The process of establishing a new center and/or institute at UAB involves two distint processes:

  1. UAB Internal Process
  2. Board Approval Process

The names of new institutes or centers requiring Board approval should not be used or publicized until the Board has taken official action.

For the UAB Internal Process, faculty member should visit the Office of Research Centers and Institutes website opens a new website and complete the entire UAB process for creating a new center or institute, including all required documentation and approvals. Please allow ample time for the UAB process required for center/institute proposals as outlined on the website. For any other details on the UAB process, please contact:

• Dr. Jason Nichols, Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Administration – jjn@uab.edu
• Frannie Horn, Director of Research Development – fhorn@uab.edu

Process (Board Approval Process)

1. Submission to Board Liaison
   The Deans submits the approved application form to the Board Liaison, including the following documents:
   • Board Agenda Item Recommendation Form (must include approval signatures from the Chair and Dean)
   • Resolution (sent electronically as a Word document; should include the name and title of the Center/Institute Director if selected, or indicate that a Director will be appointed following a search)
   • Dean's Letter of Recommendation (addressed to the Provost)
   • Department Chair's Letter of Support (addressed to the appropriate Dean, if applicable)
   • Application outlining:
     • Defined purpose of the new center/institute
     • Resources (annual budget showing sources of funds, human/physical resources, etc.)
     • Organizational structure
   • Organizational Chart showing the new center/institute within the current organizational structure (if applicable)
   • Financial Resources (5-year budget projection)
   • NIH-style biosketch of the Center/Institute Director (sent electronically)
2. Internal Approvals
   The Board Liaison will secure letters of support from the Vice President for Finance, the Vice President for Research, the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the President.
3. System Office Submission
   The Board Liaison will obtain final approval from the President and Legal Counsel before submitting the complete package to the UA System Office for consideration by the Board of Trustees.
4. Final Notification
   The Board Liaison will receive the final approval notification from the UA System Office and distribute the information to the Provost, Deans, and Vice Presidents.

Submission Timeline

Refer to the Board Liaison calendar for submission deadlines of the Board Liaison.

Due to the intensive creation process, submitters should allow ample time to develop the required concept form and proposal, which must outline the purpose, funding, organizational structure, and other key elements.

Additional Resources

• Sample: Establishment of Center Resolution

Point of Contact for Establishment, Changes, or Closure of UAB Centers/Institutes:

• Dr. Jason Nichols, Senior Associate Vice President for Research – jjn@uab.edu
• Frannie Horn, Director of Research Development – fhorn@uab.edu