.8 vs 2.1M). Equally encouraging is the increase in New Awards of 28%. Indirect (overhead) funds provide most of the salaries directly connected to the research enterprise, and also the flexibility to be creative and supportive of research. The Vice Provost for Research is the Authorized Institutional Representative for our $795 K McIntire- Stennis Program. Our report on this program, due August 23, 2015, will include five new projects and a set of ongoing projects that continue to nourish research at ESF. ORP developed and administers the Exemplary Researcher Program, now in cooperation with the Committee on Research. The planned budget will be provided in the 2015-2016 RF Financial Plan, which when completed will be attached to this report.

B. Additional Accomplishments and Special Events

1. The Office of Research Programs coordinates and contributes to retreat venues and special events for SUNY-ESF; we collectively contribute to the themes and active discussions of on-campus and off- campus events related to research. Venues include SUNY Albany, Binghamton University, Stony Brook University and the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan. This year’s mentoring colloquium was handled primarily through our governance structure, with coordinating support by Theresa Kaier-May of our office and Katherina Searing of Outreach. Support of faculty and students was also highlighted by a successful Spotlight on Research event, held in the Gateway facility (April 2015), and the announcement of our latest Exemplary Researcher Dr. Georgios Mountrakis. We were pleased with the energetic coordination of these events by the Committee on Research, led by Dr. Phillipe Vidon; we are looking forward to working with Chair Margaret Bryant in the coming year.

2. Discussions with the SUNY-RF Research Council, and the team of Vice Presidents/Provosts for Research, have further stimulated the collaborative research atmosphere among SUNY units. In addition, we contribute to monthly meetings of the Chief Research Operating officers as well as the Binghamton Hub, which energetically supports our technology transfer program. This support is also leading to new research collaborations with Binghamton University. SUNY-RF has been remarkably receptive and

10 responsive to recommendations by SUNY-ESF. The SUNY System is literally on the brink of being a system, after all!

3. We have long sought to bring additional focus to large proposals, in a concerted effort to broaden collaborations and achieve increased, sustainable expenditures in the near future. At $16 M we are at our highest level yet achieved. The attached VPR Performance Program (2015-16) suggests mechanisms to achieve or exceed $25 M in expenditures by 2020. (See also Item 7 below) Work last year included completion of a $1.47 M laboratory project competitively funded through ARRA funds to NSF. The facility is enhancing aquatic resources as part of an integrated Center for Research and Teaching of Aquatic Sciences in Illick Hall, and the Thousand Islands Biological Station, under the guidance and coordination by Dr. Kimberly Schulz. This facility is exciting but also complex, with minor but significant technical issues still being worked out. We have been notified that our $1.6 M electron microscope will be funded by NSF; the plan is to operate and fund it in collaboration with Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University. It will be located on our campus (A&TS). Dr. Arthur Stipanovic played a key role as Interim Co-Director of the Biotechnology Accelerator (BAC) facility and program; he also played a major role in submission of a $2 M proposal for a NMR spectrometer from NIH. His work on the major equipment purchases for the CoE Biofuels facility, and equipment in the BAC, has been invaluable to both ESF and Syracuse University faculty.

4. We are encouraged at the energy and expertise provided by the Binghamton University team in patent/licensing and marketing potential. We worked productively on patents and technology transfer with faculty in cooperation with Dr. Per Stromhaug, Scott Hancock and Paul Parker at Binghamton University. Twenty seven patents are now beautifully displayed in Moon Library, thanks to Jessica Clemons, Steve Weiter and Cheryl Liptak. Support of our innovation program has proven of great assistance to related programs in research and entrepreneurship. Converting the creative energies of SUNY-ESF professors and students into patented inventions and licensed technology is essential to a research university. This year we filed 14 new disclosures; four companies are seeking licenses, and we expect to file several patents in the coming year. We had the greatest return ever on licenses (predicted greater than $200,000 by August 2015; $100,000 in hand). Recent development of a Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) by the Research Foundation may provide enhanced opportunities to bridge the patent – commercial licensing “Valley of Death.” However, ESF has not been successful during either round of the TAF. Recently designated SUNY VP for Innovation and Partnerships, Mr. Bryan Allinson will be a strong supporter of ESF connections with the business world. We continue to work collaboratively with SUNY Vice Chancellor of Research, Dr

11 Timothy Killeen, and now Interim Dr. Alexander Cartwright. We are confident that the high-energy approach to the many tasks of the Research Foundation will be of strong benefit to our College. ESF will certainly strive to makes its contribution to the larger SUNY effort.

12 5. ORP Retreat: We deferred our retreat and this was, in part, the result of unusually high office activity and temporarily reduced office staff, coupled with increased demand from the onset of the National Heritage Program, and particularly expanded participation in SUNY-RF level activity. We have already begun planning for a fruitful retreat in 2016, possibly utilizing the Adirondack Ecological Center. The timing of this retreat, with ESF Strategic planning, seems ideal.

6. Middle States Assessment and Targets Revision: We contributed to the Assessment documentation during the spring of 2015, and look forward to utilizing this organizational tool as strategic plans evolve in 2015-16. We will be energized through revised (or at least reviewed) Goals and Key Indicators in ORP; especially important in the future will be the carefully discussed integration of goals and key indicators among administrative units. The Research Foundation has recently sought input from SUNY-ESF on the key indicators that we use in assessing our research productivity and impact.

