As I seek election as Secretary of the SRAI Board of Directors, I am energized by both the opportunities and challenges facing research administration today. Our profession is navigating a period of unprecedented change marked by evolving federal policies, increasing regulatory and compliance requirements, growing financial pressures on research institutions, and heightened expectations for transparency, accountability, and public trust. At the same time, research portfolios have become increasingly complex, requiring administrators to manage multidisciplinary collaborations, advanced technologies, large-scale data initiatives, and expanding partnerships across sectors. The continued growth of industry-sponsored clinical research has further transformed the research landscape, requiring expertise in financial feasibility, budget negotiation, contracting, participant engagement, and the stewardship of collaborative relationships among sponsors, institutions, investigators, and research participants. In this environment, research administrators are no longer viewed solely as operational support professionals; we are strategic partners, trusted advisors, and influential leaders who help drive research innovation, organizational success, and community impact.
During my candidacy for At-Large Board of Directors of SRAI in 2023 I noted elements of my foray into research administration in 1997 during a career transition from global media communications. A Duke mentor invited me to attend the founding meeting of the North Carolina Chapter. More than twenty-nine years later I am still convinced that research administration uniquely combines my passions for communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and lifelong learning.
However, one significant shift includes continued growth of industry-sponsored clinical research and public-private partnerships. Research administrators are increasingly called upon to support complex global clinical trial portfolios, negotiate innovative agreements, ensure financial sustainability, and facilitate collaborations among sponsors, investigators, institutions, and participants. As clinical research expands beyond traditional academic settings, research administrators play a critical role in ensuring studies are conducted efficiently, ethically, and with a focus on participant engagement.
In addition, artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics are transforming how we manage research portfolios, assess risk, monitor compliance, and support investigators. These technologies will not replace research administrators; they will enhance our ability to focus on strategic leadership, relationship building, and problem-solving. Equally important is our responsibility to leverage emerging technologies and learning models to improve how research knowledge is shared and applied.
The future of research administration also requires greater attention to the dissemination of research findings. Participants, patients, and communities increasingly expect to understand the outcomes of the studies they support. Innovative learning models, digital communication platforms, and community-engaged approaches can help translate complex research findings into meaningful and accessible information. Research administrators are uniquely positioned to support processes that facilitate the return of research results to participants, strengthen public trust in research, and promote broader understanding of scientific discoveries.
The future also requires us to strengthen communication and engagement across our profession. As work environments continue to evolve, SRAI must remain a vibrant community that supports members wherever they lead and serve. By leveraging technology, expanding professional development opportunities, and creating meaningful pathways for member involvement, we can ensure that SRAI remains the premier professional home for research administrators at every career stage.
My leadership philosophy centers on communication, collaboration, and connection. Throughout my career, I have worked to foster partnerships among academic institutions, government agencies, community organizations, industry sponsors, and research stakeholders. I believe these same principles can help strengthen SRAI as we prepare the next generation of leaders and navigate the evolving research enterprise.
As Secretary, I will support transparent governance, effective communication, member engagement, and strategic innovation. Together, we can continue to position research administrators as trusted partners today, and as influential leaders shaping the future of research.