Concurrent Sessions

Many people in RA jobs say they just fell into research administration, or are in a job as an accidental research administrator, or took the job without knowing exactly what they were getting into only later to find out. Although maybe true, these anecdotes may take away from the reality that research administration is a well established field and profession. The value of the profession and professionals involved in this work has only been elevated by the pandemic and its aftermath. Whether virtual, hybrid, or in-person RAs are in high demand to do important work at research institutions. This interactive session will share insights into the profession and will urge attendees to view themselves as experts in an important field that helps shape society and the world we live in.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Frame the field of research administration as a viable profession

2. List established pathways and accreditations that show evidence of an established profession 

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Jose Alcaine, PhD, MBA, CRA, Director of Research Services/Affiliate Faculty Foundations of Education, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University

In this panel session come and discuss with current Directors their insights and lessons learned on their road to becoming Directors and the unique challenges for this role.  If you are currently a Director or striving for this position in your career trajectory this panel will help inform you on how they handle supporting and empowering their leaders, teams and faculty and how to successfully forge partnerships with different stakeholders in your organization.  The panelists are a diverse group of leaders from different organizations that will be able to provide a wide range of  Research Administration experience and look forward to helping others be successful in the field.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss strategies to balance the more global Director level tasks with the needs of our teams and faculty.

2. Get best practice insights to tackle the unique challenges of being a leader of leaders and how to empower your team.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):

Patrick Shirdon, B.A. Economics and Finance, M.S. in Business Management, Director of Management, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health; Matthew Anderson, Associate Dean for Research, University of South Florida

Grant electronic submission systems represent a significant leap forward in the efficiency and fairness of the grant application process. By embracing digital technologies, these systems not only simplify administrative tasks but also promote transparency and accountability. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, ongoing improvements to these systems will likely further enhance the grant application experience for both applicant organizations and sponsors. This session offers an overview of the most commonly used electronic research administration (eRA) systems that assist in finding funding opportunities and submitting proposals to sponsors.  Proposal development tools such as NIH Commons and ASSIST, Research.gov, Grants.gov, and the NIH RePORTER, etc. will be discussed. Common electronic submission systems such as Workspace Grants.gov and NSF research.gov will be overviewed with more discussion of other systems such as Proposal Central, NSPIRES, e-Grants, etc.  Strategies and tips for successful submissions will also be discussed. Lastly, let's walk through a historical perspective of ERA and discuss areas of pre-award, post-award, effort reporting, conflict of interest, and compliance systems. 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify key features of common electronic proposal submission systems and standard compliance issues relevant to pre-award processes

2. Review expectations of major federal electronic submission programs such as Grants.gov, NSF Research.gov, e-Grants, and Proposal Central.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Anita Mills, Ed.D., MA, CRA, Director of Enablement, University of Tennessee Space Institute; Ailing Zhang, Senior Grants Manager, Morgan State University; Melinda Cotten, Senior Specialist Leader, Attain Partners

It is scientifically and ethically imperative for researchers to understand it is a key commitment to our research participants to report the results of the clinical trials, so that we can advance knowledge and make informed medical decisions about health care. This session will discuss the most recent federal mandates, requirements, and enforcement of clinical trials disclosure, as well as updates and best practice identified in the research community. The presenter(s) will share the approach that Rutgers’ Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) has taken to establish an effective program, identify key issues and facilitate investigators to maintain compliance with clinical trials registration and results reporting at their institution. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe why clinical trials disclosure matters; list resources to assist investigators in maintaining compliance

2. Identify how to establish a system in your organization to facilitate and monitor clinical trials registration and results reporting

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Niem-Tzu Rebecca Chen, MS, MEd, CCRP, Human Subjects Protection Senior Analyst, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey

It may not seem possible research administrators and military officers have much in common from an operational standpoint. Using the book, "It's Your Ship", we will take a look at useful management techniques which were successful in a command setting and can actually be applied successfully in support of research and scholarly activity.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Apply management strategies detailed in this book to personal work environments

2. Appreciate the concept that mistakes can result in future wins

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Gina Hedberg, Associate Vice President for Research, Executive Director of Sponsored Programs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Research Development (RD) is distinct from Research Administration (RA) and never the twain shall meet, or should they? This interactive session will share and discuss key differences between the two fields and will explore the concept of "job creep" especially given tight institutional budgets and resources. It may be the case that RAs are already doing many tasks that can be classified as RD. This session will also argue that robust investments in both RD and RA are essential for a successful research enterprise.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Define and recognize the differences between research development and research administration.

