Shop Talk, An SRAI Podcast

Shop Talk is your go-to monthly podcast spotlighting research administration professionals from diverse institutions. Each episode explores key topics including pre-award, post-award, compliance, communications, and everything in between. Tune in on the last Thursday of every month for expert insights and meaningful discussions.

Season 6 | Bridge-Builders: Creating Unity Across Roles, Generations, and Technologies

Aired: March 26, 2026

NIH Common Forms, SciENcv, & Submitting Successful Proposals: Are You Prepared to Navigate the Shift? 

NIH Common Forms are coming. Is your institution ready?

In a profession where funding is integral and at times uncertain, research administrators must remain ahead of the curve. In our latest episode, pre-award experts—Jose G. Alcaine, PHD, MBA, CRA, Director of Research Services & Affiliate Faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, and SRAI Distinguished Faculty; and Simone Whitehead, Assistant Director, Sponsored Programs - PreAward, Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine—share practical guidance on navigating the adoption of NIH Common Forms ahead of the May deadline.

From the idiosyncrasies of SciENcv & ORCID IDs to team training and proactive planning strategies, tune in to hear what research administrators need to know right now to prepare and submit successful, NIH-compliant proposals.

Aired: February 26, 2026

The Emerging Role of AI in Research Administration: Tools, Challenges, & How Institutions Can Stay Ahead

We've talked about the potential of AI. But what is the reality behind current implementation tools? What are different institutions seeing and prioritizing? And how do research administrators carry this new technology while retaining the human element of our work that truly sets this profession apart?

In today's episode, we're joined by a diverse group of individuals with a broad range of experience spearheading the development of AI Tools: From Emory University: Lisa Wilson, MBA, PMP, CRA, Assistance Vice President of Research Administration; from the University of Idaho: Sarah Martonick, Director of Sponsored Programs, & Barrie Robinson, Director, Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences; and Tomer du Sautoy, CEO and Co-Founder of Atom Grants. Join us in examining how technology can strengthen collaboration across roles and institutions without replacing the people who power them. 

Aired: January 29, 2026

Decoding Generational Differences: Fostering Thoughtful Communication in Today's Research Administrator Workforce

In a field navigating generational turnover, evolving expectations, and constant change, how can research administration teams work better… together? Kristin Scroggin, owner, speaker, and generational expert at genWHY Communications, discusses the generational dynamics in today’s workforce.

Drawing on research into how different generations communicate, work, and respond to change, we explore why tension shows up in teams—and what leaders and individuals can do to build clearer expectations, stronger onboarding, and more cohesive, collaborative offices.

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