President Daniel J. Elsener | Marian University website

Marian University has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in the field of research with the introduction of the Creviston Smith Endowed Fund for Research Replication and Reproduction. This innovative endowment, made possible by a $50,000 anonymous donation, aims to enhance transparency and rigor within the research community.

The Creviston Smith Endowed Fund is set to position Marian University at the forefront of an international movement focused on increasing the credibility of research efforts. It will provide dedicated funding to incentivize faculty members, students, and research staff at Marian University to engage in replication and/or reproduction studies as part of their academic pursuits. Researchers can seek financial support for corroborating previously published work, conducting validation studies, or verifying their original research prior to publication by another Marian researcher.

Jonathan Lowery, Ph.D., assistant provost for research and scholarship at Marian University, expressed gratitude for the establishment of the endowed fund, stating, "We are grateful for the generous gift establishing this endowed fund. Through it, Marian University scholars can undertake the important work of authenticating research studies." He highlighted the significance of this initiative in strengthening the global research community and instilling confidence in research's ability to address real-world challenges.

The new endowment is open to all members of the Marian University community, including faculty, students, and research staff. Interested researchers can apply for funding through a competitive intramural grant process. This commitment to fostering a faculty-led and student-driven research environment enables students to actively participate in advancing the integrity of research practices.

With the establishment of the Creviston Smith Endowed Fund for Research Replication and Reproduction, Marian University is poised to make significant contributions to the promotion of rigorous and transparent research practices in academia.