Funding Transition Updates: Please see Federal Transition Updates 2025 for the latest federal executive orders and research activities.
Getting Started in Research Administration at GW
Welcome to GW
Welcome to The George Washington University (GW)! We are pleased to have you join our robust professional community of research administrators helping GW promote the highest standards of ethical research and scholarly conduct while pursuing its research mission. To help you transition into your role in research administration at GW, we have prepared a number of onboarding resources that can be used during your first weeks and months with the university. As you access these resources and begin your journey at GW, don't hesitate to reach out to the OSP_EandT
gwu [dot] edu (Office of Sponsored Projects) or your supervisor with any questions.
What to Expect in Your First 3 Months
Text to be updated
About The Office of Sponsored Projects
The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) supports the university's research mission by providing oversight of externally-sponsored research. OSP assists researchers with identifying appropriate funding opportunities, submitting competitive proposals, and managing successful projects.
Research Administrator Onboarding Checklist
The Office of Animal Research (OAR) provides space, equipment and care for laboratory animals used for research and teaching purposes. Working closely with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), OAR provides the highest standards of humane care and use of laboratory animals and assures compliance with university and federal regulations.
Lab Safety
The Office of Laboratory Safety (OLS) has specialized knowledge and expertise in biological, chemical and radiological health and safety. OLS is responsible for radiation safety, biosafety and laser safety and works closely with allied departments (Office of Health & Safety, Police, Facilities Management, Risk Management, etc.) within the university.
Export Controls
The export of certain commodities, information technologies, software and services is regulated for reasons of national security, foreign policy, prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction and for competitive trade reasons. The Office of the Vice Provost for Research provides information and support regarding Export Controls regulations and procedures designed to promote university compliance.
Data Use and Data Management
Learn more about Data Use Agreements (DUAs) and Data Management Plans (DMPs) as part of your sponsored project.
Conflicts of Interest
All proposal packages must include the Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures Form (PDF) and that form must be completed by all principal investigators (PIs), senior/key personnel and investigators. The GW Policy on Conflicts of Interest and Commitment for Faculty and Investigators is designed to assist faculty and the university in the identification of potential and actual conflicts of interest and to support compliance with applicable government regulations.
Financial Conflicts of Interest
Effective August 24, 2012, a significant change in the procedure for disclosing conflicts of interest was implemented to comply with new federal regulation regarding public health service (PHS) funding.
Responsible Conduct of Research
All faculty and students interested in research are urged to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training provided at GW. Completion of RCR training is mandatory for all undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers supported on a full-time or part-time basis on any National Science Foundation award resulting from a proposal due after January 4th, 2010.