2. List common activities in research development and how it may impact the research enterprise.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):

Jose Alcaine, PhD, MBA, CRA, Director of Research Services/Affiliate Faculty Foundations of Education, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University

Managing a post-award office in today's environment presents new and difficult challenges. Staffing is especially challenging competing with a smaller pool of candidates, inflation with stagnant salaries, and retirements of long-time subject matter experts. Knowing how many FTEs are appropriate for ever growing research portfolios. These issues are magnified working in an environment with transition to cloud-based ERP systems, outdated business processes, and demands for improved reporting with data visualization.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will explore today's environment and the presenters will share solutions that have worked for them to navigate these difficult times, methods for benchmarking, and metrics for evaluating performance for improved outcomes.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):

David Schultz, Assistant Vice President Sponsored Programs, University of Houston

Institutions receiving $50M or more in federal research funding annually will be required to certify in SAM.gov that they have a research program in place that meets the Research Security Programs Standard Requirement.  However, it is advisable for all institutions, especially those accepting federal funding for research, to ensure the requirements for disclosure and management of real or perceived conflicts of interest or commitment are met.  This workshop will help institutions understand where to concentrate efforts to meet sponsor requirements and protect valuable intellectual property, how to investigate and respond to potential issues of non-compliance, and to promoting a research environment that still facilitate global partnerships and open intellectual pursuits.  A case study of how one research institution established its program will provide a real world example.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the Research Security Programs Standard Requirements, how they apply to your institution and how these standard intersect with export control laws

2. Identify resources your institution can use to guide its implementation

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Susan Sedwick, PhD, CRA, CSM, Senior Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners

This session will address proposal budget development and the grant application and proposal submission. It will address concepts of comprehensive budgeting construction as well as offer practical advice for identifying budget components and how to assemble them. The application and calculation of Facilities and Administration (F&A) costs will be reviewed, as well as advanced topics such as per-patient costs, cost sharing, salary caps, subcontracts, participant support costs, fabrication costs, and consultants. Participants are expected to bring a calculator and will engage in a budget development exercise. The objectives of this session are: 
- A framework for guiding investigators to successful proposal activities. To identify the major factors in an effective budget
- Cost considerations impacting the budget
- How to build a basic budget
- Identify components of guidelines
- Identify usual budget items 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. A framework for guiding investigators to successful proposal activities. To identify the major factors in an effective budget

2. How to build a basic budget

Prerequisite: None 

Speaker(s):

Kimberly McKoy, Assistant Director (Accountant), North Carolina State University; Pamela Montgomery, MPA, Assistant Director Finance & Administration, John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute, Duke University

With increasingly rigorous regulations imposed on research institutions and investigators, ensuring integrity and compliance of research conduct has become even more challenging for key players. Scientific findings about cognitively-based compassion training may shed light on new ways research administration may achieve compliance. The speaker will share case studies and anecdotes of practice through compassion training and the application of compassion in professional settings. This presentation will focus on an innovative shift to address research compliance challenges through cognitively-based compassion trained skills.  Application of these skills have shown promise in overcoming obstacles of communication and management issues, ensuring delivery of quality assurance service, empowering investigators, furthering the desired research outcome, and collectively cultivating a culture of compliance.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify characteristics of human reactions to “compliance” and the challenges to monitor and maintain compliance.

2. Recognize characteristics and list methods demonstrating that compassion could be practiced and applied to cultivate a culture of compliance in research settings.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Niem-Tzu Rebecca Chen, MS, MEd, CCRP, Human Subjects Protection Senior Analyst, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey

The session will review the requirements for subrecipient monitoring under OMB Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200. Topics under this session include: subaward vs. contractor determination, institutions policies on UG, risk assessment, risk mitigation, subrecipient monitoring, and more.  This session will be interactive and encourages participants to share ideas from their respective institution.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explore ways to minimize the burden of 2 CFR 200 requirements.

