Office of Research Services

Oversees the Animal User Training program; the veterinary program for agricultural animals, and the Post-Approval Review program; provides clinical and support services to researchers and facility managers working with cattle, swine, sheep, poultry, horses and wildlife; assists with Animal Utilization Protocol (AUP) development.

Provides a broad range of information technology support including: assisting with implementing, monitoring, updating and maintaining IT systems, software and solutions, including the website; diagnosing and solving end-user and IT problems related; and responding to requests for assistance, taking appropriate steps to resolve and alleviate problems to ensure continued services.

Responsible for administrative review of research proposals, as well as drafting and negotiation of research-related grant agreements and research contracts and management of Tri-Agency (NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR) and other funding sponsor programs such as CIFAR, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Global Affairs Canada, European Commission, Grand Challenges Canada, Mitacs, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), and OMAFRA opportunities available directly from OMAFRA (excluding Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance funding). Tri-Agency programs within Carolyn’s portfolio include NSERC programs: CREATE, Frontiers, Gender-NET Plus, Promoscience, Strategic Grants for Projects, Strategic Grants for Networks and SSHRC programs: Partnership Development Grants and Partnership Grants.

Coordinates Animal Care Committee (ACC) facility site visits, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) inspections and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) assessments and responses; Approves animal orders; tracks and reports animal use numbers to OMAFRA and the CCAC and manages the process for the approval of standard operating procedures in animal facilities.

Provides pre-award application support (i.e., administrative review of proposals) and non-financial post-award services (i.e., review of agreements and account set up) to researchers for Beef Cattle Research Council, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) VIP II, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ontario Ministry of Seniors Affairs, US National Science Foundation, and others. Kristin administers OMAFRA opportunities available directly from OMAFRA (excluding Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance funding), which include Industry Engagement Grants, Food Safety, Proof of Principle, New Directions, Transfer Payment Program, Plant Germplasm Revenue Reinvestment Program. 

Coordinates all aspects of the Research Ethics Board (REB) review process for research involving human participants. Conducts proficient, critical reviews of protocols to ensure the highest ethical standards are met, as captured in the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Humans, 2nd Edition (TCPS2). Provides guidance to researchers, as well as administrative support to the REB-General and REB-Natural, Physical and Engineering Sciences.

Oversees the Animal Ethics and Compliance administration, the veterinary program, and provides clinical and support services to researchers working with laboratory rodents, small companion animals, fish, reptiles and amphibians; assists with Animal Utilization Protocol (AUP) development.

Coordinates the Animal Utilization Protocol (AUP), Amendment and Renewal review and approval processes including the assignment of reviewers and organization of reviewer queries and Principal Investigator responses; Organizes, sets agendas and takes minutes for Animal Care Committee (ACC) meetings.

First point of contact for submission of and initial processing of research grant and award applications, including OR5 Forms, and research contractual agreements.  Patti will inform researchers to whom their submission is assigned within the Office of Research Services for further review and processing. 

Oversees planning and coordination of educational offerings such as the Faculty Information Exchange Series, Graduate Research and Program Management course, CITI Program and sponsor workshops as well as completes special projects for the Office of Research Services. Affiliated with the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre.

Leads and coordinates the Post-Approval Review (PAR) program for Animal Utilization Protocols (AUPs); conducts review visits to labs and facilities to provide support and guidance for research teams; assists and trains at the research team and facility level for compliance and consistency in research outcomes.

Leads and manages the Animal Ethics & Compliance subunit, overseeing the University’s Animal Care and Use program including the Animal Utilization Protocol (AUP) approval process, Animal Use tracking, Animal Care Committee (ACC) activities and compliance with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) requirements.

Responsible for the administrative processing of proposals and funded and non-funded agreements as well as the initiation of research account set up for activation by Research Financial Services.

Administrative leadership for the development and delivery of the University of Guelph’s research ethics review process for research projects involving human participants and compliance with Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Humans, 2nd Edition (TCPS 2) and related legal requirements involving privacy and personal information. Administrative leadership for the Research Ethics Board (REB) and research ethics training.

Provides consultation and support for risks associated with research at the University including associated research policies and administrative procedures, legislated requirements and standards/guidelines. Contact for questions about Radiation Protection, Biosafety, Laboratory Safety, controlled research (Controlled Goods, Industrial Security, Cannabis), Biotechnology, and compliance.