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. 

Tuesday - April 28th

Wednesday - April 29th

Tuesday - April 28th

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM

In the intricate world of research management, success is rarely a solo journey. Mentorship and networking together act as twin engines of professional growth: one offering guidance and resilience, the other opening doors and building meaningful connections. This session takes a fresh, engaging look at how these practices shape careers, foster collaboration across borders, and cultivate a thriving RMA community. Through real-life stories, practical tips, and a touch of humor, we will interactively explore how mentorship provides a safe space for experimentation, nurtures creativity, and accelerates learning, while networking equips professionals with the tools, mindset, and confidence to build authentic, lasting connections. Attendees will uncover the power of a gift, learn effective instruments of networking, and take away the ten do’s and don’ts for maintaining trust and professional relationships.

The session also highlights modern, flexible approaches - leveraging technology, social media, and curiosity-driven engagement - while dispelling common myths, such as the “grass is greener” illusion. Ultimately, we will celebrate mentorship and networking as dialogues, where laughter, generosity, and shared experiences spark innovation and opportunity. Participants will leave inspired with strategies to not only grow their careers but also enrich the professional journeys of others.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Apply mentorship and networking together to build adaptability, resilience, and authentic connections.
  2. Use practical tools, mindsets, and strategies to strengthen professional growth and career development

Track: Professional Development 

Leadership Certificate Required Session:  Professional Development (LD-VI)

Speaker(s): Floris van der Leest, Manager, Research Performance Information, University of the Sunshine Coast, Distinguished Faculty

This session will explore the role of the Research Development Offices (RDOs) to connect researchers and funding agencies aiming to strengthen international research collaborations —particularly between research institutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income nations. We will present a triangular model of collaboration that builds institutional capacity and promotes equitable engagement across regions and sectors to develop research with global impact. As an illustrative case, we will draw on the final report of a British Academy-funded initiative led by Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) in Brazil, which convened regional workshops to foster dialogue among researchers, research managers and funders at local and international level. The initiative mapped structural barriers and identified strategies to overcome the challenges enhancing the role of RDOs in supporting long-term, inclusive, and transparent partnerships. Participants will gain practical insights into how RDOs can act as bridges between institutional priorities and international funding opportunities, how it can better support equityable-oriented collaboration, and how communication strategies can enhance transparency, engagement, and impact. The session will combine conceptual framing with real-world case studies and an open discussion, offering participants replicable strategies to strengthen research ecosystems and navigate the complexities of global cooperation.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Define actions to be implemented by research offices to align objectives of researchers and funders in order to support equitable and impactful international partnerships.
  2. Assess how institutional support structures—such as RDOs—can be leveraged to reduce power asymmetries, strengthen engagement in global research networks, and apply communication strategies that incr

Track: International Collaborations

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Communication, Cultural Intelligence & Partnership Management (GRM-IV)

Speaker(s): Goret Paulo, Director of Research and Innovation , Fundação Getulio Vargas, Tamara Marques, Coordinator of International Partnerships, Fundação Getulio Vargas

Research administration has shifted beyond financial oversight into a complex regulatory environment. Today’s audits and investigations increasingly focus on conflicts of interest, research security, and other support, with federal agencies requiring advanced training and robust compliance. Simultaneously, institutions face heightened scrutiny over safeguarding sensitive data and integrating security practices across the research lifecycle—from proposal development to project closeout. This session explores strategies for proper disclosures, embedding research security through cross-functional collaboration, and managing regulatory investigations. Attendees will gain practical insights to strengthen compliance, protect institutional integrity, and meet evolving federal and global mandates.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. 1. a framework for aligning research administration practices with the evolving federal sponsor expectations and scope of audits and investigations including regulatory priorities beyond financial compliance.
    2. Identify key areas of regulatory focus such as conflicts of interest, research security, and other support.
    3. Learn effective strategies for managing regulatory investigations.
    4. Best practices for cultivating a proactive, compliance-focused research culture.

Track: Regulatory Landscapes

Leadership Certificate Required Session:  Risk Management and Compliance (LD-VIII)

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Research Governance, Legal & Compliance (GRM-I)

Speaker(s): Denise Clark, Associate Vice President for Research Administration, University of Maryland, Ann Holmes, Senior College Budget Officer Emeritus, University of Maryland College Park

The contemporary higher education landscape faces unprecedented challenges in managing the complex post-award grant lifecycle, where researchers increasingly find themselves overwhelmed by administrative obligations that detract from their core mission of advancing knowledge. This abstract examines the transformative impact of post-award grant management automation software on university research ecosystems, revealing how intelligent systems are revolutionizing the relationship between administrative efficiency and research productivity.


