Concurrent Sessions

Have you found yourself in this situation? The PI assumes the Research Administrator (RA) is monitoring their grant budget and proactively processing salary paperwork.  The RA knows that grant budgets can change and waits for the PI to provide salary specifics. Several months later when effort reporting is due, the PI is surprised that no salary has been charged to the grant.  Both PI and RA say the other was responsible.  Who dropped the ball? 

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe overlapping roles and responsibilities of RA’s and PI’s.
2. Identify strategies for effective communication between RA’s & PI’s.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Tamara Ginter, Director of Finance, Texas Tech University; Debbie Hoelscher, Manager, Contracts and Grants, Washington State University

This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of best practices and essential strategies in the realm of conducting clinical research trials. Delving into the multifaceted landscape of clinical trials, this session emphasizes key components, such as budget management, ethical considerations, risk mitigation, and effective collaboration. Participants will gain insights into optimizing trial processes, ensuring compliance, and maintaining high-quality standards throughout the research journey. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, this presentation aims to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of clinical research trials successfully

Learning Objectives: 

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical elements involved in conducting clinical research trials, including budget management, ethical considerations, risk mitigation strategies, and the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders.    
2. Apply the acquired knowledge of best practices in their own clinical research settings, demonstrating an understanding of practical implementation and adaptation of these practices to improve the quality, efficiency, and compliance of their trial processed

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Jennifer Harry, Interim Director, Center Business Operations, Seattle Children's Hospital; Marilyn Marshall, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners; Kristina Vucheva, Clinical Research Budget Analyst, Seattle Children's Research Institute

In this presentation, we will delve into the world of burnout, helping you recognize the warning signs, understand its impact, and, most importantly, provide practical strategies to navigate through it. Discover the telltale signs of burnout, from physical and emotional symptoms to decreased performance and motivation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Have a clear comprehension of the concept of burnout and be able to identify its signs and symptoms in both themselves and others.
2. Have a toolkit of actionable strategies they can apply to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and navigate through burnout successfully.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Grace Francisca, MA,CRA, Senior Research Operations Analyst, City of Hope

Research development is being implemented in all types of academic and research institutions in the US and globally. RD addresses new challenges for institutions, research administrators, leadership and investigators to increase or just maintain grant activity with decreasing funds and intense competition. New emphasis on collaboration and large-scale multidisciplinary projects requires new levels of investigator and institutional support, including strategies, staffing and structure. This session will provide definitions, examples and best practices of research development institutional structures, job descriptions, management and appropriate metrics to measure success. The session will be useful for all types of institutions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe organizational models, staffing patterns and emerging trends in research development metrics    
2. Describe strategies to integrate research development with existing research administration structure and services and coordinate research development across the institution

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Marjorie Piechowski, PhD, Emerita Director of Research Support, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee ; TBD

This session will help participants develop a greater sensitivity on when to stop, when to go forward and when to slow down when faced with a variety of compliance issues in research administration. A series of compliance scenarios will be presented in a game format and participants will analyze and discuss the right next step--red light (stop), yellow light (go slow) or green light (proceed ahead). 

Learning Objectives:

1. Consider application of best practices and lessons learned in research security to their own institution and research administration context.
2. Gain a deeper understanding of the Canadian approach to research security and the integration of equity, diversity and inclusion in that context

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Jacqueline Littlewood, BA, MA, Director, Research Security, Research Integrity Support, VPRI, University of Alberta

Department researchers may support a handful of investigators, and may only experience the RPPR a few times per year. This session will provide an overview of the report elements; explain the differences in reporting requirements between SNAP, Non-SNAP, and Multiple Year Funded awards; discuss Annual, Interim, and Final reporting requirements; and trouble shoot errors and warnings. Presenter(s) will perform a live demo on how to complete an RPPR in eRA Commons. As the user interface for eRA Commons has recently changed, this will help familiarize participants with the look and feel of the new screens. Whether you submit 2 or 200 RPPRs per year, this session will help administrators navigate these reports like an expert.

