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Top Eight Reasons to Get to Know University of Utah Health Research Office

The name has changed, but the mission is the same. University of Utah Health Research Office (formerly known the Office of the Associate Vice President for Research, Health Sciences and Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Research Unit) is the engine that powers health sciences research. We provide essential core services, reimagine research education, secure philanthropic support, and everything in between. 

Led by Rachel Hess, MD, MS, the inaugural System Chief Research Officer for University of Utah Health (previously the Associate Vice President for Research, Health Sciences), this talented team strategizes and drives operations that advance research, researchers, and the research community. Why all the name changes? They align with the ambitious Vision 2030 of Bob Carter, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and U of U Health CEO. 

How can the Research Office help you?

1

We’ll connect you with a vibrant research community.

The Research Program Development Team develops and implements research initiatives and centers to catalyze innovation across departments and colleges, enhancing the university’s research profile and scientific impact. Are you looking for a community to spark scientific inspiration, searching for collaborators, or thinking about submitting a team science grant proposal? 

Contact: Bridget.Hughes@hsc.utah.edu

2

We provide support for grant proposal preparation.

Now that you’ve found a community, you’re inspired to take your research in new directions. In collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research, the experienced professionals in the Pre-Award Unit are here to streamline the proposal process. They assist with application development and submission, along with proposal requirements such as COI, budgets, and letters of support. What’s more, they serve as liaisons with the Office of Sponsored Projects and other departments and institutions. 

Contact: Kiera.Powers@hsc.utah.edu (health sciences); Renae.Curtz@utah.edu

3

We know philanthropists who want to partner with researchers.

Traditional grants aren’t the only way to secure research funding. Philanthropists are eager to explore funding opportunities that are designed to accelerate breakthroughs and test new ideas that aren’t yet viable for traditional funding mechanisms. Our advancement team coordinates opportunities through the Philanthropic Partners Group and other established donors.

Contact: Katelin.Ruzzamenti@hsc.utah.edu

4

We’re pros in research administration and operations.

With research funding in your back pocket, you’re ready to roll. Or are you? Has your lab met safety requirements mandated by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety? Our staff is here to assist. If you are departmental, college, or institutional leadership, our research space team can identify working spaces for new faculty. And our finance and analytics team can supply real-time, data-driven metrics to support broader decision-making and strategic planning to ensure success for your researchers.
 

Contact: Abby.Rooney@hsc.utah.edu
 

5

Our cutting-edge equipment and services will supercharge your research.

Health Science Cores are a system of 26 cores and 13 recharge centers that offer a wide range of services including medical record data extraction, electron microscopy, software development, and creation of transgenic mice. The Utah Clinical & Translational Science Institute accelerates the delivery of impactful health solutions from bench to bedside to populations. CTSI offers a range of services through clinical research support, education and training programs, and translational science cores. HSC Cores and CTSI staff can help you identify the right services and tailor methodologies to meet your needs.

Contact: Billing@cores.utah.edu (HSC Cores); Help@ctsi.utah.edu (CTSI)

6

We support graduate student education and post-doc training.

Trainees are essential members of the research enterprise, and the Biomedical Research Office helps to make sure they receive top-quality education and training while taking part in an invigorating scientific atmosphere that equips them to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Among other areas, BREO focuses on career and professional development, institutional training grants, and community building.

Contact: BREO@hsc.utah.edu 

7

We’re here to spread the news about your research.

Are you ready to share your milestone research discoveries, announce a broad-reaching event, or celebrate a major achievement? Whether your goal is to connect with the university community, engage people across Utah, or gain national recognition, the research communications team is here to help. As a team within U of U Health’s Marketing & Communications department, we publicize through U of U Health’s research website, 360 Connect newsletter, and social media (LinkedIn, X). Our team also issues press releases and announcements, performs media outreach, provides media training, and more. 

Contact: Researchcomm@hsc.utah.edu

8

You have a research-related need that’s not listed in points 1-7.

Chances are, we’ve got it covered—and if not, we can find someone to work with you. We welcome feedback, collaboration, and new ideas.  

Contact: Abby.Rooney@hsc.utah.edu