Resolution 91-92-17

Faculty Research and Innovation Fund; President Zumberge

Whereas, 1) The Senate proposed the development of the Faculty Research and Innovation Fund, and proposed its recent renaming in honor of President Zumberge. The ZRIF Fund, while highly commendable, has sharp limits both in scope and level of funding. 2) The Senate Research Committee has recommended the Senate endorse the suggestion of the University Research Committee for the creation of a Research Leadership Fund. 3) The recommendation contemplates a fund aiming to disburse at least $1,000,000 a year, under the management of the Vice Provost for Research, The fund would provide paid leaves to prepare plans for developing innovative research areas, including scholarships and creative activities, and to support at significant levels of funding the early research activities of such innovative research areas. Interdisciplinary approaches, or consortia, would be desirable but not required. 4) The process for evaluating such proposals would help USC identify future research leaders already on the USC faculty. Therefore Be It Resolved That The Faculty Senate endorses the establishment of a Research Leadership Fund at USC to be implemented at a time when the University is financially able to do so.

Resolution Number: 91-92-17

Author: Alice Parker, seconded by John Elliott

Date: February 19, 1992

Action Taken: Passed