Learning Objectives:

1. Navigation within eRACommons to the RPPR.  

2. How to complete the various components of this report.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: General Knowledge of eRA Commons. Research Administration experience, but not required

Speaker(s):
Andrew Mobley, Senior Grants and Contracts Administrator, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope; Felicia Sumler Senior Grants and Contracts Administrator, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope

You have had a PI approach you stating that they will be including cost sharing in their proposal that you're helping to submit.  Now what?  What type of cost sharing should be included?  Does the funding agency require cost sharing or does your PI want to include it as a win differentiator?  In this session, you will learn to differentiate between mandatory and voluntary committed cost sharing and how this applies to the proposal being submitted.  We will also discuss how to determine if the cost sharing identified is allowable based on federal guidance and how best to document these commitments for the proposal. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Define what cost sharing is and identify different types of cost sharing.

2.  Identify allowable cost sharing.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Kristyn Jewell, CRA, Director of Interdisciplinary Research Administration, Purdue University

Embark on a specialized exploration of how to strategically shape your professional development journey within the dynamic field of research administration. This presentation is designed to provide insights and practical strategies for advancing your career in higher education. From understanding grant processes to cultivating effective collaborations, join us to unlock the keys to a successful and fulfilling professional development journey in research administration.

Learning Objectives:

1. Comprehend the unique challenges and opportunities within the field of research administration and their impact on career growth.

2. Navigate the diverse landscape of professional development opportunities in research administration, including conferences, workshops, and certification programs.

3. Assess and refine your skill set, identifying core competencies crucial for success

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Ella Trubman, MBA, CRA, Senior Director, OSP PreAward, Scripps Research Institute; Arpa Orojian, Specialist Master, Deloitte Consulting LLP

Revision and resubmission of unfunded proposals is often a missed opportunity, particularly among early career faculty. Providing support through targeted reviewer feedback analysis and individual consulting with faculty can help them achieve revision and resubmission. This session will discuss possible approaches to resubmission assistance that will help faculty at all levels leverage their prior work and which should increase their chances of success. The session will include a discussion of best practices and a brief overview of research focused on reviewer feedback analysis to support revising and resubmitting proposals. The presenters will present information on RD practices across multiple institutions and faculty feedback on their experiences. Example materials will be shared to encourage attendees to consider developing similar services at their home institutions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the value of resubmission assistance for faculty.

2. Understand the process and procedure of reviewer feedback analysis.

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
JulieAnna Carsen, Assistant Director, Arizona State University; Sarah Polasky, PhD, Director, University of Missouri; Marjorie Piechowski, Emerita Director of Research Support, College of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The past few years has seen some high profile researchers both in the US and abroad who have fallen under scrutiny of scientific misconduct over plagiarism, falsification or fabrication.  Case studies will be used to illustrate each of these examples of research misconduct and the outcomes of investigations in to these allegations.  The session will also touch on the emerging areas of research misconduct arising from the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and conflicts of interest and commitment.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the different types of misconduct

2. Gain insights into potential consequences and outcomes of misconduct investigations

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

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

American author and humorist Samuel Levenson is quoted with saying
“You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself”. Researcher administrators clearly understand the truth in this statement. This session has been developed to review recent audits to see what we can learn from the “mistakes” of others. Using the findings from recent audits we will first review the best practices
for managing audits. Participants, working in small workgroups, will be asked to review documentation and other information provided to auditors to determine allowability. Putting ourselves in the shoes of the auditors may help us view our practices in a new light. What pitfalls do we see in what others have done? What can we do to improve our internal reviews? How do we balance risk of “being perfect” (at least administratively), with the need for the
science to move forward?

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn best practices for managing audits
2. Participants will learn what issues are likely to be questioned in audits and learn ways to
spot problems before they become audit findings
3. Participants will review and discuss internal policies to see how they might be
strengthened to ensure compliance at their own institution.
4. Participants will learn why policies that are too restrictive may hamper research.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
 Denise Clark, Associate Vice President for Administration, Division of
Research, University of Maryland College Park

Now that the proposal is funded, the Sponsored Programs Office has to review the award before accepting the terms and sending the file to post-award accounting.  We will discuss making sure the budget is appropriate, reviewing/negotiating award terms for institutional acceptability, ensuring compliance items are in place, and working with the PI to ensure they understand the award as presented.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand what goes on in the award review process
2. Identify what holds up award acceptance and signing.

