The workshop series will provide information and training on the full research lifecycle, including proposal development, post-award management, hiring lab staff and best practices in lab management. While the series will be especially helpful for new/junior faculty, the workshops will include information and resources useful to investigators at all levels.
Each workshop will include presentations and discussions from a panel of experts, with a focus on practical advice you can use to navigate different aspects of the research and creative process. Approximately 30 minutes of each session will be reserved to address your questions and concerns.
Fall 2026 Workshops
Workshop 1 | You Need Research Funding: Developing and Submitting a Funding Proposal
About: Learn how to identify funding opportunities, develop a strong research proposal and navigate the proposal submission process.
- When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Where: College of Sciences Building 221
- Coffee, tea and snacks will be available
Topics to be covered:
- Why should you apply for funding?
- How to find funding opportunities for your research
- How to develop a winning proposal
- Proposal process and timeline
- Making the most of pre-award services and templates
Panelists:
- Jodi Reinhart, Pre-award Manager, College of Sciences
- Nichole Lighthall, Associate Dean of Research, College of Sciences
- Josh Roney, Director, Research Development, UCF Office of Research
Workshop Resources
Access the presentation and resources shared during the workshop. These materials are available to anyone interested in exploring the topics covered.
Workshop Slides:
- Download/view the workshop presentation
Additional Resources:
Workshop 2 | You Got a Notice of Award: Managing Your Budget, Initiating, Maintaining, Changing and Closing Out an Award (2-part workshop)
Part 1: Managing Research Funds: Personnel, Effort & Participant Costs
About: This workshop will provide guidance on spending research award funds, supporting personnel, charging effort on support funds, and handling participant support costs.
- When: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: College of Sciences Building 221
- Coffee, tea and snacks will be available
Topics to be covered:
- How can I begin spending research award funds before my award is executed?
- How do I support my research personnel?
- How do I charge my effort on sponsored awards?
- How do I handle participant support costs such as students, trainees, and research participant reimbursements?
Panelists:
- Seresa Cruz, Senior Finance/Budget Director, College of Sciences
- Venessa Nieves, Contracts and Grants Post Award Manager, College of Sciences
- Moderator: Nichole Lighthall, Associate Dean of Research, College of Sciences
RSVP Deadline: Monday, October 12
Part 2: Sponsored Research Buyouts: Duties, Cost Share & Salary
About: This workshop will provide a deep dive into sponsored research buyouts and how they affect your assignment of duties, including research buyouts, course/teaching buyouts, cost shares, and salaries.
- When: Thursday, November 17, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Where: College of Sciences Building 221
- Coffee, tea and snacks will be available
Topics to be covered:
- Research buyouts
- Course/teaching buyouts
- Cost shares
- Summer salary
- Salary savings
Panelists:
- Seresa Cruz, Senior Finance/Budget Director, College of Sciences
- Venessa Nieves, Contracts and Grants Post Award Manager, College of Sciences
- Moderator: Nichole Lighthall, Associate Dean of Research, College of Sciences
RSVP Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026
Register for Workshop 2