How much do RMU’s consulting services cost?
Free RMU Services
RMU consultants are pleased to provide the following services free of charge:
• initial one-hour consultation (with the exception of Stream 4)
• preparatory work required for the initial meeting
• support for research design (both quantitative and qualitative) which is available when the RMU’s capacity allows for it
• project management
• initial support in the context of grant applications (see Stream 2)
• mentorship in the context of a project
Cost Recovery Streams
The RMU charges for some of their services on a cost-recovery basis. Hourly rates apply for consulting support provided for Streams 1 and 2 below (after successful grant application). Quotes are provided to the investigator based on the work they require. Note: The RMU will not charge more than the maximum amount quoted. If less work is required, the RMU will invoice investigators only for the hours that are required to complete the project.
The RMU works with four basic streams for research collaboration and support:
• Stream 1: Grant-funded or industry-sponsored research projects
• Stream 2: New research projects in the process of applying for funding
• Stream 3: Unfunded research projects
• Stream 4: Research projects affiliated with the Department of Medicine (DoM)
Stream 1: Grant-funded or industry-sponsored research projects
The RMU offers support for investigators who have grants or external funding. Costs for RMU services are built into the budget used to secure funding and the RMU invoices the Principal Investigator (PI) on a cost-recovery basis. Investigators come to the RMU for an initial consultation to describe their project. After this meeting, RMU staff determines the work required and the time it will take to complete it. Based on this estimate, the RMU presents a Statement of Work and Quote to the investigator. For example, an investigator needs the RMU to develop a research database that will take the RMU an estimated 30 hours to complete. The cost for developing the database would be $3,000 (30 hours x $100). If the scope of the project changes the RMU generates a new Statement of Work and Quote. The work required to produce the quote is free.
NOTE: Funded projects receive priority access to RMU consultants.
Stream 2: New research projects in the process of applying for funding
For investigators who intend to have RMU consultants provide analyses, data management or health economics support, the RMU will work with the research team to develop specific aspects of their research protocol and an appropriate budget line for RMU services. In addition to providing assistance with developing the protocol, the RMU will provide a funding application letter of support, outlining the function of the RMU and the services that will be provided to the project. The RMU provides the front-end consultation and estimation services free-of-charge and as capacity allows and with the understanding that the costs for quoted services will be recovered to the RMU as budgeted, if the application is successful.
Stream 3: Unfunded research projects
It is the expectation of the RMU that whenever possible investigators pay or arrange for their departments to pay for services provided by the RMU. If there is no departmental or programme funding available, the RMU recommends that investigators apply for grant funding to support their research. Research offices at the Nova Scotia Health Authority, IWK Health Centre or Dalhousie Faculties can provide assistance in identifying suitable funding opportunities.
If no funding can be secured, the RMU may provide project support at no charge. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by the RMU, depending upon the availability of RMU resources.
Stream 4: Research projects affiliated with the Department of Medicine (DoM)
Investigators who do not have any grants or external funding but are affiliated with the Department of Medicine (DoM) may be eligible to have the costs of RMU support covered through DoM credits. Decisions as to whether a project is eligible for DoM credits are made on a case-by-case basis by the DoM. Investigators should indicate on the RMU Consultation Request Form whether they wish to have their project assessed for DoM credit eligibility.