2. Recognize additional requirements for risk assessment and monitoring, and understand documentation obligations for monitoring.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s): 

Regnier Jurado, Director, Research Management Solutions, Florida International University; Donna Kiley, Former Director of Post Award, Florida International University

Principal Investigators often cannot determine whether a 3rd party is a subaward or a vendor.  This session will provide participants clear delimitation on what constitutes a subaward.  It discusses creating a process around sub-agreements,  institution requirements and federal compliance requirements.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

Prerequisite: None 

Speaker(s):
Germaine Calicat, MLA, Grants and Contracts Specialist, Temple University - Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education; Karen Mitchell, MBA, Director of Special Projects, Temple University

This session will cover new developments related to proposal and award policy at NSF. NSF staff will provide a comprehensive review of NSF’s recent policy changes and updates to NSF’s proposal system modernization efforts.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the types of time and effort reporting violations that cause enforcement authorities to open an investigation or bring charges.

2. Develop best practices for their institutions based on the examples provided. 

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Jeremy Leffler, Outreach Specialist, Policy Office, Division of Institution & Award Support, Office of Budget, Finance & Award Management, National Science Foundation

In March of 2020, when organizations sent staff home because of the Pandemic; no one could have predicted the length or the profound impact this would have long term on how organizations operated.  Organizations are grappling with establishing new norms and what lessons were learned from being thrust into a remote work environment. Leaders have choices to make that will impact whether their institution is seen as an employer of choice or not.  The Pandemic forced us to adapt to the remote environment on the fly and what helped us to survive a crisis may need examining given the current reality where some are forced back into the office and other organizations are struggling with a hybrid workforce, some completely remote.  While challenges abound, there are still opportunities for maximizing the functionality in our technology solutions to help us work smarter while maintaining some semblance of work/life balance for ourselves and our staff.  This interactive session will allow time for sharing of current challenges and opportunities faced by participants and to hear perspectives from leaders who have both a federal, academic and medical vantage point.  Bring your questions! 

Content Level: Intermediate 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Articulate to senior leadership who allocate institutional resources why employee retention is critically important toward building a professional workforce that can provide effective and efficient support of the research enterprise.

2. Develop effective strategies for addressing the challenges facing research administration offices while maximizing the benefits derived for the opportunities afforded our profession.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Jason Claes, Manager, Tri Health, TriHealth; Patrick Shirdon, B.A. Economics and Finance, M.S. in Business Management, Director of Management, National Institute on Aging, NIH; Janet Reyes, Contracts and Grants Manager, University of South Florida

In our "New World of Work" are we working more hours if we work remotely, are we valued more if we work in person? What is our workplace culture surrounding these questions. While there may not be simple answers to these questions, there is one thing that is a constant - Networking at SRAI meetings can enhance your career and change your life. Join this session to learn about how two seasoned research administrators had their professional lives changed forever at a meeting in Hilton Head, SC over a decade ago, and how their professional and personal lives have benefitted immensely from that less than perfect first meeting. Prepare for an engaging and interactive session designed to help you find your research administration lobster(s)! 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify networking opportunities via SRAI. 

2. Understand the important role SRAI can play in their professional development and personal lives.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Judy Bristow, Vice President, Grants and Compliance, CEOc; Andrea Deaton, Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners, LLC

In order to better equip research administrators with tools to help identify questionable costs, late supply, travel, and equipment purchases, charges after the end date, overrun/underrun, and projects with subawards or cost share requirements on a monthly basis, ECU developed three monthly reports that are emailed to Financial Analysts, Hub Personnel, and Departmental Admins and implemented processes for navigating issues found on the reports. In this session we will discuss the importance of monthly review of expenses on both compliance and closeout as well as share the monthly reports and process we use to help departments manage their projects.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the importance of a monthly review of expenses and a process to assist central office and departments with those reviews

2. Understand process to create monthly reports that identify expense categories needing additional review

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Becky Welch, CRA, CPA, AVC Research Administration and Compliance, East Carolina University; Janice McGown, BS, BA, Grants and Contracts Manager, East Carolina University 

Winning a grant award requires preparation at many levels, as does the administration of an award. In this session attendees will learn how to guide the investigator through the in-depth planning required for a successful series of proposals. This includes both scientific and practical preparation such as researching sponsor priorities. On the organization level, preparation and management involves a wide range of compliance issues. Attendees will leave the session with resources for planning and managing proposals and awards. This session will be most useful for newcomers to research administration and administrators at smaller institutions.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Knowledge of the many levels of investigator and institutional compliance.

