Novak receives campus Research Administration Award

Nick Novak, assistant dean for research services in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR), recently received the Robert C. Andresen Research Administration Award. The annual award honors Andresen, who began working at UW–Madison in 1986 and at the time of his death in 2020, was the associate director of Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) and the director of Research Financial Services. The award, named for Andresen, was established to recognize outstanding service, dedication and excellence in research administration at UW-Madison. Recipients receive an award certificate and a monetary award to be used toward professional development.

“To receive an award in Bob’s name is deeply humbling. Bob was a giant in our field and knew as much as anyone ever did about research administration, says Novak. “I’m thrilled to share this award with my team, our larger OVCR team, research administrators in our centers, RSP, my divisional colleagues and everyone who works to move our research enterprise forward.”

As the assistant dean for research services, Novak and his team manage research administration for the OVCR research centers overseeing $320 million in total extramural research awards and $195 million in annual research expenditures. This includes acting as the Vice Chancellor’s representative for submission of grant proposals, management of pre and post award matters, research compliance, equity review and acceptance of gifts. Novak also oversees the campus-wide internal competition process for limited extramural opportunities for the University and the campus-wide equity review process for determination of intellectual property rights in innovations developed from grant and contract support.

Before joining the OVCR in 2012, Novak previously served as manager of the proposal team at Research and Sponsored Programs and as a grants manager for several non-profit organizations.

“Nick problem solves issues coming from every corner of campus: small units struggling with the basics of proposal submission, and very large centers addressing complex audit questions,” says Petra Schroeder, associate vice chancellor for finance and administration. “He understands the big picture as well as the details of research administration, and independently identifies solutions working effectively with colleagues, ranging from departmental administrators to PIs, chairs and associate deans for research to implement needed actions with zero drama.”

“Nick has never failed to provide top notch advice, guidance and leg work in support of me, the OVCR and the University,” says Cynthia Czajkowski, senior associate vice chancellor for research. “I depend on his depth of knowledge and advice regarding campus-wide grants processes that come across my desk. Nick and his team manage processes around selection of researchers for awards and opportunities, such as limited competitions and professorships.”

For instance, Novak oversees the Steenbock Professorship program, one of the highest honors bestowed on research faculty at UW–Madison. The award honors outstanding faculty nominated by UW–Madison departments or groups of three or more individual faculty. The final selection in each case is made by an expert selection committee from U.S. and Canadian universities. Novak ensures smooth procedures, full compliance with the conditions of the gift supporting the award, and clear communication with engaged parties, both on campus and around the nation.

Similarly, Novak manages the complex processes related to W.M. Keck Foundation applications, for which the OVCR handles the personal relationship with the sponsor.

“These tasks require great care, and Nick is trusted to serve as the de-facto-face of our unit with all of the stakeholders,” says Czajkowski.

Congratulations, Nick Novak.