 
Content Level:  Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Grace Liu, JD, Associate Director of Sponsored Programs, University of California, Davis; Amy Rollinger, Associate Director, University of Minnesota

Join our interactive workshop on research administration, where we'll delve into effective strategies, invaluable resources, and interactive reflective exercises to examine how our collective learning has shaped our careers. Gain insights that will propel you forward in the dynamic field of research administration.

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop shared strategies for networking and joint professional growth    

2. Reflect on what has been learned so far and how it will shape our careers moving forward.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Cecilia Canadas, Research Administrator , University of California, Los Angeles; Lyset Castillo, Research Operations Analyst, City of Hope; Grace Fransisca, MA, CRA, Senior Research Operations Analyst, City of Hope

A major service provided by research development is working with investigators at all levels to build their capacity to prepare successful grant applications throughout their career. This session will identify specific challenges for career stages and provide strategies, examples and best practices to help investigators expand their skills and success throughout their research careers as they move from individual grants to collaborative projects and ultimately to multi-institutional, large-scale center grants. Topics to be addressed include individual strategic plans for research, incentives, mentoring, workshops, and building teams and partnerships. Examples and handouts will be provided to help participants build investigator capacity at their institutions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify challenges to investigators at all career stages and provide appropriate materials and support to overcome these challenges to successful grant development

2. Describe tools, resources and activities to build individual research capacity and increase institutional grant success

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Marjorie Piechowski, PhD, Emerita Director of Research Support, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

US federal funding agencies require recipient institutions to maintain conflict of interest (COI) policies and follow agency guidelines, where applicable, for the disclosure of financial interests and the determination of financial COIs.  However, after that, funding agencies leave the management of identified conflicts up to the individual institutions.  Institutions, therefore, need to understand how they can best manage financial COIs to minimize or eliminate potential bias in research, and how the entire process can be administered to ensure compliance to federal regulations, agency guidelines, and institutional policies.  This session will focus on how institutions can include the management of COIs in institutional policies, develop and compose COI management plans, monitor management plan compliance, and devise a process for all of this that works.   Recent developments of COI as an element of research security will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the major components of management plans for financial conflicts of interest

2. Understand how to monitor for COI management plan compliance

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Basic understanding of financial conflicts of interest

Speaker(s):
Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, DACAW, Associate Vice President, Research Support & Regulatory Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The research administration world is constantly evolving, and technology
plays an essential role in that evolution. The introduction of the audit approach called “Data Analytics” requires we take a deeper dive into our internal policies, processes, controls, and systems of record to establish what is adequate “source documentation” for the various transactions we review and approve. Does your signature constitute your confirmation that your
institution has adequate internal controls in place? Where have we come from? Where are we going? This Session will look at the importance of establishing, implementing, and assessing your internal controls as they relate to transactional level detail and philosophical approaches to meeting the reasonableness, allowability, and allocability tests, as well as research
administration as a whole. Are internal controls only related to financial transactions? What about the rest of the regulatory environment? How do we implement risk assessment approaches and provide tools for non-financially related aspects of research administration? Internal controls: who is in control and what are the ramifications of a lack thereof? Come explore these issues with us

Learning Objectives:

1. Enumerate the tangible versus intangible aspects of internal controls and provide associated risk assessments to analyze accounting versus accountability approaches and implementations.
2. Identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of source documentation and other potential tools of the trade.
3. Critique the various levels of a risk assessment-based approach to internal controls. Experience Level / Target Audience

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Participants should have 3+ years of experience in research administration and hold positions within central/department administration: Pre-award, Post-award, Departmental Administrators, and/or Internal Auditors.