2. A framework for guiding investigators to successful proposal activities.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Renee Vaughan, MDiv, MA, CRA, CRU Financial Practice Manager, Duke University SOM; Jatasha Haralson, MBA, MRA, Operations  Manager, Office of Sponsored Projects Administration Research Administrative Services, Mayo Clinic

In this engaging 60-minute session, "Us vs. Them: Synergistic Strategies for Enhancing Faculty-Research Administrator Relationships," research administrators are invited to explore effective collaboration techniques with faculty in the pre-award process, with particular focus on large, multi-PI, multidisciplinary grants. Presented by both a seasoned research administrator and an experienced faculty executive, this workshop aims to dissolve the traditional "us vs. them" mentality and foster a more cohesive, goal-oriented partnership. Participants will gain insights into the unique challenges and perspectives of faculty, enhancing mutual understanding and respect. The session will cover effective communication strategies tailored to facilitate clear, empathetic exchanges between administrators and faculty. Interactive case-study based discussions will focus on collaborative goal setting, balancing academic creativity with administrative compliance, and developing joint problem-solving techniques. Attendees will also learn about ways to build and maintain trust and respect in professional relationships. The session concludes with practical, actionable steps that research administrators can implement to foster a more collaborative and successful proposal submission environment.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Gain enhanced insight into faculty needs and a deeper understanding of faculty perspectives and challenges, enabling more empathetic and effective support in the research development process. 

2. Practice strategies for setting shared goals and efficiently managing the balance between academic innovation and administrative requirements.  Apply techniques for joint problem-solving and resource sharing to optimize the pre-award process.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Camelia Kantor, PhD, Associate Director Strategic Initiatives/Associate Professor, Pennsylvania State University; Debra Sokalczuk, CRA, Proposal Award Coordinator, Penn State University

It is never fund to lose a manager or team leader but never more so than when you lead an office that is leanly or under-staffed which is most often the case.  Gaps in management or leadership positions can take a toll on your best people who are often the ones asked to take on the burden of filling the gap.  Rewarding great work by piling on more is a sure recipe for burnout and turnover.  Creating a career pathway and developing a pipeline for talent that spans across the spectrum of positions provides for internal advancement opportunities, insurance against staffing gaps, and allows an institution to "grow their own".  Hear from leaders who have successfully built career pathways.

Content Level: Intermediate 

Learning Objectives: 

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):

Susan Sedwick, PhD, CRA, CSM, Senior Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners; LyKheng Huot, Interim Sr. Director for Center Business Operations, Seattle Children’s Research Institute; Cindy Hope, Associate Vice President for Research Administration, Georgia Institute of Technology

Music and work culture share a dynamic relationship, influencing the way individuals and teams navigate their professional environment. As a universal language, music transcends boundaries, fostering a sense of unity and motivation. Work-life can be stressful. We can ease our stress levels by learning to laugh and not take our perceived stressors seriously. In this session, we will walk you through the life of a Research Administrator/Manager through songs. So come along and clap your hands. 

Content Level:  Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Problem-solving - it's pretty easy when you put it to music.

2. Time management - is it that important? Can it wait? I wrote a song about it!

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Gloria  Greene, MA, CRA Assistant Vice President, Contracts and Grants, The University of Alabama in Huntsville; Gina Hedberg, Associate Vice President for Research, Executive Director of Sponsored Programs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham; Cindy Morin, Sr. Administrative and Business Manager, John Hopkins University

This session will explore how to and maintain internal controls surrounding Service Centers. Service Centers are a source of significant direct charging to externally sponsored awards. As such, Service Centers involve significant compliance risk to the institution and therefore require considerable oversight and accounting unique to these operations. Clinical trials are time consuming, expensive, and often burdensome on patients and institutions that conduct them. Clinical trials can fail for many reasons but with insights on opportunities to improve the vetting process, understanding expectations and planning for both success and failure can help salvage your bad date with your sponsor.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand Federal regulations associated with service centers.

