Concurrent Sessions

This session will discuss indirect costs relative to the sponsor requirements and how research institutions manage their indirect costs. The session will also go into detail about how indirect costs are computed.

Content Level: Basic-Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how Indirect cost rates are calculated.
2. Understand the history and use applicability of Indirect Costs

Track: Financial and Post-Award Administration

Speaker(s): Dominic Esposito, Director of Sponsored Programs Administration, Farmingdale State College, Amanda Seymour, Director, Sponsored Programs Accounting, Mississippi State University

**Required session for Financial Management Certificate (FM-I)**

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discover and consider different elements of your current infrastructure that might necessitate the need for new software or complicate the implementation process. 

2. Explore the different components and stages of a software implementation – pre-award, post-award, compliance.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):

John Hedberg, Senior Associate, Attain Partners, Andrea Deaton, Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners, Tanisha Lemons, Research Scientist, University of Wyoming

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. Identify funding opportunities utilizing electronic, social media and interpersonal mechanisms.

2. Examine best practices in communicating funding opportunities and programs of significance to investigators and interested parties.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s):
Debra Sokalczuk, CRA, President Northeast Section SRAI, Proposal and Award Coordinator, Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg, Alicia Wondoloski, Director, Proposal Development & Award Administration, Office of Research and Outreach, PSU Harrisburg, Renee Vaughan, CRU Financial Practice Manager, Duke University, Distinguished Faculty

**Required session for Pre-Award Certificate (PA-II)**

Operational empathy is a facet of research administration that is often overlooked, even though it is a key part of professional development, leadership, and self-reflection. For many organizations, operational and managerial staff serve as the front line for fielding questions and issues between researchers and group leaders. This niche position calls for a careful balance between compliance to policy and providing a safe space for researchers to explore their creativity, boldness, and passion. In simpler terms, this calls for a holistic approach to operating and managing a research lab. To support and exercise empathy in research administration, we must view our teams not merely as individual workers in a larger organization, but rather, as individuals with personal motivations, personal relationships that we should cultivate to strengthen them as a network. Providing emotional security through empathetic practices only emboldens researchers to perform at their best and avoid burnout in the workplace. These empathetic practices include building meaningful relationships, serving as a bridge between formal administration and scientific administration, and cultivating professional and personal development in researchers. Through operational empathy, we integrate a positive culture that provides a safe environment for researchers to excel with confidence.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand what operational empathy is and the importance of practicing empathy in the research space.

2. Exercise real methods and best practices for applying operational empathy in their research groups.

Track: Professional Development 

Speaker(s):
Erin Howard, Operational Specialist, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of human research protections, focusing on the unique roles and responsibilities within different institutional contexts. Our panel of experts will share insights from their experiences at a university with an academic medical center, a standalone comprehensive cancer center, and a children's hospital. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape, best practices for ensuring compliance, and strategies for fostering a culture of ethical research. This session is designed for individuals new to human research protections as well as those seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in this critical area.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the Fundamentals: Attendees will learn the basic principles and regulations governing human research protections, including the roles of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Human Research Protection Programs (HRPPs).

2. Identify Institutional Variations: Attendees will explore how human research protections are implemented across different types of institutions, recognizing the unique challenges and solutions in each setting.

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance 

Speaker(s): Adam McClintock, Director, Office of the Institutional Review Board, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Elroy Fernandes, Director, Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Meghan Scott, Director, Institutional Review Office / Compliance, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

This session will go over award management - how to manage the funded grant and who to connect with for inquiries. In the session, research administrators will gain a better understanding how to support principal investigators after they have received a new funded grant. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand who to connect with in the department/central office.

2. Support principal investigators with new awards.

Track: Financial and Post-Award Administration

Speaker(s):

Bridgette Larkin-Perkins, Sr. Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, UNT Health Science Center, Aseret Garcia, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX

 **Elective for Financial Management Certificate (FM-E)**

Over the last several years, there has been growing demands for reporting research metrics. There are a wide range of solutions from homegrown systems to paid software, but unfortunately, there is not one method that works best for all institutions. In this session, we will describe how we use readily available Office 365 tools to maximize efficiency and lighten the reporting burden on an already overworked staff. We will also provide examples of how we encouraged departmental research administrators to incorporate a new process into their workflow, and how we created buy in with various levels of stakeholders. Additionally, we will detail the platforms and tools we tried before settling on our current system. We will also share our plans to automate various aspects of the reporting process in the future. In closing, we would like to hear from audience members on what has worked for their institutions.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Demonstrate the use of readily available Office 365 tools to maximize reporting efficiency.
2. Discuss strategies used to create buy in with our stakeholders. 

