EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report includes FY 2006-07 records pertaining to the Office of Academic Research and Sponsored Programs (OARSP) and to interdisciplinary centers formerly reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Research, James L. Pyle. Dr. Pyle retired at the end of the fiscal year, having served Ball State University since 1983 as Professor of Chemistry and head of OARSP. In addition, the office suffered the loss of Dr. Linda Keys, Associate Director for Program, on August 3, 2006 and of Jeffrey Litten, Systems Coordinator, on August 20, 2006. By the same token, OARSP welcomed Dr. Carolyn MacKay of the Department of English as Faculty Fellow during the 2006-07 academic year; Noah Koontz as Systems Coordinator; Heather Miller as Research Information Coordinator (assuming Marcia Deboy's responsibilities); and Justin Miller as Grants Specialist (replacing Stephanie Klinger).

The funding picture for the year in large measure reflects the realities of fewer federal dollars available for increased numbers of fiercely competitive proposals. Federal funding was down (from $8M to $3M), and private foundation numbers also showed a dip (from $9M to $5M), though funding from state, business, local, higher education, and non-profit sources all reflect increases over the previous year. Overall, however, funding for the year decreased: $18,084,449 over against $23,396,082 the previous year. The overall success ratio was a commendable 64% (225 proposals funded out of a total 353 submitted). The year saw an increase in the numbers of awards funded in the $10K-$100K category (96 funded, up from 85).

Numbers are but one manifestation of the vibrancy of research and sponsored projects on campus, however. First-rate scholarly and creative activity is a hallmark of the Ball State faculty, as can be seen in the investigations into muscle fiber of astronauts on the part of the Human Performance Laboratory directed by Scott and Todd Trappe; the digital modeling of a 4th-9th century church near the Roman Forum by a global team of scholars led by Michele Chiuini of the Department of Architecture; and two Fulbright Scholar awards—one to Nihal Perera of the Department of Urban Planning (Hong Kong) and the other to Gregory Witkowski of the Department of History (Germany). These are prime examples that research is alive, well, and on the upswing on the BallState campus! The challenge to create and collaborate is seen throughout departments; the call to involve students in innovative, immersive initiatives is evident across the boards.

To give focus and direction to the funded research agenda, we look forward to the leadership of Robert Morris, Interim Associate Provost for Research and Interim Dean of the Graduate School.  Dr. Morris has a distinguished record as Professor of Chemistry and chair of the department. We also are pleased to welcome to campus and to the Research House, Michael Halbrook, Director of Technology Transfer. Under his leadership, we anticipate increased opportunities for the licensing of intellectual property and for interaction with the private sector.

Kristi Koriath
Interim Director