2. Understand best practices for developing and maintaining service center internal controls.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Marchon Jackson, Associate VP Research, Howard University; Debra Murray, Assistant Vice President - Sponsored Programs Accounting and Compliance, University of Maryland, College Park

The goal of this session is to provide insight on investigator grant application writing so we can best support our researchers. Even though research funding can come from various external entities, strong approaches to each component of a proposal, whether to a federal agency, foundation, state entity, industry, or external donor, are essential. Who are proposal readers and reviewers?  What are they really looking for?  What makes a proposal ‘easy’ to read?This presentation will focus on NIH as a sponsor model, with emphasis on how Investigators are writing a response to a solicitation and to the review criteria. We walk through typical application components, the scoring process, and the reviewer's criteria: significance, the investigator(s), the innovation, the approach(es), and the environment(s). Additionally, the session will outline why and how a faculty members and research administrators should become involved with an agency grant review process.  Impressions of reviews for U.S. Department of Education and state agencies will also be featured.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learners will be put in the investigator position and envision developing their dream project through the investigator writing process, with an eye on how the reviewer criteria for scoring and review can greatly impact the presentation of proposal components. 

2. Determine how serving as a proposal reviewer assists in the proposal development process.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Bonnie Troupe, Director, Office of Research, Grants & Sponsored Projects, Stonehill College

This session provides an opportunity to learn what is new and what is being developed within the National Institute of Health's (NIH) programs, policies, and budgets. In this comprehensive review, participants will learn about the newest policy updates and how their respective institutions may be impacted. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions about new and existing policies and procedures. Topics include recent and upcoming changes to NIH policy, compliance requirements, and much more.

Content Level: Basic

Speaker(s):
Ashley Alexander, Grants Policy Specialist, Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration (OPERA), NIH 

Streamed via video/interactive

Our work models have changed significantly since the pandemic, and leaders must strategically lead organizations in challenging environments.  As organizations become comfortable with their hybrid and remote models in 2022 and 2023, leaders must develop new policies and procedures for Artificial Intelligence (AI).  Even though AI is not a new concept, our industry is beginning to see AI entering our industry.  As research administrators and leaders, we must think strategically about how we can use AI and when not to use AI.  AI can also have benefits and risks for DEI.This presentation will help provide an overview of AI, explain the risks and benefits, and how AI can be used with DEI.
1) Provide an overview of AI and its impact on the research administration industry
2) Explain the risks and benefits of using AI in research administration and its role in DEI
3) Provide research data from a 2022 dissertation study and explain the possible future of work models

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Obtain an overview of AI and its role with research administration.

2. Understand the risks and benefits of using AI and its role with DEI.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s): 
Michael Jones, DMgt, Administrative Director, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

This session will provide a high-level overview of the prior approval requirements as described in the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and the NIH Grants policy statement. It will include 40-minutes of interactive case studies that emphasize the importance of CRA and AOR collaboration to ensure timely and complete prior approval request submissions. Understand the NIH prior approval process, submission requirements and discern whether an action requires or does not require NIH prior approval.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Establish strategies, best practices, and/or SOPs for timely and complete prior approval request submissions (AORs).

2. Identify common mistakes in prior approval requests before submitting for consideration.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Debbie Pettit, Senior Grants Management Specialist,  Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH; Artisha Wright, Lead Other Transactions Agreement Specialist, NIH/NICHD; Yvonne Talley, Senior Grants Management Specialist, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

This session will provide tips and techniques as well as an overview of various types of electronic search directories, engines, services and databases. Key considerations such as application due date, funding limitation, eligibility and other restrictions will be covered. Additionally search strategies using a wide range of funding programs, sources and opportunities applicable to specialty are provided. Participants will also review email alert services and the use of social media, particularly twitter streams as an optimal tool in funding development and dissemination of funding trends and opportunities in a global context.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Knowledge of the many levels of investigator and institutional compliance.