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):

Ginger Sutton, Senior Grant Coordinator, University of Oklahoma, School of Community Medicine

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!

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s): 
Gloria Greene, Assistant VP, Contracts and Grants, Research Compliance, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Distinguished Faculty, Gina Hedberg, Assoc Vice President for Research and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Distinguished Faculty, Cindy Morin, Senior Administrative and Business Manager, John’s Hopkins University

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a critical topic that impacts the security and integrity of our nation’s research endeavors. The role of the research administrator is pivotal to CMMC compliance.
As we all navigate the complexities of cybersecurity compliance, the CMMC framework provides a structured approach to safeguarding our data and research assets. This presentation will explore the key components of CMMC, its relevance to your institution, and how research administrators can effectively manage and support compliance efforts.
The panel of award-winning subject matter experts will delve into the specific responsibilities of research administrators related to CMMC. By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of how to support CMMC requirements and compliance at your institution.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1.  Understand key components of CMMC.

2. Identify how to support CMMC requirements and compliance at your institution.  

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance

Speaker(s):

Andrea Deaton, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners, David Furman, Director of Information Security & Risk Compliance, University of South Alabama, Russ Ward, Information Systems Security Manager, University of Alabama in Huntsville

The work begins when you and your investigators receive the Notice of Award for the application your team worked so hard to submit to the sponsor. Initial celebration turns into the realization that the award comes with the challenges of actually carrying out the project! Almost immediately, the questions begin. Where do I start? Who do I call? What are the procedures for setting up the award? Can I hire now? Can I spend now? Can I pay my study participants now? Can somebody help set up my award? How long is all this going to take? These questions and more will be addressed in this session geared towards both departmental and central researchers and administrators. Throughout this interactive session, participants will engage in active discussions on best practices for award set up and project implementation, a crucial part of the grant life cycle.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to list at least three processes essential for award set up.

2. Participants will be exposed to at least two project management  tools that can help with project implementation.

Track: Financial and Post-Award Administration

Speaker(s): 
Jose Alcaine, Director of Research Services/Affiliate Faculty, Virginia Commonwealth University, Distinguished Faculty

 **Elective for Financial Management Certificate (FM-E)**

This session will cover all areas that a Research and Department Administrator need to know about basic Human Resources Management, including but not limited to, payroll, performance evaluations, onboarding, supervision, and many other topics.  We will cover a lot of "what would you do?" scenarios in this interactive session.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn some best practices techniques in human resources administration.

2. Have some "take home" skills to use in their daily jobs.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s): 

William Hoffman, Research Administrator, University of Maryland, Baltimore - Dental School, Distinguished Faculty

This session will focus on how to deal with budgets when the sponsor has cut the budget. We will walk through identifying the specific percentage amount of the budget cut and how to offer assistance to departments on navigating thru this challenge. 

Content Level: Basic 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify how much their budget has been cut. 
2. Navigate the new budget based on the cuts.

Track: Pre-Award 

Speaker(s):
Bridgette Larkin-Perkins, Sr. Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, UNT Health Science Center, Aseret Garcia, Associate Director of PreAward, Office of Sponsored Programs, UNT Health Science Center

Any leader knows that an organization is only as good as the people it employs. As an organization scales, this becomes more complicated than simply “hire the best people”. Excellent people are placed on teams, and how teams interact and perform makes a world of difference on each individual’s impact. The best teams are balanced, empathetic towards one another, accountable, and open. The Welcome To The Jungle Leadership Training, provides decision makers and team leaders with tools to create the best teams and supercharge their performance. Jesse conducts professional development training for corporations, nonprofit organizations, sports teams, educational institutions, and small businesses using his “Welcome To The Jungle” Training Program.

