Research and Creative Activity Ecosystem – Text Version

The Division of Research and Creative Activity (DRED) comprises several units, all of which are part of the Research and Creative Activity (RCA) Ecosystem at Boise State University.

Boise State has honed the RCA process into seven steps. Do you need full support along the way? We’ve built a path that takes you from start to finish. But for those who need support in one, two, or a few of these steps, you’re not alone. We’ve built a system that allows you to choose your own adventure. Jump into any of these steps as you need them.

Step 1: Generate Idea

What would you like to research or create? In step one, learn to look at your ideas carefully and discover what to do with them; after all, some of you have done this before but need assistance, and so many others have great ideas but are new to this and don’t know where to begin. CRCA Research Development can work with you to brainstorm, network with peers, develop a team and explore ideas. We can provide consultation on generating ideas, build an affinity group around your ideas, provide guided brainstorm facilitation for groups, and be a partner in developing collaborations. If you have compliance questions, connect with the Office of Research Compliance.

You may need to connect with the following offices at this stage:

Office of Research Compliance

Center for Research and Creative Activity

Step 2: Find Funding

Once you have established your idea, it’s time to investigate your funding options. Here, you’ll discover the resources to help you get started. CRCA Research Development consults on strategies for finding extramural funding opportunities aligned to your research and creative activity. We disseminate funding opportunities and manage the Limited Submission calls. We support and promote opportunities to interface with program officers.

Connect with the following offices at this stage:
Center for Research and Creative Activity

Step 3: Prepare Proposal

Your idea is set. You’ve investigated your funding options and are ready to introduce your project. In this step, you’ll learn how to prepare your proposal, find resources, and get help creating your valuable documents in preparation for proposal submission. 

Center for Research and Creative Activity Research Development, Office of Sponsored Programs (Pre-Award), and Office of Research Compliance all have a part to play in Step 3. 

You may need to connect with the following offices at this stage:
Office of Sponsored Programs
Office of Research Compliance
Center for Research and Creative Activity

Step 4: Submit Proposal

The excitement is in the air. You are finalizing your proposal, so it is finally time to submit! Find out everything you need to know about submitting your proposal. The Office of Sponsored Programs supports this stage of the ecosystem by working with Principal Investigators (PIs) and their college and departmental administrators (collectively referred to as Business Managers (BoMs)).

Connect with the following offices at this stage:

Office of Sponsored Programs

Step 5: Accept Award

You’ve received the great news that a sponsor is interested in your idea and wants to fund your research and creative activity. Learn about award acceptance and how to take the next steps towards starting your project here. The Office of Sponsored Programs supports this stage of the ecosystem by working with Principal Investigators (PIs) and their college and departmental administrators (collectively referred to as Business Managers (BoMs)). If you have compliance questions, connect with the Office of Research Compliance.

You may need to connect with the following offices at this stage:
Office of Sponsored Programs
Office of Research Compliance

Step 6: Manage Award

Here, the research and creative activity begins. There are many details to manage, organize, and undertake around your project, as well as researching or creating your project. But how do you organize such a workload? Learn more about the exciting journey of bringing your vision to life here. The Office of Sponsored Programs supports this stage of the ecosystem by working with Principal Investigators (PIs) and their college and departmental administrators (collectively referred to as Business Managers (BoMs)). Center for Research and Creative Activity Project Management Initiative, Office of Research Compliance, and Office of Technology Transfer may be involved in this step as well, depending on the project.

You may need to connect with the following offices at this stage:
Office of Sponsored Programs
Office of Research Compliance
Center for Research and Creative Activity
Office of Technology Transfer

Step 7: Share Your Research and Creative Activity

Your project is complete, and it’s time to release your hard work into the world. We can help you find the channels needed to share your findings. Pat yourself on the back. You’ve accomplished something tremendous, and we’re delighted you have invited us to join your journey.

You may need to connect with the following offices at this stage:
Office of Technology Transfer
Office of Research Compliance
Vice President for Research and Economic Development – Communications Team

To view the full infographic with steps, visit the Research and Creative Activity Ecosystem Page