2. A framework for guiding investigators to successful proposal activities

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Karen Mitchell, MBA, Director of Special Projects, Temple University; Debra Sokalczuk, CRA, Proposal Award Coordinator, Penn State University

The greatest threat to our society is our lack of self-awareness, lack of self-esteem, and inability to communicate effectively with those around us. No one graduates with a degree in self-awareness. Unfortunately, this leads to insecurity, arrogance, and pride which at the end of the day, is the cause of so much pain. Our personal brand is simply what other people say or think about us when we’re not around. It’s our reputation, the thing we’re responsible for shaping. By knowing, loving, and leading ourselves, we’ll learn to build and embrace our personal brand, and truly be who we were designed to be. We all have something to bring to the table; a unique gift, idea, or approach. We need to stop holding ourselves back. Imagine if we had nothing to fear, nothing to hide, and nothing to prove!? We could truly unlock our potential, creating cultures of influence and impact. Everything we say and do will manifest as a result of how we perceive ourselves. It starts with us.

1.Learn, on the spot, how others would describe your personal brand.
2.Understand what you bring to the table and love it!
3.Engage in one exercise during the session that will help you lead yourself more intentionally.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn, on the spot, how others would describe your personal brand.

2. Engage in one exercise during the session that will help you lead yourself more intentionally.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Skot Waldron, Communication Strategist / GiANT Consultant

In this panel session come and discuss with current Directors their insights and lessons learned on their road to becoming Directors and the unique challenges for this role.  If you are currently a Director or striving for this position in your career trajectory this panel will help inform you on how they handle supporting and empowering their leaders, teams and faculty and how to successfully forge partnerships with different stakeholders in your organization.  The panelists are a diverse group of leaders from different organizations that will be able to provide a wide range of  Research Administration experience and look forward to helping others be successful in the field. LO1- Discuss strategies to balance the more global Director level tasks with the needs of our teams and faculty. LO2-Get best practice insights to tackle the unique challenges of being a leader of leaders and how to empower your team.

Content Level: Intermediate

Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):

Gloria  Greene, MA, CRA Assistant Vice President, Contracts and Grants, The University of Alabama in Huntsville; Janet Reyes, Contracts and Grants Manager, University of South Florida; Sandra Garcia, Associate Vice President, University of Texas at San Antiono 

Being a director is a juggling act. There are various types of administrative balls to handle throughout the research lifecycle. This session will look at various positions at an institution, focusing on the department and central office levels. How one balances the juggling act of research administration depends on your constituents, university structure, and the relationship between directors within the central offices and departments. We will look at a few scenarios on how being a director affected administrative outcomes and how working together can avoid near misses. Bring your juggling balls to discuss how leadership works at your institution and what takeaways our discussion can provide to bring a balance to your institution. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Speaker(s):
 Judy Bristow, Vice President, Grants and Compliance, CEOc; Joy Dismukes Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Terri Shelton, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The loss of a faculty member can create shockwaves throughout an entire department and organization. When these departures occur, research administrators are often left with a huge list of tasks, limited guidance, and unclear priorities. Guided by real life case studies, we will discuss the practical implications of faculty departures on pre/post award research administration. We will examine considerations for all types of departures, present action plans and checklists to implement in each situation, and discuss pain points and pitfalls in order to give research administrators a road map to success for their own unique departure situations.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss practical implications of faculty departures on pre/post award research administration

2. Provide action plans for implementation in attendees' own unique departure situations

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):
Nicholas Prieur, CRA, Research Administration Senior Manager, University of Michigan

As a research administrator you are often consulted on agreements for sponsored research. You process many instruments as awards to your institution that you are required to review. Are you able to properly advise your PI or do you turn to legal counsel? Research Administration has many different agreements that are necessary for the day-to-day interactions between an investigator and a sponsor. This session will explain the use different agreements.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Know the different agreements and be able to explain when and why they are used.