Content Level: Advanced

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify your natural tendencies and the tendencies you adapt to under stress.
2. Learn exactly how to communicate with your team without assuming and guessing.
3. Recognize the personality types on your team, and how to better work with them.
4. Master how your behavior affects your team, when you’re stressed or frustrated.
5. Learn and dissipate how your teammates respond to critical items.

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s):
Jesse Ross, Owner/CEO, Jesse Ross

In this panel we will discuss research security topics related to foreign influence in higher education and research.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. How foreign influence can affect federal contracts and grants.
2. How to recognize attempts at maligned foreign influence.

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance 

Speaker(s): 
David Furman, Director of Information Security & Risk Compliance, University of South Alabama, Russ Ward, Information Systems Security Manager, University of Alabama in Huntsville

Participants will hear our journey for overhauling service center guidance and processes on our campus. This will involve discussing some of the issues we had around our service centers and what processes and guidance we put into place. In addition participants will learn some best practices for managing service centers from a central and departmental prospective.  

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Provide participants with an overview of how we revamped our campus service center guidance.

2. Learn some common challenges and workarounds in managing service centers from a departmental and central prospective.

Track: Financial and Post-Award Administration

Speaker(s): 
Debra Murray, Assistant Vice President, University of Maryland College Park, Marchon Jackson, Associate Vice President of Research, Howard University, Sandy Colier, Director of Operations and Finance, Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland College Park

 **Required Session for Financial Management Certificate (FM-II)**

Many factors determine financial and logistical feasibility of clinical research studies for your site.  This session provides an overview of standard operating process and tools necessary to make this determination; developed from study examples and case studies.  Tips on reviewing initial documents such as site feasibility questionnaires, proposed contract, sponsor budget, protocol with schedule of events and informed consent in the development of accurate internal cost projections and budgets will be reviewed.

Content Level: Advanced

Learning Objectives:

1. Analyze the factors impacting logistical and financial feasibility determinations for your site.
2. Cite case study scenarios and mechanisms to determine merit: and financial review of  timelines, targets and costs.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s): Renee Vaughan, CRU Financial Practice Manager, Duke University, Distinguished Faculty

Synopsis: This session will focus on the broad and very specific view of research administration from both central and departmental administration. The presenters have experience in both areas and will share information from their perspectives, along with survey responses from the NCURA membership. 
The topics discussed will be the specific roles of the two departments, the various challenges faced, the policies and procedures for both departments, and how each area bring unique perspectives to the overall health and success of the organization’s research administration enterprise. 
The session attendees’ will be able to use the information discussed to assist with enhancing their department and central operations, with regards to recruitment/retention; mentoring the next phase of research administration leadership, and how to bridge the gap between senior leadership and the importance of having knowledgeable and strong department and central research administration staff. 


Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. The session attendees’ will be able to use the information discussed to assist with enhancing their department and central operations, with regards to recruitment/retention; mentoring the next phase of research administration leadership.

2. The session attendees’ will be able to use the information to bridge the gap between senior leadership and the importance of having knowledgeable and strong department and central research administration staff. 

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s):
Consuela Turner, Manager - Grants & Research Administration, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Julienne Watkins, Lead - Research Administrator; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 

When it comes to creating a cohesive pre and post award there are often communication barriers that seem impossible to overcome. Add the multigenerational dynamics and you get each team posturing for culpability and getting nowhere. Do your team members shy away from having interactions with PIs? How do we mitigate the inevitable challenges caused by differences in work style, communications preferences, and technological proficiencies? This session will explore the communication issues surrounding research administration. We will outline strategies to aid in conversations, meetings and communications with your staff and constituents. This session will discuss building communication strategies and networks that will improve service.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify communication and multigenerational divides within pre- and post-award research administration and explore strategies to take full advantage of the diverse strengths and experiences.

2. Explore strategies for managing the multigenerational divide in pre and post award.

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s):
Alexus Jones, Contracting Officer, Georgia Institute of Technology, Beverly Morehouse, Senior Sponsored Projects Specialist, Stephen F. Austin State University

Our session will highlight the common areas in which the Pre-Award team experiences issues. We will discuss how these areas affect the pre-award process and how focusing on providing clear guidelines and implementing efficient workflows will solve these issues. We will use scenarios to describe problems within a pre-award team and discuss with the audience ways to solve these problems (Effective communication, streamlined processes, collaboration between departments, adequate training, addressing compliance concerns, regularly evaluating and updating procedures, hiring the right staff).  

