Month: March 2024

The pursuit of scholarship and discovery through research has become engrained in the culture at Clemson University. It’s part of the fabric of our student experience, along with world-class academics and championship-caliber athletics. And, as the research enterprise grows, so do the opportunities for students. The way research enhances the student experience at Clemson will be the focus of my April Board of Trustees Report. You can view my quarterly reports here.  

The current fiscal year is again proving to be a strong one for our research enterprise. Research awards were $141 million through the second quarter, up 33 percent from the same six-month period in the prior fiscal year. I appreciate all of your great work in support of our Clemson Elevate goal of doubling research. 

I want to share a few important updates to help keep your research, scholarship and creative endeavors moving forward. 

The Research Symposium planning committee extended the deadline to March 22 for faculty to submit ideas for panel discussions around the multifaceted role of digital tools and artificial intelligence in scholarship, education and practice across different fields. The Symposium will be held May 8 at the Watt Family Innovation Center. This is a great opportunity for you to make new connections and inspire new collaborative endeavors. Your participation is essential to the event’s success. Submit your idea and join the conversation. 

We are actively tracking policy updates and new proposal requirements from federal agencies: 

• New common disclosure forms have been released for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support sections of an application for Federal research and development (R&D) grants or cooperative agreements. 
• Effective May 20, consulting activities must be reported on current and pending documents if meeting specific criteria. 
• The National Institutes of Health issued notice in January that it is strengthening enforcement of reporting requirements for award closeouts. Noncompliance could lead to unilateral closeout and negatively affect future awards.
• The National Science Foundation has announced a revised Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide that will become effective May 20. This includes updated guidance related to foreign subawardees/consultants, malign foreign talent recruitment programs, proposal formatting and other matters.
• Additional details on each of these matters are posted to our Regulatory Alerts webpage. 

Opportunities remain available through our R-Initiative funding programs. 

Applications for the Core Incentivized Access program are due March 27; the R-Initiative provides access to core research facilities for electron microscopy, light imaging, micro fabrication, high performance computing and animal research services. 

Applications for the Doctoral Dissertation Completion Grant are due May 13; these funds support doctoral candidates in the final stages of dissertation preparation. 

Additionally, several R-Initiatives accept applications any time for funding to support industry collaboration, external reviews of grant proposals and travel to meet with funding agencies. Additional details are posted online. 

The Clemson Light Imaging Facility now offers histology services. CLIF can assist with sample fixation, grossing, embedding and routine H&E staining, and now routinely processes and sections animal tissue, plants and fish. Please contact imaging@clemson.edu to schedule a consultation and request services. 

Finally, I want to remind you of the procedure for requesting letters of support so we can process these in a timely manner and provide high-quality, professional letters to help your funding request. Please bookmark this page with instructions and a template to use for your request.  

As we push toward our goal of doubling research per the Clemson Elevate strategic plan, the volume of requests for letters of supports has and will increase. Your support of these procedural guidelines is essential to our ability to process these requests in a timely manner and provide top service to you for your pursuit of external funding. I appreciate your attention to this matter. 

Best wishes for continued success through the end of the semester. 

Dear Reader,

We are excited to introduce the Histology Services now available at Clemson University through the Clemson Light Imaging Facility. This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower our esteemed biology departments with access to state-of-the-art technologies, providing researchers and students unparalleled opportunities to delve deeper into the intricate world of cellular and tissue analysis.

Histology plays a pivotal role in understanding the fundamental building blocks of life. Our Histology Services offer comprehensive support to researchers, educators, and students seeking to unravel the mysteries of cellular composition. From tissue processing and embedding to sectioning and staining, we ensure precise and high-quality preparations for microscopic examination.

By integrating histological techniques into your research projects and coursework, you open avenues for a more profound understanding of cellular morphology, organ structure, and pathological conditions. Whether you are investigating developmental biology, pathology, or comparative anatomy, our Histology Services provide a robust platform to enhance the depth and accuracy of your findings.

Key Benefits of Utilizing Our Services:

Enhanced Precision: Our Histology Services guarantee precise and consistent results, ensuring the reliability of your research outcomes.

Global Collaboration: Share your findings effortlessly with peers worldwide, fostering collaboration and advancing research on an international scale.

Educational Empowerment: Integrate these services into your curriculum to provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, preparing them for future advancements in the field.

How to Access Our Services:

To avail of these transformative Histology Services, please contact imaging@clemson.edu. Our staff  will guide you through the onboarding process, ensuring a seamless integration of these services into your research projects and educational programs. For current equipment and service prices, visit the CLIF Rates & Fees page.

Embark on a journey of discovery, where microscopic wonders come to life. Clemson University is at the forefront of innovation, and with these services, we are proud to propel our biology departments into a new era of scientific exploration.

Equipment available:

1. Leica BIOCUT Rotary Microtome
2. Leica Histocore Arcadia H Embedding Station
3. Leica Histocore PEARL Paraffin Processor
4. Leica CM1950 Cryostat

We can assist with sample fixation, grossing, embedding, and routine H&E staining. We have to date successfully processed and sectioned animal tissue, plants, and fish. Contact imaging@clemson.edu or if you are registered, visit the iLab portal to schedule a consultation and request services.