The UNTHSC supports the principle that research and development activities can and should increase the excellence of instruction. Such activities are considered to be part of the academic responsibilities of faculty members. Sponsored projects do provide a resource which can make these activities possible, and this resource should be utilized to the fullest practical extent.

The UNTHSC encourages individual faculty members, or groups of them, especially interdisciplinary teams, to seek outside support for research and/or developmental activities that will contribute to development of new knowledge. Faculty members are encouraged to integrate these activities with instruction and to engage in scholarly research activities that lend themselves to involvement of students.

The parameters of this policy statement are purposefully broad to encourage faculty members to pursue research and development activities in areas of their own interest that will strengthen their teaching and research competence.

Questions may arise from time to time concerning whether a proposed project is in keeping with the UNTHSC's educational objectives, or within the established role and scope of the institution, or conforms to the Regents' Rules and Regulations or federal and state statutes and regulations. Such questions should be referred to the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Research or designee who has delegated authority to coordinate the resolution of policy questions on sponsored projects.