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify problems or challenging areas normally encountered in the pre-award services.
2.  Solicit audience experience in their pre-award environment.
3. Provide best practices to address these challenges.

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance

Speaker(s): Joy Dismukes, Director OSP, UNC Greensboro, Kit Boone, Pre-Award Coordinator, The University of Memphis

In this session we will cover beginner topics such as understanding FOAs, allowable/allocable costs, effort management, prior approvals. 

Content Level:  Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understanding basics of research administration.

2. Understand allocable/allowable costs, effort management,

Track: Financial and Post-Award Administration

Speaker(s):
Andrea Deaton, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners, Judy Bristow, VP Grants & Compliance, Louisville Healthcare CEO Council (CEOc)

 **Elective for Financial Management Certificate (FM-E)**

This session will guide attendees through the process of incorporating AI into everyday research administration processes from email responses to data analytics. Participants will be provided a firsthand accounting of the decision making, integration, and adoption processes involved with the launching of an AI model for research administration at a major academic medical center. 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. To orient the participants to the identification of goals and objectives to be addressed in an AI integration. 

2. To outline the necessary steps and collaborative effort required to design, train, and implement an AI model in research administration. 

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):

Maria Garcia Villarreal, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Research Initiatives, UTHealth Houston, Kelli Wallen, Director of Operations-IBP UTHealth Houston, Vanessa Archila, Director of Operations, MMG UTHealth Houston

Are you able to properly advise your PI or do you turn to legal counsel to explain the various agreements funneled through your Institution?  As an Administrator, you should be familiar with the many types of agreements processed at your organization. This session will explore agreements used in Research that are necessary for the day-to-day interactions between an investigator, 3rd parties and a sponsor. This session will also explain their purpose and review components of several widely used agreements.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

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

2. Key factors in reviewing award instruments and how to protect your institution.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s):
Karen Mitchell, Director of Special Projects, Temple University, Germaine (Angie) Calicat, Sr Grants and Contracts Specialist, Temple University, Beverly Morehouse, Senior Sponsored Programs Specialist, Stephen F. Austin State University

 **Required Session for Pre-Ae=ward Certificate (PA-IV)**

The Level Up training has enhanced the understanding of critical areas in research administration. This includes compliance, grant management, financial oversight, and communication. It provided our administrators with practical insights into best practices that were easy to incorporate into our organization's training modules. The self-paced and interactive nature of the program give the administrator an opportunity to get deeper insights, which could be instantly used in our onboarding process. Participants will learn how to create clear, structured learning pathways for new research administrators, ensuring they gain a broad understanding of essential topics such as compliance, grant management, and financial oversight early in their roles.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the Role of Structured Learning in Onboarding.

2. Incorporate Practical Tools and Interactive Elements into Training.

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s): 
Jessica Rodgers, Sr. Associate Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Gloria Greene, Assistant VP, Contracts and Grants, Research Compliance, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Distinguished Faculty

There are numerous and overlapping regulations that govern animal research.  In this session, we will demystify which federal regulations apply based upon species selection, funding type, and the nature of research conducted. Since the intricacies of animal research oversight can also become more complicated when the work is performed at multiple performance sites, we will also review unique funding scenarios for collaborations involving animal research including IACUC requirements for international collaborations. 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify the agencies and regulations that govern animal research.

2. Understand unique funding scenarios related to collaborations, including international collaborations, involving animal research.

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance

Speaker(s):
Kathryn Cavanaugh, Associate Director, System Research Compliance Training & Development, Texas A&M University System, Stacy Pritt, Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Research Compliance Officer, Texas A&M University System

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Enhanced understanding of the challenges and best practices in post-award management for OT2-funded projects.

