By Xoel Cardenas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research 

At the University of Utah, groundbreaking research thrives on strong support. Behind every discovery, technological achievement, or medical advancement is a team that helps faculty move their ideas forward with clarity and confidence. 

Impactful research relies on well-coordinated systems. And few units embody that spirit more deeply than the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP). Founded in 1951 as Cooperative Research, OSP serves as a central resource that guides researchers through the requirements, reviews, and administrative steps essential to securing and managing sponsored funding. 

Philosophy Built on Partnership 

At the core of OSP’s mission is a simple philosophy: collaboration drives success. 

“Our goal is to ensure faculty and staff have the tools and knowledge to propose, secure, and manage funding successfully,” said Brent Brown, Assistant VP for Research and Director at OSP.  

A collaborative mindset shapes the daily relationship-building OSP maintains across campus.

“We anticipate needs, clarify requirements early, and help avoid roadblocks,” said Brown. “When researchers can navigate compliance quickly and confidently, it’s a win for the entire University.” 

Collaborating Early to Strengthen Proposals 

For OSP, collaboration begins early, often before a proposal takes shape. “Collaboration starts as early as possible — ideally when the PI first considers a submission or transfers a grant,” Todd Bjorklund, Associate Director, explained.  

Early involvement allows the office to clarify sponsor requirements, confirm eligibility, and identify compliance needs before they become challenges. As proposals near submission, OSP provides a thorough review of all non-technical components to ensure accuracy and alignment with sponsor expectations. “If unique terms arise, we coordinate with other offices so the PI doesn’t have to navigate those alone,” he said. 

Specialized Teams That Understand Researchers’ Needs 

To keep pace with the increasing volume and complexity of research funding, OSP has developed specialized teams aligned with different sponsor types and campus units. “Sponsored projects funding has grown exponentially in volume and complexity,” said Brown. The specialized structure builds deep expertise, enabling accurate, timely guidance and tailored solutions while also creating trust and continuity for researchers. 

​​Trust and Compliance as a Shared Responsibility 

The emphasis on trust carries over into OSP’s approach to compliance. “We build trust by treating compliance as a shared responsibility, not a barrier,” Laurel Duncan, Associate Director, said. “We prioritize support, transparency, and practical guidance over enforcement. That said, achieving university-wide compliance requires integrated measures across legal, ethical, financial, and operational domains — beyond the scope of any single office.” 

Tech Strengthens Collaboration 

Technology plays a critical role in strengthening collaboration across the research ecosystem.  

“We design systems such as eProposal, eAward, and Research Portal to create a connected research environment where faculty, departments, and compliance partners work in a single, unified digital space,” Isabella Johnsen, Associate Director, said. These integrated platforms streamline communication and embed requirements directly into workflows, reducing confusion and administrative burden. 

Uniting people, processes, and technology, OSP serves as a key strategic partner for the University’s growing research enterprise.  

“Our vision is to create an environment where researchers and research administrators feel supported, processes are efficient, and collaboration is built into every step,” said Johnsen. 

Click here to learn more about the Office of Sponsored Projects.