ISU Office for Research Hosts Open House and Travel Award Raffle

Idaho State University will host a research-focused reception and open house on Monday, December 7.

The event, organized by the university’s Office for Research, aims to connect faculty and staff with the administrative and technical resources necessary to advance academic projects. According to Idaho State University, the gathering will take place from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Business Technology Center (BTC), located at 1651 Alvin Ricken Drive in Pocatello.

For many researchers, the gap between a theoretical concept and a funded, compliant project can be wide. This open house functions as a bridge, allowing personnel to meet directly with the various units that manage the lifecycle of academic inquiry. Attendees can engage with representatives from several critical departments, including Research Development, Sponsored Programs, and Research Compliance.

The session also provides a direct line to specialized technical support. Representatives from Tech Transfer, Core Facilities, and Idaho Research Networks will be available to discuss specific project needs and institutional resources. This access is intended to help faculty and staff identify new ways to expand their current research areas.

To encourage engagement with the various departmental stations, the Office for Research has implemented a “Research passport” system. Participants can visit different units to speak with representatives and collect stamps to complete their passports.

The completed passports serve as entries into a raffle for two separate travel awards. Each award is valued at $2,000 and is designated for specific professional growth:

One award will be granted to a faculty member.
One award will be granted to a staff member.

These funds are earmarked for travel expenses related to research or professional development purposes. The university will conduct the drawing for the awards at 4:45 p.m., though the Office for Research said that participants do not need to be present at that specific time to win.

Beyond the individual incentives, the event serves a broader institutional purpose. By bringing together units like Student Research, Research Centers & Institutes, and various core facilities, the university seeks to foster a more integrated research ecosystem. Such gatherings are often vital for breaking down silos that can occur in large academic institutions, ensuring that a researcher in one department is aware of the specialized equipment or compliance expertise available in another.

The Business Technology Center serves as the central hub for this end-of-semester coordination, providing a space for the “drop in anytime” format that allows busy faculty to participate between their existing academic commitments.