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Financing Research in VERA

Explore financial issues in research funding, identify areas for improvement, review funding sources, and address challenges faced in allocating funds for research projects. Gain insights on overcoming obstacles and ensuring effective financial management in research institutions.

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Financing Research in VERA

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  1. Financing Research in VERA 2009 ORD Local Accountability for Research Meeting January 14, 2009 Baltimore, MD

  2. Overview • Special Work Group created to: • Perform a comprehensive review of financial issues • Review current practices in the field • Clarify areas of ambiguity in current guidance • Catalog issues & questions needing resolution • Identify areas for improvement & simplification • Key concern is need for field input & suggestions • Break-out sessions provide a forum for more feedback • We need understand the practical operational issues 2

  3. Sources of Funding • VHA appropriations • Other Federal / State / Local governments • Non-Profit Corporations / charitable organizations / corporations • Gifts & donations • Reimbursements

  4. Sources of VHA Funding • Direct Research 101 funds • Medical & Prosthetic Research appropriation • VERA Research Support funds • 3 Medical Care appropriations • Specific Purpose / QUERI funds • 3 Medical Care appropriations • IT Systems appropriation funds • All information technology & telecommunications equipment & software

  5. Challenges - 1 • What funds must / may be used for certain items • The “clear-cut” decisions (little, to no flexibility) • The “grey area” decisions (a lot of flexibility) • The historical approach versus the need to simplify, rationalize, & streamline • Problem of “one-size” fits all • Large Research programs / Medium ones / Small ones • Law of “Unintended Consequences” • Try to make the situation better, not worse

  6. Challenges - 2 • 101 Research funds versus VERA Research Support • 101 based on 3-year average of VA funded projects (intra-mural) • VERA based on most recent year projects (intra & extra-mural) • 100% VA administered, 75% peer reviewed not VA administered, 25% non-peer reviewed not VA administered • Disproportionate impact of “fixed overhead” costs • 101 funds for Large programs / Medium ones / Small ones • Impact of Research Program dynamics • Growing programs, level programs, & declining programs

  7. Challenges - 3 • VERA Research Support amounts • Are a guide, not a mandate • Accurate DSS reporting of Research Support funding • Dependent on accurate station level input • Direct versus Indirect Costs • What funds are responsible / appropriate • Full-time Research Staff reporting to ACOS for Research • Full-time / Part-time oversight staff reporting to VAMC Director

  8. Conclusion • Need input to create a better future • Need to minimize “unintended consequences” • Need to ensure future viability of Research

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