Message from Dr. Annabell C. Segarra, Interim Dean of Research
The Office of the Dean of Research at the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico was established in 2018 through Certification 20 (2018–2019) of the UPR Board of Governors. Since its inception, the Deanship of Research has embraced the challenge of fostering an inclusive, high‑caliber research culture that supports the pursuit of new knowledge and discoveries in the health sciences. Its mission includes transforming campus units and schools to better promote, sustain, and enhance the physical, human, and operational infrastructure required to conduct impactful research.
It is expected that the coordinated efforts of the Dean’s Office will generate clear and lasting benefits that include improving the health of the Puerto Rican people, advancing biotechnology entrepreneurship, contributing to global scientific knowledge, increasing external funding for the Medical Sciences Campus, and supporting efforts to mitigate environmental challenges such as global warming.
A key responsibility of the Office of the Dean of Research—and one of the reasons for its creation—is to transform the former Office of Sponsored Programs, which had focused primarily on federal grant administration, into a comprehensive entity dedicated to promoting research across all dimensions. Achieving greater success in grant submissions requires strengthening the infrastructure and resources available to researchers, including physical facilities, processes, and personnel.
It is important to emphasize that research plays a vital role in improving public health in Puerto Rico, fostering biotechnology innovation, contributing to the global scientific community, securing funding for the Medical Sciences Campus, and helping address the environmental impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing.
Mission
- Increase the likelihood of success for submitted research proposals.
- Facilitate completion of the objectives of funded proposals.
- Ensure compliance with federal regulations governing research projects.
Vision
Promote the central role of research at the Medical Sciences Campus in order to:
- Generate new knowledge.
- Train future health professionals and biomedical scientists in Puerto Rico.
- Improve the health of the Puerto Rican population.
- Secure financial resources to promote and sustain health-related research.
Objectives
- Provide institutional support that enhances the success of grant submissions (e.g., data analysis, editorial assistance).
- Facilitate that commitments outlined in funded proposals, are met.
- Enrich the training of health professionals and biomedical scientists.
- Serve as a liasson between federal agencies and MSC researchers.