Post-award grant management automation represents a paradigmatic shift from traditional manual processes to sophisticated digital frameworks that fundamentally reshape how universities handle funded research projects. The implementation of these automated systems generates substantial benefits that cascade throughout the entire research enterprise, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond mere administrative convenience.
The most immediate and profound benefit is the dramatic reduction in administrative burden, where researchers experience liberation from time-consuming bureaucratic tasks that previously consumed weeks of valuable research time. This transformation allows faculty to redirect their intellectual energy toward groundbreaking research activities rather than navigating complex compliance requirements and repetitive data entry processes. Simultaneously, automation significantly improves data accuracy while eliminating costly duplication errors that frequently plague manual systems, creating robust data integrity that protects both institutional reputation and researcher careers.


Enhanced compliance management emerges as a critical advantage, particularly as federal regulations become increasingly stringent. Automated systems proactively track grant expenditures, ensure adherence to Uniform Guidance requirements, and prevent compliance penalties that could jeopardize future funding opportunities. This protective capability provides researchers with confidence and security, knowing their projects operate within established regulatory frameworks without constant manual oversight.
The acceleration of fund disbursement through automation dramatically impacts research timelines, enabling projects to commence more rapidly and maintain momentum throughout their lifecycle. Coupled with streamlined communication and collaboration features, these systems create transparent project environments where milestones, budgets, and team responsibilities are clearly defined and easily accessible to all stakeholders.


Automated reporting and analytics capabilities transform how institutions understand and optimize their research portfolios. These systems generate comprehensive reports effortlessly while providing valuable insights into research performance, funding patterns, and strategic opportunities. The centralization of data management creates unified information repositories that eliminate information silos and enhance institutional knowledge management.
The cumulative impact of these benefits creates operational efficiency gains that are quantifiably significant. Universities report hundreds of hours annually saved in grant administration, time that can be reinvested in research activities, faculty development, and strategic initiatives. The transformation extends beyond mere efficiency improvements to fundamental changes in how researchers experience their professional lives.


Post-award grant management automation software represents more than technological advancement; it embodies a philosophical shift toward empowering researchers to focus on their core mission while intelligent systems handle administrative complexities. My experience at Ashoka University with facts exemplifies this transformation - what began as a necessity to manage growing research portfolios has evolved into a strategic advantage that enhances our institutional competitiveness. The Media Studies and Visual Arts Departments now operate with unprecedented efficiency, where researchers express genuine excitement about project management rather than dread about administrative obligations. This transformation ultimately accelerates discovery, enhances institutional competitiveness, and creates sustainable frameworks for managing increasingly complex research funding landscapes. As universities continue embracing these technologies, the boundary between administrative burden and research brilliance continues to blur, creating new possibilities for academic achievement and societal impact."

Content level: Basic 

Learning objectives:

  1. Learn the benefits of automation in post award grant management 
  2. Learn the key process of implementation of such automation 

Track: RMA Futurescapes

Speaker: Uttkarsha, Deputy Manger - Academic Support, Ashoka University

The global research funding landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift from a focus on discovery and applied research, to research which will deliver societal benefit.  This presentation analyses this funding trend across countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, using Australia's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) as a prime example of impact-focused funding.

We present a detailed case study of how RMIT University and Impact Research Management Ltd worked with RMIT’s research community to co-design a comprehensive roadmap to respond to this evolving landscape. 

Our highly collaborative approach resulted in a shared vision which harnessed and built upon RMIT’s multi-disciplinary research culture to strengthen the potential to leverage MRFF investment.  Through the development of a practical framework and alignment with strategy, RMIT has been able to prioritise areas of focus, resources, support and engagement activities to enable attraction of funding to support the delivery of health and medical research outcomes. 

The session will share analysis of research impact driven funding landscape, lessons learnt from the co-designed methodology, potential initiatives to support research for impact, and implementation challenges. 

Content level: Advanced

Learning objectives:

  1. Participants will acquire actionable insights and tools to prepare their own research communities for impact-focused funding landscapes
  2. Participants will learn about stakeholder engagement strategies and framework development approaches that can be adapted to their institutional contexts.

Track: Sponsors & Funding Agencies

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Research Impact, Valorization & Leadership (GRM-V)

Speaker(s): Jane Holt, Executive Director, Research Strategy & Services, RMIT University, Rochelle Finlay, Director, Impact Research Management Ltd

The successful administration of research grants is critical for sustaining higher education institutions and Caribbean institutions often encounter significant challenges that can jeopardize grant implementation, leading to delays, underutilization of funds, and even project failure. This presentation, ‘Ensuring Grant Success: Detecting and Addressing Challenges in Higher Education Research Funding’ addresses the early warning signs of grant mismanagement and offers strategic solutions to mitigate risks associated with research funding.
This session will highlight several critical challenges faced by Principal Investigators (PIs) and institutional grant management offices. Key issues include PIs securing funding but struggling with execution, insufficient project management support, budget misalignment, rigid donor requirements, high import duties affecting procurement, and delays due to regulatory compliance. Additional concerns such as academic misconduct, legal issues involving PIs, and the lack of contingency planning for leadership transitions will also be explored.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

