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IRIS, the Illinois Researcher Information System, is a computerized database of funding information located at the University of Illinois/Champaign. The Division of Sponsored Programs purchases a yearly subscription to this service that enables the DSP to access IRIS from Hovde Hall. With the expense underwritten by the DSP, all Purdue faculty can avail themselves of this service at no charge.
The database is used to identify a one-year picture of the funding opportunities available in user-specified areas of interest, and can help faculty plan ahead. To initiate an IRIS search, contact Sandy Durain at 49-46706. An appointment will be set up where you and she will complete together the necessary database access form and then you will spend another 15 minutes reviewing a master list of keywords relating to your research interest areas. It is this list of your keywords upon which the database query will be based. Sandy will handle all the details and in about a week that valuable printout listing potential sponsors will arrive at your office.
The IRIS database now contains over 6500 sponsor opportunities which include:
The IRIS staff uses many sources to identify potential sponsors:
The actual information that is entered into the IRIS database is obtained directly from the sponsors and entered in-house by the IRIS staff. The updating of information in IRIS is a continuing, cyclical process that goes on throughout the year as revised information is received. The database is updated within 24 hours of receiving new information from the sponsors.
The database includes information on programs that support various needs: Research (including dissertations) Individual or Advanced study/training The provision of training programs Teaching or curriculum/program development Seminars, conferences or travel Editing, publishing or translating projects Equipment or materials acquisition Exhibits, productions, or performances Operating or general support Prizes and awards Use of facilities or equipment Collaborative activity Postdoctoral support
Each potential sponsor or funding source is keyworded by the IRIS staff using a list of over 2000 subject categories.
Once the DSP has entered the search criteria with the type of funding sought and the subject categories that reflect the research interest of the faculty member, the DSP will get on-line feedback of the number of potential sponsors. The DSP will then have the opportunity to broaden the search by adding more categories.
When the search is completed, IRIS mails the DSP a printout within 24 hours via First Class mail--usually arriving at the DSP 1-2 days later. The DSP in turn forwards the printout to the requesting party. The printout contains all the available information on the potential sponsor and its programs of support including:
A program summary describing the sponsor's programs and areas of research interest.
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