2. Be able to suggest agreements to protect the Institution and PI’s research and intellectual property.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Germaine Calicat, MLA, Grants and Contracts Specialist, Temple University - Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education; Karen Mitchell, MBA, Director of Special Projects, Temple University; Beverly Morehouse, MBA, Office of Research and Graduate Studies Senior Sponsored Programs Specialist, Stephen F. Austin State University

Our institutions engage in fundamental research -- basic and applied research, the results of which are published and shared broadly within the scientific community. In 1985, a National Security Decision Directive was issued to codify this concept, so we’re good. Right? Not necessarily. Consider recent headlines. In September 2021, a former University of Miami assistant professor was arrested and charged with allegedly shipping genetic sequencing equipment to the Iranian military. February 2021, Princeton University settled with the Bureau of Industry and Security’s allegations of 37 occasions they exported strains and recombinants of animal pathogens. These are just a couple of recent examples, so clearly, there is more at play than fundamental research. We operate under a broad umbrella of export control laws that govern what information, material, or services must be licensed by the government to be released to foreign nationals. A foreign national is not a citizen of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, or a refugee granted asylum. This definition includes corporations, business associations, partnerships, societies, trusts, etc. In this session, we will review the bodies of law and regulatory/enforcement agencies that govern export control to navigate export control issues and mediate our practices. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Kim Read, Director, Business & Research Administration, University of South Florida

This session will provide an overview of Other Transactions by defining Other Transactions Authority and Other Transactions, learning the history of OTA, NIH active OTA initiatives, and  why it is used instead of a traditional funding mechanism.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand what Other Transaction Authority is along with the history of OTA.

2. Understand how OTA differs from other mechanisms, how it is utilized at NIH and by whom.

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
Artisha Wright, Lead Other Transactions Agreement Specialist, NIH/NICHD

Research agreements have grown in complexity over the years. In this session, we will review the different award mechanisms used by federal and state agencies, breakdown various sections of a typical agreement, go over successful negotiation tactics, and talk about agreement risk management.

Content Level: Basic 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn the differences between a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, other transaction authority (OTA), subcontract, etc.

2. Develop negotiation tactics. 

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):
John Hedberg, CRA, Senior Associate, Attain Partners; Farrell Rapp, Director of Office of Pre-Award Services, University of Wyoming

The HIPAA privacy rule was codified in 2020 for most federal agencies. It determined the conditions under which protected information may be used or disclosed by covered entities for research purposes falling under the common rule, 45 CFR part 46, subpart A.  A DUA addresses important issues, such as the limitations on the use of data, liability for harm, publication, and privacy rights of protected data, as well as what data security measures must be met to keep data secure. A DUA prevents inappropriate use of protected information that could cause harm to research subjects, the PI, or the University.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. What data is considered private/protected and Why a data use agreement is necessary. 

2. How to adapt your data needs to avoid risk

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):

Career Development is more than just attending training, conferences and seminars… it is an extension of each of these and applying them directly to your desired career path like puzzle pieces until you find and fit each piece where it belongs. This session will dive into ways individuals can develop their careers through the professional development, networking and self-learning opportunities and how to view each of these in the big picture. This session will also briefly touch on mentoring as an additional resource for career development. Research administration careers often have varying paths compared to other professions and because this panel has a combined 83 years of experience, we will be able to share a wealth of knowledge for research administrators looking to grow their careers.

Content Level: Intermediate

Speaker(s):
Pamela Ray, CPA, CRA ,Senior Director, Florida State University; Gina Hedberg, Associate Vice President for Research, Executive Director of Sponsored Programs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham; Amanda Seymour, CRA, Manager, Attain Partners

Clinical trials are time consuming, expensive, and often burdensome on patients and institutions that conduct them. Clinical trials can fail for many reasons but with insights on opportunities to improve the vetting process, understanding expectations and planning for both success and failure can help salvage your bad date with your sponsor.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn a process or two on vetting appropriate clinical trials for your institution.

2. Tips and tricks on when to walk away from a current clinical trial that has gone bad.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):

Jason Claes, Manager, Tri Health, TriHealth

This interactive session will present the basic framework of budget development using standard categories and how it can be transformed into NIH modular budget and/or DOE budget formats.  It will cover briefly Cost Principles, Direct vs. Indirect Costs, Cost share and budget justification.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Create a proposal budget in accordance with the Cost Principles and based on solicitations.

