Program

This year’s Global Research Management Summit will bring together thought leaders, experts, and professionals from across the globe to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange best practices, and explore the latest trends shaping research administration.

Attendees will have access to a rich program of sessions, workshops, and collaborative forums designed to expand knowledge, spark innovation, and equip participants with the tools needed to break down barriers in the field. Beyond learning, the Summit offers opportunities to build connections, foster inclusive practices, and strengthen the global community of research managers and administrators.

Concurrent Sessions

A Concurrent Session is a 60-minute session that could be in the form of presentation, case study, discussion, panel or step-by-step presentation. The majority of sessions at SRAI meetings typically fit in this category and form the core of conference offerings. Presenters are encouraged to use active learning techniques to engage audiences, distribute materials, and respond to follow-up requests for more information. The Concurrent Sessions are marked with an "T," or "W" for the day of the week that they are presented, followed by the time slot. 

See All Session Offerings

Pre-conference Workshops

Pre-conference Workshops are 3 ½ or 7-hour deep dives into specific learning topics, led by one or more experts. These are designed to allow attendees to explore an area of interest, learn new skills and develop new strategies. Workshops may include more hands-on exercises, discussion groups, and other in-depth experiences. Workshops are offered on Monday only. The workshops are marked with "WS." Pre-conference Workshops are an additional fee and are NOT included in the meeting registration.

Monday - April 27th

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Coming Soon

Speaker(s): Coming Soon

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Coming Soon
Speaker: Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Speaker(s): Ali Hussaini, Senior Grants Manager, Aga Khan University

 This workshop targets a central challenge for pre-award research managers: how to support researchers in writing successful, competitive funding applications. Drawing on a structured framework used in peer-review panels and proposal development coaching, the workshop explores what sets funded proposals apart from rejected ones.
 
During the workshop participants will work with real successful and unsuccessful grant applications (anonymized), to gain deeper insights into the key features that influence reviewers’ decisions. Using an established set of guiding questions and reviewer criteria, participants will learn how to critically analyze proposals, provide constructive feedback, and guide researchers through effective revisions.
 
We also explore how generative AI can be used responsibly and effectively in the context of proposal development: not as a replacement for expert judgment, but as a support tool to identify linguistic weaknesses, structural gaps, and areas where clarity, novelty, or impact could be enhanced.
 
Target Audience: Pre-award research managers and advisors involved in proposal development support.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify the most common features that distinguish successful from rejected research proposals
  2. Practice providing evidence-based, constructive feedback to researchers

Track: Sponsors and Funding Agencies

Speaker(s): Anders Wennstroem, Director and CEO, Profectus Academy, Dr. Folmer Bokma

1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

This half-day workshop offers research administrators and other non-lawyers an expert-led overview of research contracts. The session will cover the structure and purpose of common contract types, highlight frequently encountered terms and conditions, and explain their practical implications for managing research projects. Designed for participants without a legal background, the workshop emphasizes clarity, context, and best practices for supporting compliant and effective research agreements.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

  1. Gain a foundational understanding of the key components of research contracts and their role in supporting sponsored projects.
  2. Develop the ability to identify potential risks, obligations, and points of negotiation in research agreements.

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s): Timothy Gehret, Associate Director, Georgia State University, Graham Cowan, Senior Legal Counsel, Khalifa University

Certificates

The SRAI Certificate Program offers comprehensive training specific to today’s educational needs of research administrators & managers.

Two certificates will be offered at the Global Research Management Summit: 

  • Global Research Management (GRM)

    Designed for those working in an international research and research management context, this certificate provides RMAs with tools and insights to navigate an increasingly complex global research landscape, such as navigating complex legal frameworks and exploring cross-country funding strategies.

  • Leadership (LD)

    Covering essential leadership, communication, and management skills needed to effectively guide research operations, covering topics such as team building, change management, diversity, risk, and ethical decision-making.

Certificate Guidelines 

The Society of Research Administrators International maintains 10 Certificate programs encompassing every aspect of Research Administration – Hospitals, Universities, Nonprofits, and Commercial Institutions. SRA International’s Certificate programs offer comprehensive training specific to today’s educational needs of research administrators.

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.

    The curriculum for each program includes required workshop(s), four (4) to eight (8) required sessions and one (1) to six (6) elective sessions.

