Office for Sponsored Programs

Advancing Harvard’s mission through excellence in research administration

The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with schools, departments, and centers across the University to facilitate proposal submission, award acceptance and administration, and all sponsored financial invoicing and reporting throughout the life of the award.

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From our Blog

The latest updates on policies, guidance, and training materials for Harvard's research administrators.

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Update on FY27 Fringe Benefit Rates
As of July 1st, we are still waiting to receive the approved, signed agreements for the FY27 fringe benefit rates for the University Area (UN) and Harvard Medical School (HMS). We will share an update as soon as the approved rates become available. The...

Announcing New NIH International Collaborative Project Resources
In September 2025, the NIH released NOT-OD-25-155 establishing a new process for proposals and awards that include NIH-funded international collaborations. Currently, all competing applications that involve an NIH-funded international collaborator must...

Policies and Guidance

OSP policies and guidance apply to all areas of the lifecycle of sponsored awards. For updates and an in-depth look at new policies follow the OSP Blog.

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The Award Lifecycle

Teams within our office are organized to manage proposals from the beginning, or 'pre-award,' stage of a project through the termination, or closeout, of an award.

 

More about the Award Lifecycle

Preparing a Proposal

A well-written and skillfully prepared proposal is crucial to the success of an application for research funding.

Setting up an Award

Steps must be taken to set up accounts or authorize pre-award spending before spending begins.

Managing an Award

Ensure compliance while maintaining public trust in research results and outcomes.

Closing out an Award

Timely closeout of sponsored awards is essential to Harvard's compliance with sponsor requirements and University policies.

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Institutional Information

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Resources & Information

OSP has gathered resources from a variety of sources, both internal and external, to aide in the management of sponsored programs across the lifecycle.

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