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It is a challenge to stay on top of all of the changes in policy, funding programs, laws, and compliance issues that constantly impact the field of research administration. Fortunately, there is the Society of Research Administrator International (SRAI).  SRAI is an international group of professionals who are always willing to share their experiences, expertise, coping strategies and workplace humor with each other in formal and informal ways at a chapter, section, and annual meetings.

The next annual SRAI meeting will be held in San Francisco, October 19-23, 2019. The theme of this year’s meeting is, “Leading Change. Inspiring Excellence,” and the educational opportunities (full and half-day workshops, concurrent sessions, quick-talks, learning cafes and keynote presentations) all have been designed to reflect this theme throughout the meeting.

In addition, SRAI will offer four certificate programs:

• Introduction to Research Administration and Management (IRAM)
• Pre-Award (PA)
• Practice of Research Administration and Management (PRAM)
• Research Law (RL)

If you are interested in pursuing a certificate in these areas, more information on the certificate programs can be found on the SRAI website.

Registrants also will receive continuing education units and credit for all modules and plenaries they attend. Individuals interested in pursuing the Certified Research Administrators (CRA) credential will be interested to know that the RACC accepts credit for all modules and plenaries participants attend during the SRAI annual meeting. CPE Credit for Certified Public Accountants (CPA's) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit is also  available. See the SRAI website for more information on these options.

This year, a wide variety of concurrent sessions will be offered across eight tracks. Each concurrent session will be presented in a 60-minute format this year to accommodate more of the quality educational topics proposed by this year’s presenters.  Offerings include topical presentations, case studies, discussions, panels and/or step-by-step demonstrations. A new Quick Talk format has also been added to provide participants with short but valuable bursts of information in a quick 15-20 minute session.  

In addition to the formal opportunities for education and training, there will be ample opportunity to interact informally and network with other research administrators from around the world.  Have a problem that is driving you up the wall?  You can be sure that someone at the annual meeting is facing or has faced the same problem. This is your opportunity to share the pain and possibly gain some new problem-solving ideas.

In short, there is something for everyone at this year’s SRAI annual meeting.  Haven’t’ registered yet?  Here’s a good place to start.   See you in San Francisco!