2. Identification of innovative solutions and tools to improve post-award processes.

Track: Financial and Post-Award Administration

Speaker(s): 
Cindy Kostelnik, Sr. Fiscal and Business Analyst, University of South Florida, Matthew S. Anderson, MS Associate Vice President for Research, USF Health Associate Dean for Research, MCOM, Erin Bhagvat, Associate Director, USF Health MCOM Office of Research, Heather Clark, Associate Director, USF Health MCOM Office of Research, Madison Collins, Senior Unit Research Administrator, USF Health MCOM Office of Research, 

 **Required Session for Financial Management Certificate (FM-III)**

Sponsored Sync: Where Departments and the Central Office Finally Talk!" is all about making communication between your department and the central office a smooth and efficient process. Gone are the days of lost emails, confusing communication, and missed deadlines. This initiative brings together all the key players in a collaborative environment, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to managing sponsored programs. Whether it’s navigating closeouts, reporting requirements, or just keeping track of important deadlines, "Sponsored Sync" ensures no one is left in the dark.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Enhance Cross-Departmental Communication: By the end of this training, participants will be able to effectively communicate and collaborate with both their department and the central office to streamline processes related to sponsored programs, improving.

2. Navigate Sponsored Program Requirements: Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to efficiently manage and track sponsored program activities, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):
Francesca D'Antonio, Grants and Contracts Specialist II, University of Connecticut, Allison Goldsnider, Director or CLAS Grant Management Services, University of Connecticut

Have you ever felt lost in translation while navigating a grant guide? Understanding the solicitation language and some of the legalese-sounding terminologies in the research terms and conditions can be frustrating when you are a non-native speaker of the language used in these documents. Oftentimes, we encounter phrasing or technical jargon that does not translate directly, thus compromising the effective communication of a point of conversation; especially when we must explain them in plain language to the PIs. Small miscues can produce large misunderstandings. This presentation will define some of these frustrating events and suggest ways in which to lessen their likelihood.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Gain a basic understanding of the challenges non-English speaking administrators face during the pre-award phase of grant administration.
2. Identify common difficulties in interpreting solicitation language and technical jargon and analyze how these challenges can lead to misunderstandings.
3. Describe practical strategies, including audience feedback, to improve communication and address translation barriers effectively.
4. Learn methods to simplify complex terms and conditions to clearly convey key points to Principal Investigators (PIs) and other stakeholders.
5. Describe some actionable solutions including those received from audience participation and feedback

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s):
Leisha M. Martinez-Colon, Director of External Resources, University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, Kit Boone, Pre-Award Coordinator, The University of Memphis

 **Elective for Pre-Award Certificate (PA-E)**

Research Administration is the job that no one dreams of while growing up, but many have landed in this role through luck or other lesser-known entry points. Despite this well-known origin story, job postings typically require 3-5 years of experience in Research Administration. With shortages in experienced Research Administrators being felt nationwide, it is imperative to consider non-traditional applicants. This session discusses the experiences the speakers have had with developing non-traditional candidates into the experienced Research Administrators that are desperately needed in the landscape of research administration.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss known backgrounds/transferable skills that predict success as a research administrator.

2. Through discussion among attendees discuss challenges that may remove non-traditional candidates from consideration. 

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s):
Caroline Dietz, Institutional Wide Manager of Grants and Award Management, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Kathleen Kreidler, Associate Vice President, Sponsored Projects, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

This session will give best practices examples and real-life scenarios to assist the Department and Research Administrator in helping with your new faculty coming into your Institution or your faculty who are leaving your Institution during their transition periods.  

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discover best practices for Faculty leaving your Institution.

2. Discover best practices for new Faculty coming to your Institution.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):
William Hoffman, Research Administrator, University of Maryland, Baltimore - Dental School, Distinguished Faculty

As a result of revised regulations within the Uniform Guidance specifically, 2CFR, Part 200, it is necessary for administrators to be conversant with property/equipment/procurement standards when managing federal funds. Additionally, and aside from adhering to federal regulations, those responsible for the administration of federal funding should also understand the policies and procedures of their institutions when property/equipment is acquired. Furthermore, while it is recognized that grantees may acquire commercially available goods and services throughout a federally-sponsored project, administrators also need to be aware of the various methods of procurement. An awareness of your institution’s purchasing policies coupled with an understanding of the requirements outlined in the Uniform Guidance will aid in ensuring the federal requirements are met, and annual audit compliance achieved.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss how: equipment and fabricated equipment is defined, allowable/unallowable costs associated with equipment, including fabrication of equipment are determined, and associated accounting protocols that must be followed for managing equipment from the initial date of purchase until its eventual disposal and the method of maintaining a physical inventory of equipment while ensuring a proper control system is in place to safeguard against loss, damage, or theft;
2. Identify the various methods of procurement while highlighting the importance of maintaining sufficient documentation to support  chosen procurement methods.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s): 