    Certificate Tracking Booklet

    The Certificate tracking booklet allows members to easily record their progress. You can write in the name of the meeting and the year on the line that corresponds with the session or workshop. 
     
    Downloadable Certificate Tracking Booklet Coming Soon

    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. 

    Tracks

    Six specialized tracks tailored for research management professionals. Each track provides in-depth insights into key aspects of the research lifecycle.

    Bridging perspectives to secure and manage global funding

    • Gain valuable insights: The track explores the perspectives, priorities, and expectations of diverse funding agencies—public, private, and philanthropic. Sessions will showcase best practices for effective communication with sponsors, understanding funding landscapes, and strategies for securing and managing grants.
    • Engage in dialogue: Connect with international private and public funders and those receiving funding to enhance understanding between sponsors and research organizations.

    Shaping RMA’s future through emerging technologies and new organizational frameworks

    • Explore emerging technologies: Dynamic and interactive sessions will dive into the use of emerging technologies and systems as crucial components for the future of research management. Emphasis will be placed on integrating AI and machine learning tools to streamline operations while considering the ethical challenges that come with the use of such tools.
    • Transform research management offices: Discover how shifting from traditional hierarchies to adaptive, agile structures can help RMAs remain resilient in a rapidly evolving global research ecosystem.

    Navigating evolving regulations for ethical, compliant research

    • Explore the complex world of research regulations: This track provides in-depth analyses of current standards, emerging policies, and future trends across different regions. Stay informed and compliant in this age of growing international collaboration.
    • Navigate cross-border complexities: Emphasis will be placed on understanding the interface between different regulatory systems and practices across borders. Sessions will highlight strategies for effective collaboration that respect local laws, ethics, and institutional policies.
    • Perspectives on regional variations: Compare and contrast regulatory requirements in regions such as MENA, Africa, and Asia, providing professionals with nuanced insights into local best practices.

    Building leadership capacity and professional capabilities in research management

    • Cultivate a skilled RMA workforce: This track emphasizes both individual development and building successful teams. Participate in leadership training, skill-building workshops, and mentorship sessions designed to prepare you for advancement in research management.
    • Adapt to hybrid and multi-national environments: Explore strategies for effective collaboration among globally dispersed teams in an increasingly hybrid and multi-national environment. Learn how to manage communication channels, cultural nuances, and virtual workflows.
    • Professionalism and recognition: Understand how professionalization efforts—from certification programs to peer recognition—can elevate the status and influence of RMAs worldwide.

    Building impactful research collaborations across borders

    • Foster equitable international collaborations: This track explores methods for creating and sustaining fair partnerships among funding bodies, research organizations, and communities. Identify how to promote mutual benefit and shared decision-making.
    • Enhance research development: Share and gain practical tips for topics such as grant writing, funding strategies, budget development, and grant submissions that foster interdisciplinary collaboration in a global research environment.
    • Navigate cultural and ethical dimensions: Understand the cultural and ethical considerations involved in international research collaborations, ensuring respectful and effective cooperation across borders.

    Driving impact and community engagement in research

    • Highlight the shift to output-driven research: Discuss strategies for leveraging research discoveries to address local and global challenges. Share insights on technology transfer, commercialization, and strategic partnerships that turn ideas into viable solutions.
    • Explore approaches to measuring and maximizing impact: This track will also examine methods for assessing research impact while critically evaluating performance indicators. Sessions will cover assessment tools, techniques for amplifying research findings, and strategies to ensure research contributes to societal and scientific progress.
    • Discuss changes in publication requirements: This track provides a platform to discuss these changes and examine trends toward open access, public dissemination, and the budgetary implications of making research widely available.

    Symposium

    SRAI's Symposium is a great way to get involved at the Global Research Management Summit. Showcase your expertise in research administration through an academic or professional poster that advances the SRAI Body of Knowledge, highlighting theories, case studies, successes, or innovations.. These posters aren't just displays; they're presentations of innovation and insight that push the boundaries of research administration and management, enriching and advancing our profession.

    Learn More About the Symposium in Dubai

    Abu Dhabi Immersive Study Tour

    Extend your Global Research Management Summit (GRMS) experience by immersing yourself in the United Arab Emirates’ dynamic capital city. This three-day Abu Dhabi Study Tour offers unparalleled access to some of the region’s most forward-looking universities and research institutions.

    Learn More About the Study Tour