Research & Engagement

• College of Information and Computer Sciences: James Allan, Associate Dean of Research and Engagement 

• College of Natural Sciences: Mark Tuominen, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation  

• College of Education: Sarah Fefer, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development 

• College of Engineering: Michael Knodler, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs 

• College of Humanities and Fine Arts: Jason Moralee, Associate Dean of Research and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

• Isenberg School of Management: George R. Milne, Associate Dean of Research 

• Elaine Marieb College of Nursing: Michael Lepore, Associate Dean for Research 

• College of Social and Behavioral Sciences: Jennifer Lundquist, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development 

• School of Public Health and Health Sciences: Susan Sturgeon, Associate Dean for Research 

• UMass Libraries: Jennifer Friedman, Associate Dean of Research and Learning 

• The Institute for Social Science Research provides resources and support for campus-wide researchers using or learning to use social science methods, seeking to take part in collaborative and interdisciplinary research, doing publicly engaged research, and seeking external funding for research. ISSR hosts seminars and workshops, methodological consultations, and a year-long scholars program for faculty preparing grants.  
• The Center for Research on Families supports faculty in advancing their research on the diversity, health, and well-being of families. They run thematic interdisciplinary “think tanks,” methodology consultations, and host an annual scholars program for those applying for funding.  
• The Institute of Diversity Sciences provides forums to meet other researchers and find collaborators and seed grants for interdisciplinary teams. Themes include: diversity and disparities in climate change, in learning and workplaces, and in health. 
• The Public Engagement Project has a spring semester scholars program and hosts resources, seminars, and workshops on engaging the public. 
• The OFD Scholarly Writing Program hosts many scholarly writing opportunities—including writing circles, workshops, and cohorts working on books.   
• Foundation Relations supports and coordinates with the Office of Pre-Award Services [OPAS] and, when necessary, with the UMass Amherst Foundation on all aspects of prospect research, strategy development, outreach, and proposal writing—from close narrative editing/feedback to budget development assistance—for all private-foundation-bound proposals. 
• The ADVANCE Program provides the resources, recognition, and relationship building that are critical to equitable and successful collaboration.  
• For help in establishing a productive research group, the Graduate School provides Research Mentor Training and a Graduate Mentoring Handbook. 
• Institute for Applied Life Sciences is also a hub for research and has funding opportunities for researchers 
• The Libraries have dedicated academic liaisons for every department and services for researching, grant finding and writing, managing data, special collections and archives, and open scholarship. 

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement provides leadership, support, and oversight for research and engagements with academic, industry, and government partners. Its offices include:  

• Office of Research Development: Supports and coordinates development of large-scale, interdisciplinary proposals and center-level proposals; supports and trains faculty in grantsmanship; supports strategic research development initiatives; and administers the UMass internal grant programs. 
• Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS): Oversees grant proposal submission and offer proposal development support. 
• Office of Post-Award Management (OPAM): Oversees sponsor negotiation and award setup. 
• UMass Press: Publishes, edits, designs, and markets first- rate books. 
• Technology Transfer Office: Oversees the commercialization of university research for public benefit while protecting intellectual property and ensuring recognition for researchers and inventors. 
• UMass Innovation Institute: Facilitates flexible and creative industry partnerships. 
• The Office of Research Compliance oversees all compliance requirements at UMass related to research under one coordinated unit. 
• Core Research Facilities: A set of shared resources offering a range of services to the research community.