Introducing SciRS: Q&A on New Research Support Services

To strengthen research support and enhance the LSU College of Science’s research enterprise, we have launched Science Research Services (SciRS)—a new shared services initiative dedicated to helping faculty navigate the research proposal process more effectively.

SciRS is designed to provide high-quality pre-award support across all departments, including proposal preparation, routing, submission, and non-financial post-award assistance. Developed in close collaboration with department chairs and a faculty advisory committee, this effort reflects a broader college commitment to collaborative staffing models and customized support in an evolving funding landscape.

Learn more about the vision and services behind SciRS in the Q&A below:

---

What is Science Research Services (SciRS)?
SciRS is a new initiative in the LSU College of Science designed to support faculty throughout the research proposal process. Our mission is to reduce administrative burden, improve proposal quality, and help faculty secure more research funding—all while building a strong, professional research administration workforce.

Why is this office being launched now?
Each year, College of Science faculty submit more than 300 research proposals. To stay competitive and support LSU’s goal of joining the Association of American Universities (AAU), consistent, high-quality proposal support is essential. SciRS will help us grow strategically by improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and offering dedicated services tailored to faculty needs.

What kinds of services will SciRS offer?
SciRS will begin with pre-award research administration services, including identifying funding opportunities, timeline planning, budgeting, and proposal routing and submission support. Over time, we aim to incorporate research development activities like editing, red team reviews, and faculty grant writing workshops.

Who can use SciRS services?
SciRS is here for all faculty in the College of Science. Whether you’re submitting your first grant or leading a major collaborative proposal, we’re here to help you succeed.

How early should researchers involve SciRS in the proposal process?
Faculty should inform SciRS of their plans to submit a proposal as early as possible. The sooner the research administration specialists in SciRS know about the planned submission, the more they will be able to assist.

What’s the long-term vision for SciRS?
We’re building an office that not only serves faculty but also fosters excellence in research administration. That means providing clear career pathways for staff, supporting professional development, and encouraging CRA certification.  

Who’s leading this effort?
The SciRS initiative is led by Dr. Gretchen Stein, Assistant Dean for Research Development & Operations. Dr. Stein brings deep experience in research administration and a passion for helping researchers succeed. She’s working closely with departments and central offices to ensure SciRS is a seamless extension of the support faculty already rely on.

How can faculty and staff share input or ask questions about SciRS?
We welcome your ideas, questions, and feedback! You can email Dr. Gretchen Stein directly at gstein@lsu.edu, drop by during SciRS office hours (Tuesdays from 2:00-3:00pm and Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00am), or reach out to any member of the Faculty Advisory Committee. This office is being built with your input, and we want to ensure it reflects the needs and goals of our faculty and staff.

Who is on the Faculty Advisory Committee?
The SciRS Faculty Advisory Committee includes representatives from each department in the College of Science:

Biological Sciences: SeYeon Chung, Anne Grove
Chemistry: Amy Xu, Rabi Musah
Geology & Geophysics: Adam Forte
Mathematics: Robert Lipton
Physics & Astronomy: Eric Burns, Bill Shelton