With liaison librarians incorporated into each of the health sciences schools, faculty can take advantage of expert guidance, specialized instruction, and curriculum support. Our Molecular Biology Information Service provides access to cutting-edge software, workshops, and consultations, equipping researchers with the tools necessary to navigate complex data and propel their investigations forward.
Researchers at all levels can access HSLS’s array of digital resources, including various databases, a vast collection of journals, and specialty collections, allowing ample opportunities for research growth and exploration. Donor support to the Research and Faculty Support fund strengthens these resources, magnifying the reach and depth of our research community.
Our dedicated faculty and staff provide assistance with grant submissions, guidance on data management and sharing plans, and support pathways to publication and open science. Contributions to this fund help to guarantee that impactful research initiatives make a difference in the field.
HSLS in Action: Data Services Supports Grant Writing
HSLS is dedicated to supporting researchers in writing competitive grant proposals across all six schools of the health sciences. This past year, HSLS Data Services helped researchers to understand and comply with the requirements of the new NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy through educational sessions and one-on-one consultations. This policy requires researchers to write a data management and sharing plan (DMSP) addressing six elements including data preservation, access, and oversight.
Of particular success has been the HSLS DMSP review service. Last fiscal year, 29 DMSPs were submitted via the DMPTool or email for feedback by librarians. Drs. Caldwell, Rodakowski, and Dorris, from Pitt’s Department of Occupational Therapy, were one team that benefited from this service. When asked about the process, Dr. Dorris notes:
“Using the tool [DMPTool] and incorporating the detailed feedback from the librarians helped us feel confident as we wrote our first Data Management and Sharing Plans.”
We see this service growing and evolving as we incorporate lessons learned during the first year under the new policy. To date, HSLS Data Services is on pace to provide feedback to more researchers than last year, and librarian feedback is changing to include help for researchers responding to questions/comments sent by Program Officers during the Just-in-Time process.
Give to Research and Faculty Support
With your support we can foster an environment where innovation thrives, research flourishes, and impactful discoveries redefine the landscape of health sciences. Join us in empowering faculty and fueling research breakthroughs.