  1. Equip attendees with practical strategies for early identification and resolution of challenges in sponsored research, focusing on budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management.
  2. Diversify Funding Portfolio to Strengthen Resiliency for Science and Innovation

Track: International Collaborations 

Speaker(s): Louri Clare, Financial Manager - Budgets & Grants Management, The University of the West Indies, PetaGaye Allen, Sponsored Research Analyst, The University of the West Indies, Sandra Gayle, Sponsored Research Analyst, The University of the West Indies

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

The demand for skilled RMA professionals is critical, especially in regions that are emerging in the research ecosystem. This interactive session addresses the dual challenge of immediate workforce gaps and long-term capacity building by exploring practical, on-the-job strategies for upskilling RMA staff amid staffing shortages and evolving institutional demands.
 
Participants will engage with tested approaches to developing and retaining high-performing RMA teams. The session also delves into the role of cultural context—how local values, norms, and organizational dynamics influence team development, leadership styles, and capacity-building outcomes. This session offers actionable insights to help build resilient, culturally attuned RMA infrastructures whether in mature research ecosystems or in regions where talent pipelines are still emerging.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Insights into regional funding restrictions whether it be from an operations perspective or from the perspective of developing research collaborations with institutions with regional restrictions. 
  2. Build-in strategies in Sponsor, Pre-Award and Post-Award operations for research award success.

Track: Professional Development 

Leadership Certificate Required Session: Team Building (LD-II)

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Communication, Cultural Intelligence & Partnership Management (GRM-IV)

Speaker(s): Dr. Jaiyana Bux, Acting Associate Director Internal Programs & Research Development, Khalifa University, Cira Mathis, Director of Research Institute Strategy and Public Engagement, New York University Abu Dhabi, Aseela Al Dhaheri, Research Programs Senior Specialist, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research

The Universidad de los Andes (Chile) is implementing Building an Open Scientific Community, a two-year initiative funded by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID). The project aims to establish a sustainable culture of open science aligned with Chile’s Open Access Policy and international standards, addressing gaps in governance, infrastructure, training, and dissemination.


The initiative is organized around four pillars: (1) develop a governance framework and institutional policy on open science, including regulatory updates and incentives for researchers; (2) implement interoperable infrastructure to manage and preserve research data and publications; (3) deliver a comprehensive training program incorporating pedagogical strategies, specialized reference services, and ethics and integrity practices; and (4) expand visibility and networking to position UANDES in national and international open science communities, while engaging civil society.
Expected outcomes include a formalized institutional open access policy, fully operational repositories, systematic training, and active participation in global networks—strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing research visibility, and embedding open science principles across the academic community.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify strategies for implementing governance frameworks, infrastructure, and training programs that support the adoption of open science practices within higher education institutions.
  2. Assess approaches to building institutional capacity and global networks that enhance research visibility, promote data sharing, and engage civil society in advancing open science.

Track: International Collaborations 

Speaker(s): Pia Trivelli, UANDES Open Science Project Executive Director, Universidad de los Andes, Dr. Carolina Melo, UANDES Library Director and UANDES Open Science Project Director, Universidad de los Andes

Achieving research impact where scientific findings translate into real world improvements in health, policy, and practice requires more than rigorous science. It demands strategic communication, meaningful collaboration, and strong engagement with communities and policymakers. The Medical Research Council Unit Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRCG@LSHTM) offers a compelling case study in how these elements can come together to deliver tangible outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings. The Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRCG@LSHTM) exemplifies a model of achieving research impact through strategic communication and collaboration. The unit since its establishment has evolved into a premier research institution in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on health research to save lives and improve health across the world.
1.Influence on Public Health Policy
MRCG@LSHTM's research has directly informed national health policies in The Gambia. A notable example is the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into the country's Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in August 2013. This decision was based on findings from an international study, involving MRCG@LSHTM researchers, which confirmed that rotavirus was a leading cause of diarrheal disease among infants in developing countries.
 
