Research & Sponsored Programs

Our Mission

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) at Clark Atlanta University is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and collaboration. We lead efforts to build strong partnerships among faculty, the university, and external stakeholders; support technology transfer and commercialization; and streamline research operations through clear policies and efficient processes. Our mission comes to life through comprehensive, “one-stop” support for every stage of the research and sponsored programs journey, powered by teamwork across research administration, technology transfer, and commercialization.

Research and Education: A Powerful Connection

At CAU, we believe research and education go hand in hand. Scholarly activity is  essential to delivering a world-class educational experience for our students. By leveraging the diverse talents of our students, faculty, researchers, and staff, RSP fosters a thriving research enterprise that drives discovery, enriches learning, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge worldwide.

What We Do

RSP provides a full range of services to support research and sponsored programs, including:

• Identifying Opportunities: Helping faculty and staff pursue new research initiatives and secure funding.
• Ensuring Compliance: Monitoring adherence to federal, state, local, and institutional regulations for human subjects, animal care, biosafety, radiation safety, and research integrity.
• Training & Education: Offering programs on proposal development, grants management, research compliance, and intellectual property.
• Proposal Support: Guiding faculty and staff through the grant and contract application process, including approvals and endorsements.
• Award Management: Maintaining records, administering grants and contracts, and assisting with reporting and audits.
• Partnerships & Agreements: Coordinating research collaborations and cooperative agreements.
• Intellectual Property & Commercialization: Managing patents, copyrights, licensing, publication agreements, and technology transfer.
• Funding Alerts: Sharing information on external funding opportunities and deadlines.