Debra Murray, Assistant Vice President - Sponsored Programs Accounting and Compliance, University of Maryland, College Park

 **Required Session for Financial Management Certificate (FM-IV)**

Effective research administrators must both maintain current operations and continually change and grow to address an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment.  Given that most change efforts fall short of desired expectations, administrators could benefit from actionable approaches to effective change management.  A helpful approach is illustrated in Chip Heath and Dan Heath’s book “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard.” The distinctive benefit of their approach is that it presents a simple, memorable metaphor that captures three key predictors of effective change: the Rider, the Elephant, and the Path.  Prospects for effective change are greatly enhanced when these are addressed, but they illustrate that most change efforts suffer from neglecting one or more of them. Our session provides a brief overview of the model and then presents cases that illustrate an actionable application of each element. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Have ideas on how to create simple but powerful solutions.
2. Have tools to inspire and sustain meaningful change within their organizations.

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s):
Heather Darling, Manager of Research Programs, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Gina Hedberg, Assoc Vice President for Research and Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Distinguished Faculty, Mark Cannon, Professor, Vanderbilt University

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

1. Obtain an understanding of research compliance areas in artificial intelligence, cloud management, and big data.
2. Learn how advancements in information technology can create further risks with export control, data security, and other research compliance areas.

The ARPA-H funding mechanisms are here and presenting a new challenges for post-award management.  Administratively managed by Advanced Technology International (ATI), these multi-million dollar contracts require intricate invoicing and reporting documentation bearing little resemblance to traditional post award research processes.  To successfully manage these projects, organizations must prepare to create a collaborative team between their institutional grants and contracts office, the post award finance office, and the departmental administrative team overseeing the project management piece.  Together, these individuals will be able to coordinate the highly specialized (and scrutinized) Gannt charts, deliverables tables, and detailed invoicing required of these projects.  Successfully organizing the administrative support team for an ARPA-H project will allow for the efficient creation of quarterly technical status reports, monthly invoices, and annual business reports. 

Content Level: Advanced

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learning objective one: To orient the participants to the ARPA-H funding mechanism and clearly define the reporting requirements for these types of contracts.

2. Learning objective two: To outline the necessary steps and collaborative effort required to design, draft, and finalize quarterly and annual ARPA-H reports, and monthly invoices. 

Track: Financial and Post-Award Administration

Speaker(s):
Maria Garcia-Villarreal, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Research Initiatives, UTHealth Houston, Sylvia Magallan, Director of Management Operations-Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology-UTHealth Houston, Sherry Haller, Associate Director of the Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases-UTMB Galveston

In connecting an operations database with an existing laboratory system, my team has been able to lean out research administration processes with automations and single source data collection.  Our operations database known as S.M.I.L.E., Sample Meta-Information Link Exchange, now serves as the hub for various patient and sample information that is pertinent to our center workflows. S.M.I.L.E. offers a central platform for project management -operational oversight, transparency, trend spotting, metrics gathering, research compliance checks, stewardship of institutional resources, and the opportunity for scaled development.  
In this talk, I'd like to present the opportunity for audience members to consider the various data outlets that exist within their respective institutions and consider how they can tap into those sources to improve their respective management and operations goals. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand practical application of Agile methodology when considering operations enhancements.

