Broader Impacts is a term coined by NSF that refers to the potential for a research project to benefit society or advance desired societal outcomes. While other federal sponsors may use other terms, the idea of “broader impacts” has become an important component for many federal proposals. We note below several examples of UVA units and external organizations that each offer unique capabilities and expertise that can help researchers explore ways to broaden the impacts of their work.
- The integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV) is a collaboration of public and private institutions across the Commonwealth of Virginia that promotes shared resources and best practices, team science, community engagement and innovation. iTHRIV is committed to train and equip the next generation of clinical and translational researchers. iTHRIV will integrate data and data analytics to accelerate and streamline scientific workflows for clinical trials, innovative therapeutic advancements, and the creation of more personalized approaches to healthcare. Led by the University of Virginia, iTHRIV’s partners are Inova, Virginia Tech, and Carilion.
- Engaged UVA was launched by the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Outreach in 2017 in an effort to gather and highlight information on the community engaged programs already underway at the University. The site reflects current and ongoing community-based initiatives, and allows users to search for associated faculty, courses, projects, and community partners. Faculty can use this site to find colleagues doing similar work. Students can find new courses and engagement opportunities. Community members can see the array of current and ongoing programs.
- Virginia Humanities encourages discovery and connection through the humanities by supporting and producing cultural, civic, local, and global educational programs for broad public audiences. We work with individuals and communities to explore the past, confront current issues, and discover a promising future. Apply for a grant or fellowship, attend our annual book festival, listen to one of our radio programs or podcasts, or join us at an event near you. Here’s a complete list of all the things we do.
- Since 1984, UVA’s Center for the Liberal Arts (CLA) has provided content-based professional development programs for K-12 teachers across a broad range of disciplines. CLA staff have partnered with University faculty to offer these high-quality programs, with CLA managing logistics and making connections with school districts to invite teachers to participate. UVA faculty members focus on the content that they know best, rather than the details of trying to establish K-12 connections and manage invitations, space reservations, catering, and other event logistics. The CLA team can work with UVA faculty from across Grounds to develop public outreach programs that make grant applications more competitive while also providing meaningful and enriching content-based professional development for K-12 partners from across the Commonwealth. UVA faculty may write to centerfortheliberalarts@virginia.edu or call 982-5205 to learn more about how to partner with CLA on K-12 public outreach programs.
- The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service works to strengthen and preserve effective governance in Virginia by leveraging the research, expertise, and resources of the University of Virginia to inform public policy, develop and support community leaders, and foster impactful civic engagement. We seek to build an informed, skilled, engaged public working with capable and inclusive leaders through institutions of government, community organizations, and other avenues for dialogue and problem solving. Services and programs include Research and Analysis, Leadership Development Programs, and the Virginia Institute of Government (VIG), which offers customized training, professional development programs, and real-time personal assistance for all levels of local government officials.
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest multi-program science and energy laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy. UVA is one of ORNL’s “Core Universities,” with the VPR filling a seat on the Board of Governors and S&T Committee. UVA also has a core university liaison (the AVPRD) that serves as the lead for the ORNL-UVA Travel Fund Program. These formal ties ensure UVA’s faculty, students, and staff are able to fully leverage the extensive facilities, expertise, and educational programs at ORNL.
- The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) is a public-private biomedical technology consortium that is internationally-dispersed and authorized to serve by the Department of Defense to promote the development and delivery of innovative medical solutions that protect, treat, and optimize the health and performance of U.S. military personnel, veterans, and civilians. UVA is a member of the consortium, which allows our researchers to apply for MTEC supported funding opportunities.
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) provides innovative scientific and technical solutions for the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies to advance national priorities in science, health, and education. We do this through our specialized teams of experts and a consortium of more than 150 major colleges and universities. The Research and University Partnerships Office brings together university faculty and students to collaborate with ORAU experts on major scientific initiatives that strengthen America’s leading edge in science and technology. ORAU offers several grant programs to its university consortium members to facilitate these connections and thereby create opportunities for cutting edge and innovative research. ORAU hosts an Annual Meeting of the Council of Sponsoring Institutions each Spring. The AVPRD serves as the university liaison.