2. Transfer the proposal budget entries into NIH Modular budget and/or DOE budget formats.

Prerequisite: None  

Speaker(s):

Kit Boone, CRA, CFRA, Pre-Award Coordinator, Herff College of Engineering; Michele Conlin, Director, Research Financial Administration, The Wistar Institute

To safeguard sensitive national security information, the Department of Defense (DoD) launched CMMC 2.0, a comprehensive framework to protect the defense industrial base’s (DIB) sensitive unclassified information from frequent and increasingly complex cyberattacks. By streamlining these requirements, CMMC 2.0: is intended to simplify compliance by allowing self-assessment for some requirements, apply priorities for protecting DoD information, and reinforce cooperation between the DoD and industry in addressing evolving cyber threats. This session will explain what CMMC 2.0 means for universities and other entities that function as government contractors.  And, how to navigate the contract negotiation process with sponsors and internal colleagues.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand CMMC 2.0 as it relates to their specific situation

2. Identify when it is appropriate for CMMC language to be included in contracts

Prerequisite: None 

Speaker(s):

Andrea Deaton, MHR, CRA, Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners, LLC

Description Coming Soon!

Speaker(s):
Judy Bristow, Vice President, Grants and Compliance, CEOc; Gina Hedberg, Associate Vice President for Research, Executive Director of Sponsored Programs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham; Pamela Ray, CPA, CRA ,Senior Director, Florida State University

Research Administrators are the sails on the research boat that guide the submission and acceptance of federal, state, and private funding. Without these individuals, the boat could be at risk in navigating unknown waters. However, research administrators are rarely celebrated or provided with effective professional development. This session seeks to engage the audience in critically thinking about the professional development opportunities offered (or not offered) to research administrators at their institution. Overall, this session will provide real life examples of ways institutions can initiate programs to advance and empower research administrators.

Content Level: Advanced

Learning Objectives: 

1. Think critically about the professional development opportunities currently offered at their institution 

2. Dive deep into developing new professional development programs for research administrators at their institutions 

Prerequisite: None 

Speaker(s):

Julie Swaringim-Griffin, PhD, Assistant Vice President- Central Sponsored Programs Administration, Oklahoma State University

This presentation will discuss 10 top challenging areas in Post-Award and how the 4-Phase decision process can be utilized to to arrive at the best solution.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify possible negative outcomes before they occur.

2. Gain valuable knowledge and tools from examples presented.   

Prerequisite: None 
Speaker(s):

Pamela Ray, CPA, CRA ,Senior Director, Florida State University; Angela Rowe, CPA, Associate Director, Sponsored Research Administration, Florida State University 

Due to the rapid increase of people living with Alzheimer’s Disease, the nation established the goal of curing the disease by 2025. To achieve this goal, many areas of science that were previously unrecognized or underutilized will be vital in contributing to the mission of the National Institute on Aging. NIA is working to partner with institutions and organizations from a broader spectrum of science and technology to make significant impacts and advancements towards this objective. This presentation will focus on the current and future global impacts for this area of research, funding available, as well as the challenges of leading an organization through rapid growth during a pandemic. Additionally, the challenges of trying to determine and establish a future state for a biomedical research organization will be discussed.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand how funding has expanded and realize the mechanisms available for your organization to contribute.

2. Understand how an NIH Institute plans, prioritizes and executes its resources to achieve scientific investments.

Prerequisite: None 

Speaker(s):

Patrick Shirdon, B.A. Economics and Finance, M.S. in Business Management, Director of Management, National Institute on Aging

Have you ever turned around and looked back the way you came? How did you get from lab research assistant to the operations director or a student intern to a contracts director? Isn’t it amazing to see where you were five years ago or 10 years ago in your career? What do you see when you look toward the horizon? What is your goal for your career? Perhaps you are an assistant director wanting to take the next wrung on the ladder. Maybe you are a new supervisor tasked with building a specialty team you will direct. Maybe you are a brand new to the field of research administration and you are wondering where this career can take you. In this forum, the members of the panel, all current directors, are going to chat about their career paths, the right choices they made, and some things that may have hindered them. We are also going to discuss some standard education and work experience that facilitate promotions into director positions. This is an open forum discussion, so we are looking forward to learning about your experiences as well and building our networks.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify experiences that furthered the career of current directors.

2. Learn about work experience that improves promotability into director positions. Gain new members to your professional network (Bring your business cards!)

Prerequisite: None

Speaker(s):

Marcos Garza, Director of Medical Finance, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine; Kim Read, Director, Business & Research Administration, University of South Florida; Amanda Seymour, CRA, Manager, Attain Partners