Office of Grants and Research (OGR)

Profile

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), KNUST which was established in February 2013, is under the Office of the Vice Chancellor. It is the central administrative unit for facilitating and coordinating grants and research administration in the university.

In collaboration with the Colleges, OGR facilitates research by identifying funding sources, assisting in proposal development, reviewing proposals, negotiating agreements, accepting and appropriating awards as well as interpreting guidelines and promoting compliance with the policies of sponsored agencies and the University.

Our goal is to help build a vibrant research enterprise at KNUST through the procurement of external funds, good stewardship, valuable collaborations and an outstanding reputation worldwide. The office is particularly targeted at faculty members of KNUST who are currently involved or yet to get involved in sponsored research.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a Centre of Excellence for research support services facilitating a stimulated, well supported, accountable and expanded research enterprise at KNUST and beyond.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the needed infrastructure and training to ensure the widespread availability of support and expertise in research administration and management.

Our Values

• Professionalism
• Good Stewardship
• Integrity

Functions

OGR supports staff of KNUST during the Pre-Award, Award and Post Award Stages. Specific functions include the following:

Pre-award

• Help identify funding opportunities and disseminate this information to potential principal investigators and research team members
• Support researchers and staff in preparing proposals and budgets.
• Review research proposals prior to submission to conform with institutional policies and sponsor requirements, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ensure timely submission of applications and track the review process.

Award

• Review, negotiate, and accept grants, contracts, and subcontracts that support sponsored research on behalf of the university.
• Prepare, negotiate, and issue sub-awards required under sponsored research awards at KNUST.
• Advise and assist faculty and college research administrators in interpreting award terms and conditions.
• Serve as a liaison with sponsors for award requirements award management matters

Post Award

• Ensure the University’s interests are protected in contractual relationships, grant applications and awards and reports
• Provide advice and monitor compliance with policies and procedures, as well as clarify administrative and financial regulations and requirements.
• Give support to researchers in the development and submission of technical and financial reports.
• Work with PIs and project teams to solve problems that may arise during grant period.
• Assist in responding to sponsor queries and requirements.
• Ensure that all research activities comply with sponsor, institutional and national requirements
• Assist PIs in closing out projects.

Other

• Maintain proper records on grants in the University.
• Create and maintain information on proposals, funders and their funding areas, etc.
• Compile and maintain information and data on KNUST for use by researchers
• Develop and update templates and toolkits that can be used by researchers during proposal development.
• Organize research methodology, proposal writing and grant administration training sessions.
• Promote team building, research capacity building and mentoring in the university by facilitating the formation of diverse and multi-disciplinary research teams.
• Identify externally funded training opportunities for faculty and staff.
• Facilitate effective dissemination of research outputs.