Restructuring research space governance: Advancing the mission and overcoming funding challenges

Research organizations face mounting pressure to extract maximum value from every square foot as funding volatility creates space allocation dilemmas. Augusta University is restructuring its Research Space Committee to address these critical utilization challenges created by funding gaps. Barbara Manley-Smith details the governance framework, policy mechanisms, and decision-making processes that optimize research space allocation when grants and indirect cost recovery falls short. She reveals specific metrics and evaluation criteria for identifying underutilized space, demonstrates the committee's restructured authority and stakeholder engagement model, and presents implementation strategies for supporting underfunded faculty while maintaining institutional research productivity goals. She outlines proven approaches for balancing space demands, funding realities, and faculty support within constrained capital budgets.