Speaker(s):
Denise Clark, Associate Vice President for Administration, Division of
Research, University of Maryland College Park

Delve into the intricacies of developing a resilient research administration operating model designed to minimize risk and enhance overall efficiency. In this insightful presentation, we will explore frameworks, best practices, and real-world examples to guide you in establishing a comprehensive operating model that safeguards against potential risks in research endeavors. Whether you're from a department, central sponsored projects office, or compliance office, join us to gain practical insights into building a robust foundation for secure and compliant research administration.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the significance of a well-defined research administration operating model in mitigating risks associated with research activities.

2. Explore best practices for creating a culture of risk awareness and compliance within the research administration team and broader institution.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Arpa Orojian, Specialist Master, Deloitte Consulting LLP; Dillion Clark, Deloitte Consulting LLP

When faced with organizational change, directors are critical in helping the senior leaders and project management teams make the transitions as smooth as possible. They are often tasked with bridging the gap between senior leadership and the stakeholders that will ultimately carry out the senior leadership's vision or project. Because of the nature of their positions, directors build trust with stakeholders easily and will hear more positive feedback or about the obstacles staff are facing during the implementation of a change. These relationships make directors pivotal players in change initiatives. 
In this session, learn from Prosci Certified Change Practitioners about what strategies directors should use to harness their influence to impact positive change in their workplaces and set their offices up for future success. Attendees will be prepared to use their positions to facilitate discussions between leadership and project management teams to identify obstacles and positives during the project, find solutions to problems, and prepare the impacted stakeholder community for change.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand their role in the change process and why they must be the advocate for the change to lead employees through the change journey.

2. Identify resistance to change and coach stakeholders through challenging times.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Theresa Couch, CRA, Director of Research Administration Operations, Michigan State University; Kathleen Halley-Octa, MA, CRA, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners; Ivonne Kalinski, Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners

Research Administration and Research Development Professionals are often asked to report on their accomplishments and achievements on at least an annual basis. This can be difficult if evaluation and reporting strategies are unclear, or even absent. This session will walk professionals through a formative evaluation and reporting framework, then allow them time to brainstorm goals, objectives, and data to be collected to make reporting effective and impactful. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Define formative evaluation and explain how it benefits their office/team.

2. Write goals and objectives, as well as define data needed to report on their work. 

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Sarah Polasky, PhD, Director, University of Missouri; Christine Terry, Director. University of Missouri-Columbia

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training programs are required of institutions receiving funding for certain types of grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) often have unique challenges in contrast to larger higher education research universities in complying with these regulations. What strategies can the research administrator apply to design effective RCR education plans? What policies will enhance the “culture of compliance” at the PUI? In this highly interactive session, different institutional perspectives and best practices for developing, implementing and documenting effective RCR training programs and policies for faculty, staff and students at PUIs will be presented. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will gain an understanding of a variety of proven techniques for delivering effective responsible conduct of research (RCR) training programs and policies at PUIs.

2. Attendees will learn how to design an effective RCR training plan utilizing different instructional methods to enhance teaching and learning effectiveness.

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Dominic Esposito, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, Farmingdale State College

Just because the grant is over doesn’t mean you can sit back and relax! Many grants, awards, and contracts contain closeout activities, both financial and programmatic, that must be completed in order to effectively terminate an award.

Content Level: Basic

Speaker(s):
Meaghan Ventura , MS, CRA, Senior Sponsored Projects Officer, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Embark on a comprehensive journey through the intricacies of selecting the optimal Electronic Research Administration (eRA) system for your institution. In this informative presentation, we will explore the key considerations, best practices, and decision-making processes involved in choosing an eRA system that aligns seamlessly with your organization's needs. Whether you're a research administrator, IT professional, or decision-maker, join us to demystify the selection process and set your institution on the path to streamlined research management.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the critical importance of selecting the right Electronic Research Administration (eRA) system and its impact on overall research efficiency

2. Evaluate your institution's specific needs and requirements for an eRA system, considering factors such as research volume, compliance standards, and user accessibility.  Navigate the landscape of available eRA systems, comparing features, function

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Arpa Orojian, Specialist Master, Deloitte Consulting LLP; Ella, Trubman, MBA, CRA,, Senior Director, OSP PreAward, Scripps Research Institute

If you have heard the term but are not really sure what you role is in export controls compliance, this is a safe place to learn.  The session will provide beginners with a basic understanding the export controls compliance and the role that research administrators, pre- and post-award and departmental, play in ensuring export control compliance requirements are met.  Regulations covered at a very high level will be the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC).  

