Navigating the 2024 SRAI VICRA Conference: Insights from a First-Time Attendee
As the field of research administration and management continues to evolve, staying abreast of the latest practices, policies, and processes is essential for professionals in the field. Against this backdrop, SRAI’s Virtual International Convention for Research Administrators (VICRA) stands as a premier platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. The Practice of Research Administration and Management (PRAM) certificate, offered at the convention, has become a hallmark for those with four or more years of experience in research administration, indicating a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.
VICRA’s program design has a thematic focus on building research capacity and advancing practice and collaboration. The PRAM certificate sessions further developed participants’ knowledge base through presentations on research administration fundamentals. Leadership development and process management strategies were explored as essential skills for the multi-faceted role of successful research administrators.
Key highlights for building and increasing research capacity included:
- Understanding the research lifecycle as a framework for research support and achievements
- Mastering budgeting and resource allocation strategies to achieve funding success
- Creating a process reference model to enhance efficiency when designing standardized workflows and procedures for optimal organizational performance
- Navigating the complex landscape of research governance by understanding guidelines to ensure compliance and accountability.
Skills to advance practice and collaboration can be refined through these techniques:
- Analyzing strategies for research and faculty development that support professional growth and scholarly objectives of faculty members
- Cultivating interdisciplinary collaborations to promote research mentorship and partnership
- Mastering the art of working with a diverse landscape of funders from federal and state agencies to private and non-profit organizations to secure sustainable funding for research initiatives
- Examining best practices in research integrity, ethical standards, and accountability to ensure responsible stewardship of resources to maintain public trust and confidence in research administration.
Panel discussions with questions and answers provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and seek guidance from seasoned professionals across the international field of research administration. The interactive nature of these sessions fostered collaboration and networking among attendees, enriching the overall convention experience.
As a first-time VICRA attendee, the experience was both enriching and transformative. From gaining insights into best practices and dynamic trends to forging meaningful connections with peers, the convention provided a valuable opportunity for professional growth and development. I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills acquired, along with the expertise attained from my PRAM certification to my work as a research administrator and grants officer at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. I look forward to contributing to the advancement of research administration in Makerere University and beyond.
Click here to learn more about SRAI’s Certificate Program.
Authored by Boniconsilli Tusiime, Grants Officer
Makerere University College of Health Sciences