Effective proposal development is a core competency for research administrators supporting both new and experienced investigators. This session equips pre‑award professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to guide investigators through the full lifecycle of crafting competitive grant proposals. Participants will learn how to help investigators distinguish among different proposal types, interpret sponsor guidelines, and plan strategically. The workshop will provide a deep dive into the essential components of a strong proposal, including goals and objectives, the problem or need statement, methodology or project description, evaluation plans, and the abstract. Attendees will explore best practices for aligning these sections to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. Additional topics include integrating timelines and budget justifications, using charts and tables to communicate complex information efficiently, and applying principles of effective writing. The session will also address editing for formatting, grammar, and content, along with practical tips for enhancing proposal readability and fundability. By the end of the workshop, research administrators will be better prepared to support investigators in producing high‑quality, competitive proposals.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

1. Guide investigators in interpreting sponsor guidelines, planning proposal components, and structuring key sections into a cohesive and competitive proposal narrative.
2. Apply and teach effective proposal writing and editing techniques for clarity, consistency, and fundability. 

Track: Research Development & Strategy

Speaker(s): Kimberly Pratt, Director, Office of Research Development, Ohio University

As proposal environments grow more competitive and compliance expectations more complex, Pre-award research administrators play a critical role in guiding investigators through the proposal development and management landscape. Whether supporting new investigators learning the fundamentals of grant writing or advising experienced faculty seeking to strengthen competitiveness, administrators provide strategic partnership.

Workshop participants will deepen their ability to critically analyze diverse funding opportunity announcements, identify review criteria embedded within sponsor guidance, and translate those requirements into actionable proposal development strategies. The session will focus on strengthening alignment across core narrative elements—goals and objectives, problem/need statement, methodology, evaluation, and abstract—while ensuring integration with timelines, personnel effort, and budget justifications. The workshop will also address techniques for incorporating timelines and budget justifications, using charts and tables to clarify complex information, applying principles of clear and persuasive writing, and conducting substantive editing for formatting, grammar, and content quality. Participants will explore how to assess proposal readiness and identify risk areas early in development. Emphasis will be placed on strategies that enhance proposal coherence, competitiveness, and overall fundability.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objective:

1. Advise investigators strategically on proposal types, sponsor requirements, and competitive positioning.
2. Manage structured proposal development processes that align timelines, narrative components, budgets, and partnerships.
3. Enhance proposal quality and fundability through cohesive narrative integration, effective presentation, and rigorous review standards.

Track: Proposal Preparation & Submission

Speaker(s): Renee Vaughan, CRU Financial Practice Manager, Duke University School of Medicine, Monique Gregory, Contracts and Grants Manager, Mayo Clinic Hospital/Medical Center

Are you new to pre-award or do you feel overwhelmed when a PI contacts you for help developing a budget? Let us help you navigate the complexities of pre-award administration, especially when tasked with developing budgets for federal and private grant proposals. This session is designed to equip research administrators and faculty with a thorough understanding of grant budget fundamentals, providing both foundational knowledge and actionable strategies for effective budget construction.

Participants will gain clarity on the essential components of grant budgets, including the differentiation between direct and indirect costs, and the rationale for each category. The session will address federal cost principles and will explore institutional policies and sponsor guidelines, including salary caps, fringe benefits, and travel budgeting, with practical examples to illustrate compliance and best practices

Through interactive exercises, attendees will learn effective methods for calculating personnel effort and cover strategies for maximizing full Facilities & Administrative (F&A) cost recovery. Another key focus will be on translating budget figures into compelling budget justifications, ensuring that every cost is clearly explained and supported with detailed information.

By the end of this workshop, attendees will be equipped with practical templates, regulatory context, and proven techniques to enhance compliance, accuracy, and transparency in grant budgeting. This presentation serves as a comprehensive resource for research administrators seeking to elevate their expertise and contribute to the success of their institution’s sponsored projects. 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objective:

1. Outline the major factors in an effective budget.
2. Provide detail on the budget components most heavily reviewed by sponsors.

Track: Proposal Preparation & Submission

Speaker(s): Erin Bhagvat, Associate Director, University of South Florida, Victoria Mothershed, Director, University of South Florida

From Tension to Resolution: Key Strategies for Constructive Conflict Management offers participants a practical, research-informed framework for understanding and navigating workplace conflict. Beginning with a clear breakdown of the five stages of conflict, the session equips attendees with the awareness needed to identify early warning signs, prevent escalation, and intervene with confidence. Participants will learn how unspoken tension can evolve into visible disagreement and how unresolved issues can shape future team dynamics. By the end of the presentation, participants walk away with actionable skills to recognize, address, and resolve conflicts in ways that strengthen relationships and advance organizational goals.

Content Level: Intermediate 

Learning Objective:

1. Recognizing the stages of conflict and Understanding Personality Types and Conflict.
2. Implementing Effective Strategies for Resolving Conflicts. 

Track: Professional Development and Leadership

Speaker(s): Laurel Long, Chief Human Resource Office, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Gloria Greene, Contracts and Grants, Research Compliance, The University of Alabama in Huntsville