General FAQ

What is the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR)?
OIBR is a specialized grants administration service unit housed within the Office of Research. OIBR facilitates innovative interdisciplinary social and behavioral science research by providing UGA faculty with grants administration services, networking events, career development opportunities, and mentoring.
Dr. William A. Owens founded the Institute in 1970 to foster and encourage interdisciplinary research in the social and behavioral sciences. His spouse, Barbara R. Owens, endowed the Institute in 2010 to support continuation of this important mission.

What is the management structure at OIBR?
The Director of OIBR is Dr. Jody Clay-Warner who provides strategic direction for interdisciplinary research at UGA, advocates for social and behavioral science research, leads efforts to advise and support faculty in grant proposal development, advocates for faculty and departments working to increase extramural grant funding, and implements innovative programs to enhance research support, grants administration and faculty development. In her role as Director, Dr. Clay-Warner reports to the VP for Research. Her primary appointment is as a Meigs Distinguished Professor of Sociology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Jennifer McDowell is Associate Director of OIBR. The Associate Director works closely with OIBR management to develop and execute strategic priorities, oversee the OIBR Faculty Seed Grant Program, serve on the Grant Development Program and OIBR Executive Committees, and enhance the effectiveness of OIBR collaboration with various units across campus. Dr. McDowell’s primary appointment is as a Professor of Psychology in the Franklin College of Arts.

OIBR’s day-to-day operations are managed by Assistant Director, Kim Cherewick. This includes overseeing coordination of pre- and post-award grants management, HR activities, and working with the management team and staff on strategic direction, efficiency, and customer service. Kim also serves as a DLSA for the Institute.

What are the benefits of affiliating with OIBR and utilizing their services for grant proposal submission?
OIBR provides networking opportunities throughout the academic year including the OIBR annual meeting, speed networking events, endowed lectures by leaders in the behavioral sciences, mystery meet and greet lunches, center and workgroup speaker or networking events. These events foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
OIBR offers tailored pre- and post-award services including coordination of all components, transmittal data entry, signing authority for most grants, procurement, payroll, and monthly project status reports. Faculty have one point of contact for their grant proposal and, when the grant is awarded, they have one point of contact for the business management of their sponsored project. Pre- and post-award personnel work closely together to ensure smooth activity through the life of the project. OIBR is only able to manage grants that were submitted through OIBR and, due to current policy and traffic limitations, cannot accept transfers (inter-departmental or external) after an award is made.

How much lead time does OIBR need to submit a proposal?
We are a high-volume unit with a small pre-award staff. We can provide the highest level of service if given 30-60 days to work with you and any potential subcontract organizations. We will accept and submit proposals without this amount of notice as time allows but will prioritize those that advised us first.

Can I apply to private foundations or corporations through OIBR?
If a proposal to a private entity is for sponsored research funds, related to social and behavioral science, and you are an affiliate of the institute, OIBR can assist with submission. Your OIBR Grants Coordinator will coordinate with UGA Corporate and Foundation Relations and Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) as appropriate.