Shaping the Future of Research Administration Together: My Vision for the SRAI Board of Directors
It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that I submit my candidacy for the SRAI Board of Directors. Having served in research administration for over a decade, most recently as Director of Sponsored Programs at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, I have witnessed firsthand the evolving challenges and opportunities in our profession. I am running for the Board because I believe in the transformative power of research and the critical role research administrators play in enabling discovery. I am committed to amplifying our collective voice, advancing the profession, and shaping the future of SRAI in ways that are inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
The strength of SRAI lies in its vibrant community – diverse in experience, discipline, and geography – yet united by a shared commitment to excellence in research administration. As a Certified Research Administrator with experience managing large and complex research portfolios, leading organizational change, and mentoring emerging professionals, I bring a strategic perspective grounded in practical leadership.
I am running for the Board to help lead SRAI into its next chapter, one that embraces adaptability, equity, and technological advancement. Our profession is at a critical juncture. The regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly, federal funding priorities are being redefined, and institutions are grappling with workforce challenges and increased expectations for compliance, transparency, and impact. In this context, SRAI must continue to be the trusted source of knowledge, training, and advocacy for research administrators at every stage of their careers.
If elected, I will champion the following priorities:
· Empowering the Next Generation: By expanding mentorship programs, creating leadership pipelines, and investing in early-career training, we can cultivate a resilient, diverse, and prepared workforce for the future.
· Strengthening Global Partnerships: Research is increasingly transnational. SRAI should foster more cross-border collaboration, resource sharing, and learning exchanges to reflect the interconnected nature of our work.
· Leveraging Innovation and Technology: From AI-assisted compliance tools to integrated systems that streamline post-award management, we must help our members adapt to, and lead in, the digital transformation of research administration.
· Promoting Inclusion and Belonging: As we grow as a profession, we must ensure that SRAI remains a space where all voices are heard, and where members from every background see themselves reflected in our leadership and programs.
SRAI has shaped my professional journey in countless ways. It has given me mentors, collaborators, lifelong colleagues, and, most importantly, a community that understands and values the invisible scaffolding research administrators provide. I am running to give back to that community and to contribute to building an SRAI that is future-ready, member-focused, and mission-driven.
Together, we can chart a bold and inclusive path forward for research administration. I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors and represent your voice in shaping that future.
Authored By:
Sam Mombou
Research Administration Leader