New Scientists and Project Plans

1
New Scientists and Project Plans

• Building a Plan for Success

OSQR
2
What is the Big Deal about Project Plans?

• Foundation of research within ARS
• Contract between Program Development (NPS),
  Management (Area), and the Science Team
• Part of the ARS culture

OSQR
3
Why Should I Care?

• There are two critical documents you write in ARS
• Project plans
• RPES case materials
• Both of these documents represent your
  capabilities and accomplishments as a scientist

OSQR
4
Foundations of Excellence
OSQR
5
Project Plans
Impact of science (RPES)
OSQR
6
ARS Research Program Cycle
OSQR
7
Role of Project Plans

• Define and outline what you are going to address
  during a five year period
• Define your interactions with other project team
  members
• Enhance your productivity and impact
• Build collaboration with other scientists

OSQR
8
ARS Program Structure
Scientist
Each person supports the research program of
the scientist
Lead Scientist
Research Leader
Center, Institute, Laboratory Director
National Program Leaders
Area Directors
OSQR
9
Your Role in Project Plans

• Contribute your expertise to one or more
  objectives within a project or to one or more
  projects
• Member of a research team responsible for the
  successful conduct of a research project
• Responsible for development of products (papers,
  technology transfer, CRADAs) from the research
  project

OSQR
10
What is in a Project Plan?

• Background of the problem
• Gaps in our knowledge
• Objectives that address the gaps
• Approach and procedures to meet the objectives
• Processes to ensure the success of the project
• Critical milestones to document progress toward
  the goal

OSQR
11
Title and Investigator(s).1 Signature
Page...2 Table of Contents.. 3 Project
summary (250 words). 4 Objectives (lt 1
p)...5 Need for research (1-2 p) Scientific
Background (5-7 p) Prior Accomplishments (2
p) Approach Procedures (6-15 p) Milestones
Outcomes (? 1 p) Literature Cited Past
Accomplishments of Project Team Members Issues of
Concern statements Appendices (letters plus other
material)
Project Plan Template
15 - 30 pages
OSQR
12
Lead Scientist

• Responsible for project plan development and
  implementation
• Evaluates and documents the progress of the
  project plan through the five year cycle
• Interfaces with stakeholders in providing
  information on project and program impacts on
  customer needs
• Prepares research papers and summaries of the
  research findings from the project

OSQR
13
Scientists

• Develops and implements project plans according
  to guidelines and documents progress and changes
  for incorporation into annual reports
• Interfaces with stakeholders in providing
  information on project and program impacts on
  customer needs
• Prepares research papers and summaries of the
  research findings from the project

OSQR
14
Peer Review Reference Sources

• OSQR Web Site
• http//www.ars.usda.gov/osqr)
• Program Overview
• OSQR Project Plan Writing Video
• Project Plan Information, Format
• Peer Review Manual
• OSQR Staff
• National Program Staff

OSQR