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the different export controls that can arise in sponsored research
2. Recognize the role of the research administrator in export controls compliance

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

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

Our presentation will focus on proposal development and the alignment of the narrative and budget.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding of key characteristics of well-written, competitive proposals.

2. Understanding of budget alignment with proposal and agency priorities.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Rachel Weiss, Dean, Grant Development & Administration, Riverside City College; Laurie Mcquay-Peninger, Executive Director, Grants & Sponsored Programs, Riverside City College

Central versus Departmental research in academic and non-academic systems vary by organizational characteristics, yet there is a long list of research resources necessary for optimal research conduct. Departmental research operations are fundamental service lines supporting investigator led, and sponsored research.

Learning Objectives:

1.Expand thinking of research operations to a global view and explore necessary Research Resources

2.Contextualize organizing research resources at the Department level and learn methods and tools to effectively manage and communicate

Content Level: Intermediate 
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Dominic Esposito, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, Farmingdale State College

You have received an award and now expenses are starting to clear – now what? This is the time to have a good system in place to manage all your post-award expenses to keep not only you, but your PI informed and on track. A good post-award system will ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines and spot any issues that need to be addressed. In this panel discussion you will hear from seasoned research administrators who have used many different post-award systems from home grown to excel. Audience participation is strongly encouraged so bring your burning post-award systems questions and learn more about what fellow RAs do to maintain other successful systems.

Learning Objectives: 
1. Sharpen your understanding of financial reporting basics:
-    Define key financial terms and concepts relevant to research administration.
-    Explain the importance of accurate and timely financial reporting in research projects.

2. Keys to being successful in post-award management
-    Become a “super user” of your institution’s financial systems
-    Use the financial reporting time to meet with faculty
-    Use the financial report as your own tool when making post-award financial decisions

3. Community discussion about generating PI financial reports
-    Share with one another how they generate standard financial reports for Principal Investigators.
-    Discuss the components of a typical PI financial report, including expenditures, budget variances, and encumbrances and how they are useful tools for both the PI and the RA

4. Determine which financial information is most useful/relevant to helping PIs make important decisions (especially related to personnel).
-    Interpret and analyze financial data presented in PI reports.
-    Identify trends, anomalies, and potential areas of concern in financial reports.

By addressing these learning objectives, participants should gain a comprehensive understanding of creating PI financial reports with forecasting tools and be equipped to apply this knowledge in their roles as research administrators.

Speaker(s):
Debbie Hoelscher, Manager, Contracts and Grants, Washington State University; Melissa Karby, Associate Director for Research Administration, University of Michigan; Ruth Halsey, Associate Department Manager, University of Michigan

Preparing subagreements can be a rewarding adventure.  It is fulfilling to collaborate with another institution and provide funding for their portion of the scope of work.  What are the standards that need to be considered?  Join this session for an overview of procedures and practices that help to foster collaboration.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how to determine whether or not a subagreement is needed when collaborating with another institution.

2. Understand the basics of preparing a subagreement.

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Sandra Nordhal, Director, SR Contracting and Compliance and Facility Security Officer, SDSU Research Foundation

As institutions continue to struggle with attracting and retaining talent, especially in research offices, it has become increasingly important that jobs provide opportunities for growth and careers to better retain high performers. Doing so requires a collaborative effort across the offices and units that manage research administration positions, including central offices for sponsored awards, post-award offices, and departments managing local research administrators. Join us in this session to discuss best practices for defining career paths for research administrators, enabling staff to move across central and department offices and hear case studies from similar efforts from leading R1 institutions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the importance of defining career pathways at your institution that bridge central offices and departments / colleges

2. Identify best practices for defining and communicating career paths to research administrators 

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Allison  Kaufman, Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting, LLP; Natasha Meier, Manager, Deloitte Consulting, LLP

This session will inform participants about NSF proposal and award policies and procedures, agency priorities, and advances with proposal submission modernization and Research.gov.

