SRAI Catalyst

SRAI and the Catalyst committee proudly present this newsletter, Catalyst, as an official publication featuring insights from top professionals in research management and administration, as well as updates on conferences, educational opportunities, member achievements, networking, and the latest news and trends from the field.

Featured Articles

  • Community & Member Engagement Let’s Talk About Change… We did at VA SIG Spotlight Story Special Interest Group ...

  • Community & Member Engagement The 2025 Research Admin Superlatives: A Lighthearted Look Back at the Year Spotlight Story ...

  • Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Conflict Resolution in Research: Turning Friction into Collaboration Spotlight Story ...

  • Operations & Workflow Management The Use of Generative AI in Research Grant Applications: Balancing Innovation, Transparency ...

  • Operations & Workflow Management The Role of Shared Services and Department Administrators in Sponsored Programs Spotlight ...

  • Grant Management & Financial Oversight Nothing Sparks Interest in Your Cost Procedures Like Denying an Expenditure Spotlight ...

The Latest from the Catalyst

The Catalyst e-newsletter delivers the latest in research administration—expert insights, industry news, professional development, member achievements, and conference updates. Curated by SRAI and the Catalyst Committee, it’s your go-to source for staying informed, connected, and inspired.

  • Op-Ed Deciphering the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education: Current State and Long-Term Impact Please note that the following op-ed discussion is based on the authors’ analysis ...

  • Career Growth & Leadership Why Research Administration Needs More Storytelling: Making the Quiet Wins Visible (PART I) Research administration runs on quiet wins—decisions, judgment calls, ...

  • Current Affairs Shifting Landscape: DEI Policy Changes and Their Impact on Government Funding and Institutional Practices As federal DEI priorities undergo a rapid rewrite, this article cuts ...

  • Regulatory & Compliance Oversight 5 Research Security Questions Every Study Team Should Be Able to Answer Research security doesn’t start in an office—it starts with study teams. This article ...

  • Community & Member Engagement Late Career Transitions: The Art of Embracing New Possibilities Is it ever too late to contemplate a career transition? Based on my experience, I would say the ...

  • Grant Development & Strategy Designing AI Together: Lessons From Building with Research Administrators AI in research administration works best when it's built with the people who do the work, ...

  • Grant Management & Financial Oversight Things I Wish I Knew Before Implementing a Grants Management System When you implement an EGMS, you must know your systems, map your processes, ask more ...

  • Blog Entry

    Community & Member Engagement Let’s Talk About Change… We did at VA SIG Spotlight Story Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings can act as a low-stakes environment for Research Administrators ...

  • Operations & Workflow Management AI Applications in Research Administration Operations Free open AI tools could be used with non-confidential information to strengthen communications and other ...

  • Career Growth & Leadership Unlocking Hidden Value: Why Research Administration and Compliance Professionals Should Consider the PMP Mila Babaev, CIP, reveals how everyday tasks in research administration ...

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Catalyst Quarterly

See what is inside the special magazine edition of Catalyst, featuring timely new content alongside standout pieces from the past quarter. 

Read The Latest Issue

Write for Catalyst

Want to share your knowledge, unique experiences, or specialized insights with the research administration community? Check out our submission guidelines to see how you can contribute to Catalyst!

Submission Guidelines

Catalyst Committee

The SRAI Catalyst Committee is responsible for creating and publishing SRAI's monthly electronic newsletter, Catalyst. 

Meet SRAI’s Committee Members

Meet The Editor

Farida Lada

Editor in Chief

Chief Campus Compliance Officer
University of California, San Francisco