Why a Research Foundation?

The Research Foundation provides the independence and administrative flexibility to respond quickly to the special demands of sponsored programs in a manner that facilitates their scientific or technical execution; these are needs that could not be as easily accommodated through state processes.
The demands of sponsored programs include

  • very short time frames (usually one year or less to complete the project)
  • need for prefunding expenditures prior to sponsor reimbursement
  • flexibility to hire project staff upon the project start date and terminate them upon project completion
  • purchasing supplies, equipment, reimbursement of travel costs, etc. when needed
  • subcontracting to third parties for special services
  • billing sponsors for payment
  • issuing financial reports

Governance

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of researchers, campus and system administrators, SUNY Trustees, and representatives of business and industry.  The chancellor of the University serves as chair of the board ex officio.

Advisory Structure

A Sponsored Programs Advisory Council, composed of faculty researchers and campus administrators, provides operating advice to Foundation management.

Campus Operations

The Research Foundation consists of the central office working in conjunction with operating units at 30 campus locations across New York State. The campus RF offices are responsible for the day-to-day administration of sponsored programs including financial, human resources, procurement and reporting activities. The offices provide this support in accordance with federal, sponsor, Research Foundation, SUNY and campus guidelines. Sponsored program functions delegated to the campuses are conducted under the supervision of Foundation operations managers who are appointed by the Foundation's Board on the recommendation of the respective campus presidents.

Services

The Research Foundation provides services to SUNY campuses, campus-based foundations, affiliated corporations, and other research foundations. These organizations are provided with high quality, cost effective services, including:

  • Affiliated Corporations Establishment and Oversight
  • Human Resources/Payroll Administration
  • Information Technology Support
  • Purchasing and Payables Administration
  • Sponsored Programs Administration
  • Technology Transfer