IU Research has appointed Carlotta M. Arthur as executive director of Proposal Development Services, where she will lead efforts to give Indiana University researchers sufficient and effective support for developing complicated research proposals for external funding.

Carlotta M. Arthur.With Arthur’s appointment, IU faculty can expect professional strategic input, clearer processes and hands-on support for complicated proposals, resulting in stronger applications, reduced friction and more time for research. She will lead a team of specialists from Proposal Development Services – IU Research’s central hub for proposal development – who will work directly with faculty to turn ideas into fundable, on-time and compliant proposals.

Arthur brings decades of leadership in philanthropy, higher education and public health to this role, with much of her work focused on aligning research ideas with sponsor priorities and managing complex, multi-partner initiatives. She most recently served as executive director of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Previously, she directed the Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM at the Henry Luce Foundation and was Program Director for the Mellon Foundation.

“Carlotta is charged with increasing support for ambitious and competitive proposals,” IU Vice President for Research Russell J. Mumper said. “Carlotta’s leadership will strengthen the proposal development services for IU researchers pursuing high-impact work that matters to Indiana and the world.”

Arthur’s appointment directly supports the IU 2030 Strategic Plan. Her role includes coordinating with IU Research leaders across Bloomington, Indianapolis, the School of Medicine and regional campuses. She will lead the Proposal Development Services team in identifying and supporting faculty pursuing priority opportunities with federal, foundation and industry sponsors.

“Our goal, alongside the other Office for Research Development units, is to meet faculty where they are and help them put their great ideas forward,” Arthur said. “By offering strategic guidance and practical support, we aim to make the proposal process more effective so faculty can focus on advancing their research and discovery.”

Faculty will also benefit from smarter opportunity matching and targeted training programs. Proposal Development Services provides curated funding briefings and workshops that help researchers align their ideas with sponsor priorities and build lasting proposal development skills. Arthur will co-develop these programs with IU’s Research & Faculty Development team, ensuring that faculty across disciplines receive tailored support.

“This role ties together strategy and execution, giving faculty a clear path from idea to award,” said Chris Liu, associate vice president for research development. “Carlotta brings the clarity and coordination that researchers can rely on from Proposal Development Services to succeed.”

Arthur earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in clinical psychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and holds a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from Purdue University.

Dan Melnick is assistant director of research communications.