Utah Administrative Code Topic - Science Technology and Research Governing Authority (Utah)
Overview of UAC — Science, Technology, and Research Governing Authority (STARGA)
The Science, Technology, and Research Governing Authority (STARGA) is a Utah state entity responsible for promoting innovation, research, and development within the state. The relevant UAC rules establish procedures, governance, funding, and oversight for technology initiatives, research grants, and collaboration with public and private institutions.
The rules aim to:
Encourage scientific research and technological innovation in Utah.
Provide grant and funding mechanisms for research projects.
Govern collaboration between universities, startups, and government agencies.
Ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance in all funded programs.
Major Areas Covered under STARGA UAC
1) Governance & Authority
Board composition: Rules define the members of the Governing Authority, their appointment, terms, and responsibilities.
Duties: Approve funding programs, set strategic priorities, and oversee project performance.
Meetings: Procedures for scheduling, conducting, and recording board meetings; public notice requirements.
Decision-making: Voting procedures, quorum requirements, and conflict of interest policies.
2) Funding & Grants
Eligibility: Institutions, private companies, startups, and research organizations may apply.
Application process: Requirements for proposals, including project scope, budget, and expected outcomes.
Award criteria: Based on innovation, feasibility, economic impact, and alignment with state priorities.
Funding agreements: Terms, reporting requirements, and conditions for continued funding.
Audit & compliance: Recipients must submit financial and progress reports; STARGA may audit expenditures.
3) Research & Development Programs
Priority areas: Rules may define focus areas such as biotech, renewable energy, IT, or advanced manufacturing.
Collaboration: Encourages partnerships between universities, private sector, and government entities.
Intellectual property: Guidelines for ownership, licensing, and commercialization of research outcomes.
Technology transfer: Supports moving research from lab to market while complying with legal and ethical standards.
4) Accountability & Reporting
Annual reports: STARGA must publish summaries of funded projects, expenditures, and outcomes.
Performance metrics: Projects are monitored for impact, job creation, and innovation milestones.
Public transparency: Certain data and decisions must be made publicly accessible, consistent with state law.
5) Ethics & Conflict of Interest
Conflict disclosure: Board members and staff must disclose financial or personal interests.
Recusal: Procedures for members to recuse themselves from decisions where there is a conflict.
Ethical conduct: Guidelines for professional behavior in awarding funds and managing research projects.
6) Program Administration
Staffing: Executive director and administrative staff roles, responsibilities, and hiring rules.
Policy development: Authority to issue internal policies consistent with UAC and state law.
Rulemaking: Procedures for creating, amending, or repealing rules within the scope of STARGA authority.
Key Takeaways
STARGA promotes innovation and research in Utah through structured governance and funding programs.
Board and staff responsibilities are clearly defined to ensure accountability and effective oversight.
Grants and funding programs follow strict eligibility, application, and compliance rules.
Research outcomes and intellectual property are managed to benefit both the public and private sectors.
Transparency, ethics, and reporting are central to the operation of STARGA programs.
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