2. Identify opportunities for technology to support collaborations.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):
Kirsten Fuller-Cobbs, Manager, Project Management, MSKCC

 **Required Session for Pre-Ae=ward Certificate (PA-I)**

Are you new to pre-award or do you feel overwhelmed when a PI contacts you for help developing a budget? Then let us help you not only understand the fundamentals of creating an effective budget for both federal and private grants, but also give you tips and tricks for creating time-saving templates. We will discuss effort and the considerations needed to account for the NIH salary cap, the benefits of a detailed travel budget, and calculating the correct F&A base. Additionally, translating the budget to the budget justification will be discussed.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Outline the major factors in an effective budget

2. Provide detail on the budget components most heavily reviewed by sponsors

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s): 
Erin Bhagvat, Assistant Director, University of South Florida, Matthew Anderson, Associate Dean for Research, University of South Florida, Victoria Mothershed, Director, Faculty and Academic Affairs, USF Health

**Elective for Pre-Award Certificate (PA-E)**

Learning Objectives: 

1. Shift in Perspective: ​Understand the mindset and priority changes necessary to transition from PI to Administrator research administration to leading a research project.​

2. ​Role Clarity: ​Gain insight into the "unseen" responsibilities and expectations unique to the Administrator and PI role. PI and Administrator working together. Communication and timelines disconnects​.

3. ​Network Building: ​Recognize the value of establishing a trusted collaborative network to support successful research leadership.

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s): Anita Mills, Director of Enablement, University of Tennessee Space Institute, Ailing Zhang, Sr. Grants Manager, Office of Research Administration, Division of Research and Economic Development, Morgan State University, Gillian Beth Silver, Director, Office of Research Administration, Morgan State University

Institutions are encouraged to reduce self-imposed regulatory burden.  However, are there voluntary activities, not required by regulations, that institutions should engage in to encourage research compliance through the purposeful planning of processes and training? This question lays at the heart of a concept called “preventative burden.”  Preventative burden refers to the effort, resources, and administrative load required to prevent an issue, particularly in fields like compliance, safety, and health. This burden includes measures that are taken to avoid risks, errors, or misconduct. In this session we will focus on preventative burden in the context of research compliance and review proactive methods such as training, analyzing metrics, developing systems to streamline operations, succession planning, and fostering engagement within the research program. While applying these methods can present an initial burden, the intended outcome is to encourage compliance thus balancing the immediate costs against long-term benefits. 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the concept of preventative burden in relation to research compliance programs.
2. Discuss how to incorporate preventative burden in research compliance to improve research success.

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance

Speaker(s):
Kathryn Cavanaugh, Associate Director, System Research Compliance Training & Development, Texas A&M University System, Stacy Pritt, Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Research Compliance Officer, Texas A&M University System

Facilitate discussions on effective collaboration and communication with faculty and Principal Investigators (PIs) to tackle complex problems and tasks. Our office continually refines and develops practices for clear and concise communication with faculty and staff. This includes implementing new meeting schedules, award kick-off protocols, and standardizing communication for routine deadlines (such as closeout documentation, RPPRs, and Effort Reports). Our goal is to bring members together to share the strengths of their workflows and identify opportunities for growth, aiming to enhance communication practices and drive collective success forward. 

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Enhance Collaboration and Communication: Facilitate discussions with faculty to improve collaboration and communication, addressing complex problems and tasks effectively.

2. Standardize and Improve Communication Practices: Develop and implement standardized communication protocols, including new meeting schedules, award kick-off protocols, and routine deadline communications, to streamline processes & collective success.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):

Allison Goldsnhider, Director of CLAS Grant Management Services, University of Connecticut, Francesca D'Antonio, Grants & Contracts Specialist II, University of Connecticut

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Define Vendor vs. Consultant vs Subaward.

2. Gain knowledge around Federal subaward compliance requirements and create processes and procedures to gather subaward data and reporting.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s):

G. Angie Calicat, Senior Grants and Contract Specialist, Temple University, Karen Mitchell, Director of Special Projects, Temple University

 **Required Session for Financial Management Certificate (FM-V)**

This presentation examines key bottlenecks in trial activation, focusing on streamlining contract management. Attendees will discover proven approaches that significantly reduce negotiation timelines, including master agreements, standardized templates, and technology-enabled workflows. The session provides practical strategies research administrators can immediately implement to accelerate activation timelines. Drawing on real-world case studies and industry benchmarks, participants will learn how institutions have successfully transformed their contracting processes, reducing activation times by weeks or even months. Special attention will be given to common sticking points in agreements, effective escalation pathways, and metrics for measuring progress. These approaches not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance relationships with sponsors and position institutions as preferred research sites. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Implement contract acceleration strategies demonstrated to reduce negotiation timelines and improve site competitiveness.