7. Essential to the growth of research endeavors are metric development, planning and attainment of New Award and Expenditure projections. Metric development and analysis is closely coupled with financial planning, and it is typically reviewed during a summer Cabinet Retreat. ESF achievement of the goal of $20 M in research expenditures was once regarded by ORP as an indicator of institutional, or at least unit, success. This goal, set prior to the 2008 great recession, had been targeted for 2012-13. ORP now seeks a larger goal of $25 M in expenditures by 2020. The increase to $25 M from the current $16 M is achievable by moderately increasing our yield on proposals (success rate: currently 38 to 41%!), coupled with projected proposals from increased numbers of research-capable faculty (about 6 added per year for 5 years: $300,000/year/new faculty member). We will benefit also from additional research capability through acquisition or partnership with entities such as the Upstate Freshwater Institute and Onondaga Environmental Institute. Possibly new links with Columbia University will translate to research funding as well. The new Water Research and Education Center in the Inner Harbor will stimulate ESF recognition and research productivity. Unique approaches to research collaboration, such as the Membrane Center based at Clarkson University and the Trinity Institute, our new NMR spectrometer Consortium (NIH-funded), and the new NSF-funded electron microscope will all help us reach the realistic target of $25 M. SUNY and SUNY- RF plans had once projected “flat” expenditures through 2015 (Research Foundation VPR/Operations Manager meeting, Albany on 07/28/10). It will be interesting to hear of the latest projections for 2020 from our new SUNY colleagues and leaders. ESF strives to increase its market share of research activity, even if SUNY and/or national trends are projected to remain constant.

13 8. Supervision, facilitation and enhancement of ORP functions are essential to ESF’s success. These activities include signatures as ‘authorized representative’ on competitive proposals (a record 335 this year!); assistance with matching issues and startup packages; and presentations on ESF research programs to groups that include alumni, as well as external delegations. Annual supervisory responsibilities also include enhancing the ORP web presence and utilization, e.g., through work with Donna Follett (http://www.esf.edu/research/ and in coordination with our research librarian, Jessica Clemons ( http://research guides.library.syr.edu/esfgrants). One or more of us have frequent discussions and electronic exchanges with individual faculty, department personnel and centers/institutes to identify funding patterns and opportunities. Increasingly, these discussions reach the SUNY and SUNY-RF level.

9. ORP is charged with organization and coordination of large institutional and multi-institutional grants. Collaborative proposals recently shepherded include the NSF ARRA infrastructure @ $1.47 M (Ringler, PI). The collaborative agreement with the NY Natural Heritage Program ($3.3 M in 5 years) provides a major opportunity for ESF programs, particularly in Environmental and Forest Biology. The Trinity Institute for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment was recognized in June 2015 at a formal ceremony in Minoa, NY. This is a partnership among SUNY-ESF, the town of Minoa, and a private firm operated by current or former ESF professors (SKD Environmental Systems LLC). Time and energy resources have been contributed to the Syracuse Center of Excellence (2,500 sq. foot print for ESF Biofuels: analytical labs and pilot plant), and to assist the evolution of the CNY Biotechnology Accelerator, which is now functional although not fully occupied (third floor). Both of these joint initiatives literally have developed over more than a decade of dedicated work by many people well beyond ESF. The able assistance of Dr. Arthur Stipanovic as interim Co-Director of the BAC facility has been effective and highly productive; a new Director with a biotechnology and business/startup background had been sought to accelerate the accelerator! Dr. Robert Corona of Upstate Medical University currently fulfills that role. As stated earlier, an important activity for the coming year is the stimulation, review and assessment of existing research-based centers, institutes, consortia and councils at SUNY-ESF.

10. Development, review, formalization and implementation of policies are vital to the research and scholarship enterprise. Policies formalized during the past three years included ORP No. 10 - Ownership of Data; ORP No. 11 - Guidelines and Procedures for Establishment of Centers and Institutes; and ORP No. 12 - Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Education (Requirement of NSF), and ORP No. 13 - Misconduct in Science. ORP No. 14 - Expenditures on Grants (Direct Cost charging) and IRB (conversion of our IRB procedure). These are likely to come into

14 play in the near future. New policies to be developed in 2015-16 include ESF Code of Conduct, ESF Conflict of Interest, and expansion of the NSF Data Management Plan (the latter is almost completed).

11. Helping ORP and ESF participate at the NYS Fair had been a priority of the Vice Provost for Research. This activity was not on the College calendar for 2015; however, we recognize that new ventures often require older ones to move aside or be highly modified, especially as we fully re-engage Strategic Planning at ESF.

C. Report on Teaching, Research and Advising (Department of Environmental and Forest Biology)

I have sought to teach a substantial course each semester, and to fund and supervise graduate students carrying out research in fisheries and aquatic science (seven graduate students for Fall 2015, plus two graduating ‘hopefuls’ this summer). This work is connected with problems of interest to the local and Great Lakes communities; we have typically reported in publications and at national meetings, including this year’s AFS meeting in Portland, Oregon. We believe that this graduate program helps to connect our research administration with the academic goals of the College. Details are outlined in the EFB 2014-15 Annual Report provided to Chairman Leopold (Attached).