Content Level: Basic

Speaker(s):
Samantha Hunter, Senior Policy Specialist, National Science Foundation

In this session we will talk about all things research security, including a deep dive into the newest developments, in regards to NSPM-33 and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.  A few of the questions we will address include:What are the key things we need to be confident we are complying with?  What types of research grants does this apply to?
What departments need to be involved in setting up our research security program?
The presenters will also give a 360 degree view of what a holistic research security program looks like and elements you should be looking for at your own institutions.  A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Regulations and guidance on enhancing your internal research security program

2. Understanding of a holistic approach to protecting our research programs

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
John Nord, BS, MS, CIO, Cayuse

This session will provide an overview of one individual's perspective on reviewing and negotiating sponsored program agreements, that can also be extrapolated to other types of agreements.  Alternative language for a variety of clauses will be presented, along with the rationale that has been developed to support the need for changing contractual language.  The session will also discuss ways to streamline processes and the benefits of creating a repository of different contractual text.  

Learning Objectives:

1. By the end of this session attendees will learn tips for reviewing and negotiating sponsored programs agreements

2. How to streamline processes for efficiency and have received sample language and rationales for revision requests

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):

Sandra  Nordahl, Director, Senior Contracting and Compliance and Facility Security Officer, SDSU Research Foundation

Over the past few years, many research organizations have experienced high turnover, low retention, and an inability to fill open positions. A 2023 research study examined the factors that drive research administrators (RA) to remain at their organizations or motivate them to leave for new positions. The study results provided insight into what organizations can offer to retain RA talent as well as expand career development and opportunities for existing RAs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify three retention strategies to keep RA talent    

2. Identify three key motivators that drive RA talent to leave

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Meaghan  Ventura,  MS, CRA , Senior Sponsored Projects Officer, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital

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):
Carrie Mitchell, Assistant Grants Policy Officer, Division of Grants Policy, OPERA, National Institute of Health

Streamed via video/interactive

Learning Objectives:

1. To identify specific actions that research administrators can take to enhance their performance that leads to better delivery of project objectives. 

2. To identify what resources would be required by the research administrators to implement the suggest.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Sajjad A. Surani, Research and Program Administrative Support, University of Calgary

During this session we will present why projections are valuable to help guide decision making and identifying when there are issues.  We will also review when projections will most likely be needed during a project's lifecycle.  Finally we will complete a detailed demo on how to develop projections

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding the most frequent instances projections will be needed, how to discuss projections with your PI, how precise projections need to be, and tools to use to project balances 

Content Level: Intermediate 
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Ruth Halsey, Associate Department Manager, University of Michigan

How do the best companies and leaders win BIG?  They put their people first. People First Leaders know their colleagues and put their well-being first and the business next. They take care of the people, and in return, the people take care of the business. People First is a people-centered approach to leadership that takes into account the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of all employees so that they can do their best work. When they do their best work, we all win. The truth is, employees are overworked, stressed-out, and struggling to find balance in their lives. Putting people first is not about being the best with a few carefully selected employee benefits. Instead, it€™s a strong People First mindset that delivers above-average results by putting the needs of employees at the forefront. This inspiring and insightful keynote is for companies and leaders who are struggling to keep their people, build motivation, and sustain long-term engagement It's for people who want to transform their leadership in order to change lives.

Learning Objectives:

1.HOW THE BEST ARE DOING IT RIGHT From Virgin to LinkedIn, Facebook to Google, there are specific principles that we can all emulate. The goal is to learn from the best in business

2.ENGAGE, EMPOWER. AND EXECUTE Each individual's contribution is needed for the company to thrive. You all get tips, tricks, and ideas to up your engagement strategy.

Content Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Jen Buck, Keynote Speaker, Synergistic Training Solutions

Often times in our professional career when question and sometimes doubt our ability to perform the duties asked of us. Or feeling as if you are a fraud and like you're not the best qualified, despite being chosen. You could be experiencing Imposter Syndrome and you are not alone. Join this session to identify the signs and strategies to assist with overcoming this feeling. 

Learning Objectives:

1.Learn to recognize the signs of Imposter Syndrome 

2.Learn techniques on how to combat Imposter Syndrome and changing your mindset

Content Level: Intermediate 
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Shuna McMichael, EdD, CRA, Director of Sponsored Research, Occidental College 

The National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General will provide an update on its audit activities. Audience members will learn about the NSF OIG, it's role in the federal research enterprise, updates related to audit activities, and information about whistleblower protections.

Learning Objectives:

1. Better understand common audit findings and investigative case studies related to NSF award recipients

2. Understand the role of the NSF OIG as it relates to the recipient community

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Ken Lish, MBA, CPA, CFE, Audit Director, National Science Foundation OIG

While not required by federal agencies, managing institutional conflicts of interest (ICOI) is required for AAHRPP accredited human research programs and is key to maintaining institutional integrity in the sphere of public opinion. With no regulatory framework, institutions are free to create their own programs. This session will focus on common best practices for ICOI programs that are incorporated into institutional ICOI policies. Additionally, the speakers will critically examine how to operationalize an ICOI policy and build a robust ICOI program.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify common identification and management practices for institutional conflicts of interests.

2. Describe what relationships result in institutional conflicts of interest and how they can be managed by an ICOI program.

Content Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Attendees should have a basic understanding of financial conflicts of interest.

Speaker(s):
Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, DACAW, Associate Vice President, Research Support & Regulatory Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Award modification instruments and prior approval process understand different award modification agreement types when and how to request prior approval on an existing award

Learning Objectives:

1.Understand different award modification agreement types

2. When and how to request prior approval on an existing award

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Grace Liu, JD, Associate Director, University of California, Davis; Katie Wu, Research Finance Administrator III, Stanford University

This session is meant to be a case study in recent efforts by Purdue University to seamlessly connect multiple offices to assist in proposal preparation for large center proposals.  We will discuss the history and changes needed for a broader proposal development team that pulls together multiple areas across the university.  Additional discussion will focus on how the new team provides more robust input on center structure and overall project and financial management.  By adding additional expertise and viewpoints, Purdue can leverage past experiences to develop a stronger proposal support team.  By investing in developing these resources and staff, we are able to ensure a strong administrative support team to allow for technical teams to focus on the overall research mission being proposed.  The goal is to develop resources and have them available for future teams as the research enterprise grows and more large-scale proposals are being submitted.  We will discuss initial setbacks and plans to continue to grow these efforts.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify activities and approaches participants may be able to use to improve proposal submissions

2. Identify ways participants may be able to strengthen research administration and research development interactions in their own environments

Content Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Kristyn Jewell, CRA, Director of Interdisciplinary Research Administration, Purdue University; Erin Fetter, Associate Director, Finance, College of Engineering, Purdue University

Attendees will review and discuss in groups five case studies in which non-compliance with sponsor terms and conditions occurred, the results of those findings, and how to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Meaghan Ventura, MS, CRA, Senior Sponsored Projects Officer, Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital

A hybrid or fully remote workforce has different training needs than an in-person workforce.  How do we identify opportunities to train our employees when we don't see them often?  How do we assess team morale?  How do we create a collaborative team environment that mostly works remotely?  Most importantly, how do we continually train and improve a remote workforce?  We will discuss training tools and training programs/ideas/strategies for our remote workforce.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify training needs in remote employees

2. Possess concrete ways to train remote employees

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Grace Liu, JD, Associate Director of Sponsored Programs, University of California, Davis

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Shacey Temperly, Senior Manager, Attain Partners; Kathleen Halley-Octa, MA, CRA. Senior Consultant, Attain Partners

With the new requirements on research security, data management requirements, NSPM-33 requirements and really, all manner of requirements, how does a Central Office stay on top of them and how best to work with the compliance team to remain compliant. Flushing this out a bit - with the new requirements, our team has developed a strong relationship with the Compliance team, by building reports and etc., to ensure that all disclosure requirements are met and we're able to collaborate closely and address any molehills before they turn into mountains. 

Content Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

Speaker(s):
Ella Trubman, MBA, CRA, Senior Director, OSP PreAward, Scripps Research Institute