2. Develop metrics-driven approaches to identify bottlenecks and position your institution as a preferred site.

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance 

Speaker(s):

Monica Polk, Director, Research Operations, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Content Level: Intermediate 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Implement contract acceleration strategies demonstrated to reduce negotiation timelines and improve site competitiveness. 

2. Develop metrics-driven approaches to identify bottlenecks and position your institution as a preferred site. 

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance 

Speaker(s):

Monica Polk, Director, Research Operations, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

The pandemic has orchestrated a country-wide game of musical chairs within Research Administration, leading to significant shifts in the workforce. As seasoned Research Administrators (RAs) retire, many universities have experienced a reshuffling of talent, creating challenges in maintaining a stable and knowledgeable team. The loyalty of our experienced RAs who stayed has ensured that a substantial amount of institutional knowledge remains intact.

This session will explore how to move beyond the challenges posed by these shifts. Instead of pulling away chairs, we aim to add more seats to the table by establishing an inclusive, campus-wide network for Research Administrators. This network will serve as a safe space where new RAs can learn from their veteran counterparts, fostering the retention and growth of the knowledge that remains.

Participants will delve into the reasons behind campus silos, discussing the barriers at the Center, College, Department, and Central Office levels. The session will also focus on strategies for transforming these challenges into opportunities, creating a cohesive network of competent teammates across campus.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understanding the Crisis: Discuss the factors contributing to campus silos within Research Administration.

2. Building a Network: Explore strategies to turn current challenges into a unified, campus-wide network of Research Administrators.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):

This presentation will explore the complexities and challenges involved in coordinating research efforts across three distinct institutions working towards a multidisciplinary center. It will address the logistical, administrative, and communication hurdles that arise when multiple organizations collaborate on multidisciplinary projects. Key topics will include aligning institutional goals, managing shared resources, ensuring consistent communication, and overcoming bureaucratic obstacles. The session aims to provide insights and strategies for effective collaboration, fostering a cohesive and productive research environment.

Content Level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the Key Challenges: Participants will identify and understand the primary challenges involved in coordinating research efforts across multiple institutions, including logistical, administrative, and communication barriers.

2. Develop Effective Strategies: Participants will learn and develop strategies to overcome these challenges, fostering effective collaboration and ensuring the successful integration of multidisciplinary research efforts within a unified center.

Track: Management and Operations

Speaker(s):

Thomas Long, Senior Business Director, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

The transition to Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) can be an accomplishment after years of hard work in Research Administration, but this transition often does not include a lot of training. It can be difficult to know what to sign and what to submit on behalf of your organization, especially in the current landscape of ever-changing sponsor requirements. This session will include perspectives of a seasoned AOR and a new AOR and is intended to prompt discussion among attendees about their institution’s AOR roles. 

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss the responsibilities and challenges of an AOR.

2. Share experiences among AORs and perspectives from experienced and newer AORs 

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s):

Kathleen Kreidler, Associate Vice President, Sponsored Projects, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Caroline Dietz, Manager of Institutional Wide Grants and Award Management, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

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.

Track: Professional Development 

Speaker(s):

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

Intellectual property (IP) negotiations are crucial and often one of the trickiest aspects of negotiating research agreements. This session will explore how academic institutions can navigate these negotiations and provide strategies for engaging in IP discussions with diverse partners. Key starting elements of IP negotiations will be discussed, including the importance of clearly defining the scope of work, identifying protocol authorship, and understanding the role of pre-existing IP in the research. This session will also address common sticking points of IP negotiations in research agreements, such as ownership of IP, licensed rights, and retained rights, and offer strategies to overcome these challenges through effective communication, creative solutions, and leveraging other institutional support.

Content Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand fundamental elements of IP negotiations in research agreements.

2. Develop strategies to overcome common IP negotiation challenges with different partners.

Track: Research Ethics and Compliance

Speaker(s):

Page Glumac, Manager of Sponsored Contracts, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston