Research in practice involves undertaking research to improve performance, processes, effectiveness, efficiencies, and close knowledge gaps within the profession. Engaging in (and keeping up to date with) research relating to research administration itself can help support continuous professional development. In the field of education, research in practice has been used to improve teacher performance, classroom management, and professional development. Currently, there are only a handful of research professional journals dedicated to the field of research administration. This includes The Society of Research Administration (SRAI)’s Journal of Research Administration (JRA), the Journal of Research Management and Administration (JoRMA), and Research Management Review.
To break it down further, research in practice delivers professional development advantages in the following ways:
Evidence-informed Collaboration
Engagement in research practice creates opportunities for collaboration and networking with like-minded professionals both within and across organizations. For example, in 2023, I partnered with a research administrator from another institution on a funding proposal, an experience that led to a sustained professional relationship. Such collaborations not only strengthen professional networks but also address existing knowledge gaps in the field. Nonetheless, engagement in scholarly research among research administrators remains limited, as reflected in the relatively low volume of publications and professional contributions available today.
Improved Communication Skills
Most research administration professional societies organize annual conferences, creating a platform for members to present their work through live sessions, workshops, or even poster presentations. Engaging in research in practice allows research administrators to share their findings at such events, creating valuable opportunities for professional exchange. In turn, presenting at conferences can strengthen communication skills and foster an environment where research can truly move forward.
To stay updated with the latest research in research administration, professionals must take individual responsibility—such as subscribing to journals such as the JRA, JoRMA, and Research Management Review. Other valuable sources include professional newsletters like SRAI’s Catalyst or Federal Pulse, conferences, training sessions, and other networking opportunities through professional associations. Relatively few research administrators actively engage in research that could support their own professional development and advance the field.
How to Participate in Professional Research
Studies have shown that most research administrators are highly educated, with many holding master's or doctoral degrees. These professional degrees highlight well-cultivated investigative skills, as well as the ability to organize information—abilities that are employed on a daily basis by most research administrators. Other competencies include data analysis, financial management, and critical thinking. Therefore, research administrators are already well equipped to identify areas for improvement within the profession and explore solutions.
Several years ago, I wanted to look into the various pathways in research administration to help plan my career trajectory, but could not find any articles of substance. I embarked on a personal journey through the internet, manually collating advertised positions in research administration in Australia within the past two years. Through this endeavor, I was able to better identify the career possibilities to map out my future. Not only that, I presented the findings at multiple conferences, two professional development sessions, and a manuscript submission to the JRA. In another instance of unbridled curiosity, I compiled a bibliometric analysis of articles published in the same Journal. The study outlined common research areas between 2019 and 2025; I then used that data to predict future publication trends.