This track highlights the strategic activities that strengthen institutional research success. Core topics include proposal planning—from concept development to crafting competitive submissions—and approaches for advancing team science, such as building effective multidisciplinary collaborations. Sessions may also focus on identifying funding opportunities, using tools and intelligence to match emerging ideas with sponsor priorities, as well as comprehensive faculty support, including coaching, capacity-building, and resources that enhance research competitiveness and long-term growth.

This track focuses on the practical, operational components required to produce complete and compliant proposal packages. Core topics include developing accurate and sponsor-aligned budgets, crafting clear and defensible budget justifications, and conducting thorough compliance checks to ensure proposals meet all institutional and sponsor requirements. Sessions may also cover effective use of electronic systems, including routing, approvals, and sponsor submission portals, to streamline workflows and reduce administrative burden.

This track addresses the critical steps that occur once a project is selected for funding. Sessions may focus on reviewing award terms to assess obligations, risks, and institutional alignment; setting up agreements including contracts, subawards, and internal documentation; and understanding sponsor requirements related to reporting, deliverables, allowable costs, and compliance expectations. Content may also explore negotiation strategies that protect institutional interests while fostering strong sponsor relationships.

This track focuses on strengthening the skills and capacity of individuals working in research administration. Sessions may explore strategies for building leadership capacity, including decision-making, team management, and leading through change. Topics can also include strengthening communication skills for working effectively with investigators, colleagues, and stakeholders, as well as supporting career advancement through mentorship, competency development, and pathways for growth within the profession.

This track focuses on the unique challenges and strategies for small and emerging research institutions working to grow their research enterprise. Sessions may explore approaches for building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening administrative support, developing faculty research capabilities, and leveraging limited resources. Content may also highlight partnership models, targeted investments, workforce development, and practical tools that help institutions navigate constraints while expanding their research footprint and competitiveness.

This track examines the policies and practices that ensure ethical and compliant proposal development. Sessions may address managing disclosures related to conflicts of interest and commitment, navigating concerns around foreign influence, and understanding the evolving regulatory environment that shapes pre-award activities. Content can also focus on building institutional practices that promote transparency, mitigate risk, and uphold research integrity from the earliest stages of the funding process.

The Pre-Award Certificate is comprised of two half-day workshops, four required sessions and one elective session. The required courses are listed below; the electives will vary meeting-to-meeting.

SRAI members have up to three years to complete the courses from a specific Certificate program requirement, allowing you greater flexibility to manage time, travel and budget constraints. 

Certificate program course credit is earned and awarded only if full SRAI membership is in effect at the time the course is taken. In other words, only full members may receive credit for taking Certificate program workshops and sessions. Chapter members, non-members and those with lapsed membership will not receive educational credit for any Certificate program sessions or workshops taken during this time.