What Social Mobility Research Funding Covers (and Excludes)

Emerging Trends in Research and Evaluation Funding Priorities ## The Research & Evaluation sector is witnessing a significant shift in funding priorities, driven by the Banking Institution's Grants to Data Science Equity, Access and Priority for Research and Education initiative. This program aims to strengthen the research capacity and infrastructure of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), particularly Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), in areas of strategic importance and value to the administration's mission and national priorities. One of the key trends is the increased focus on data science research and its applications. As data science continues to transform industries, funding agencies are prioritizing research projects that can harness the power of data to drive innovation and solve complex problems. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a key player in this space, providing funding for research and development projects through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. ## Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development ## To effectively utilize funding and drive meaningful outcomes, Research & Evaluation teams must develop the necessary capacity and infrastructure. This includes investing in staff with expertise in data science and evaluation methodologies, as well as developing robust data management systems to support research and evaluation activities. However, MSIs often face challenges in building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure, including limited resources and lack of access to cutting-edge technology. The NSF SBIR funding can be a valuable resource for small businesses and research institutions looking to develop innovative solutions and bring them to market. To overcome these challenges, funding agencies are prioritizing capacity-building initiatives that provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure development support to MSIs. For instance, the Banking Institution's grant program is designed to support the development of research infrastructure, including data science initiatives, at MSIs. ## Compliance and Risk Management ## Research & Evaluation teams must navigate a complex landscape of regulations, standards, and licensing requirements to ensure compliance and avoid potential risks. One concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the requirement to comply with the National Institute of Health's (NIH) guidelines for research involving human subjects. Additionally, Research & Evaluation teams must be aware of the eligibility barriers and compliance traps associated with funding opportunities, such as the SBIR grants. For example, small businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being majority-owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Verifiable delivery challenges unique to this sector include managing complex data sets and ensuring the integrity of research findings. To mitigate these risks, teams must develop robust risk management strategies, including regular monitoring and evaluation of research projects. Required outcomes and KPIs for Research & Evaluation projects funded by the Banking Institution's grant program include demonstrating progress towards building research capacity and infrastructure, as well as contributing to the advancement of data science research. Reporting requirements will include regular progress reports and evaluation metrics to assess the effectiveness of funded projects. Q: How can Research & Evaluation teams ensure compliance with NIH guidelines for research involving human subjects? A: Research & Evaluation teams can ensure compliance by developing robust policies and procedures for human subjects research, providing training to staff, and conducting regular audits to ensure adherence to guidelines. Q: What are the key eligibility criteria for small businesses applying for SBIR grants? A: To be eligible for SBIR grants, small businesses must be majority-owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a primary focus on research and development, and meet specific size standards. Q: How can MSIs access technical assistance and infrastructure development support to build their research capacity? A: MSIs can access technical assistance and infrastructure development support through funding agencies such as the NSF and the Banking Institution, which provide resources and support to help build research capacity and infrastructure.