2. Enhancement of Clinical Practice
MRCG@LSHTM has facilitated improvements in clinical practice through collaborative initiatives. For instance, the introduction of a secure online teleradiology system enabled remote consultations with expert radiologists. This system has enhanced the diagnostic capabilities of healthcare providers in The Gambia, contributing to better patient care.
3. Community Engagement and Capacity Building
The unit has actively engaged with local communities to enhance health outcomes. Through the RHOST project, MRCG@LSHTM collaborated with village health workers (VHWs) to improve malaria treatment practices. Training provided by the project increased VHWs' knowledge and equipped them with necessary tools, leading to improved community health services.
4. Strengthening Regional Partnerships
MRCG@LSHTM has established strategic partnerships to bolster regional health research. Collaborations with institutions such as the Institute Pasteur de Dakar have focused on critical health initiatives, including vaccine development and clinical trials. These partnerships aim to advance health outcomes and combat diseases prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.
The unit's collaborations extend regionally and internationally. A notable partnership with Institute Pasteur de Dakar focused on vaccine development and surveillance, addressing emerging diseases like Zika and Dengue in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, collaborations with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research have strengthened ties in areas such as malaria, tuberculosis, and antimicrobial resistance
5. Contributions to Outbreak Preparedness
In partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), MRCG@LSHTM co-leads the Regional Preparedness and Response to Viral Threats in West Africa (RPPWA) program. This initiative focuses on strengthening clinical research capacity and outbreak preparedness in the region, ensuring that infrastructure developed is accessible to external stakeholders conducting clinical research.
Global health impact
MRCG@LSHTM's research is deeply embedded in community health systems. Programs like RHOST have enhanced the roles of Village Health Workers by providing training and resources, leading to improved malaria treatment and increased community trust in health interventions. The unit also operates the Gate Clinic, which serves as both a research site and a healthcare provider, treating approximately 50,000 patients annually 

Content level: Advanced

Learning objectives:

  1. Examine the role of communication strategies in disseminating research findings to policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public.
  2. Assess the impact of stakeholder engagement, including community involvement, in enhancing the relevance and uptake of research. 
  3. Identify key enablers and barriers to achieving research impact within the context of The Gambia and similar settings

Track: Output Driven Research

Speaker(s): Abdoulie Sohna, Project Manager, Mrc At Lsthhm, Dembo Kanteh, Acting Head of the Research Support Office and Head of Strategic Partnership, Medical Research Council Gambia, Isatou Foon, Program Manager, Medical Research Council

Due diligence is a risk mitigation process that extends beyond merely protecting the financial resources of projects. It involves a systematic review of the institutional processes, procedures, and governance structures that ensure the integrity of research conduct. This process helps mitigate risks, promotes best practices, and provides assurance that the research institution possesses the capacity and expertise necessary to undertake the proposed research, training, or activities underpining the responsible conduct of research. This act alone sets the foundation for research compliance.
 
As the research ecosystem evolves across disciplines and borders, the role of due diligence in fostering compliance has become increasingly critical, shaping the integrity and trustworthiness of scientific and scholarly work. This process ensures that everyone involved in research is aware of their responsibility to adhere to all requirements—legal, regulatory, and guideline-based—from conception to dissemination.
 
Due diligence is carried out at various levels by different parties, making it a responsibility that can be transferred between them. The manner in which due diligence is conducted is influenced by the risk appetite of the involved institutions, as well as their reputation and standing in the environment. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the lead Research organisation to establish their risk appetite. 
 
It is now common practice for institutions to undergo a due diligence process before receiving funding for their research. For universities and research institutions in the West African region, this process can be daunting, as many of them are unfamiliar with the requirements and unable to meet the necessary criteria. The inconsistent approach to conducting due diligence, coupled with an underdeveloped research ecosystem, further complicates matters for these institutions. To address this challenge, there is a need for a consistent methodology in the conduct of due diligence, as well as recognition of the limitations faced by these institutions, with support to help them overcome these obstacles. Various initiatives have been introduced to ensure the success of due diligence processes, enabling these organisations to strengthen their systems. This session will focus on providing the owners and implementers of due diligence how the process can be improved to allow for a more effective process rather than making it a tick box exercise. 

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Develop a common understanding of the due diligence process and the challenges it poses to developing research institutions. 
  2. Identify practical steps that can be taken to support institutions undergoing due diligence successfully improve their governance systems 

Track: Regulatory Landscapes

Leadership Certificate Required Session: Elective

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Research Governance, Legal & Compliance (GRM-I)

Speaker(s): Elizabeth Batchilly, Director of Operations,  WARIMA

Artificial intelligence (AI) use in research, especially large language models (LLMs) and machine learning, is increasing at an exceptionally rapid pace.  Researchers can now immediately incorporate AI platforms and resources that are under constant and remarkably quick development.  And while research institutions know that AI holds tremendous promise for improving and accelerating research, they face substantial challenges in building both AI capacity and oversight of the ethical use of AI in research.
 
This session will first focus on capacity-building through a model where institutional stakeholders are involved in the Global Research Alliance for AI in Learning and Education (GRAILE) and the US-based Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium, while also strategically designing a large research-intensive university’s AI initiatives, focusing on innovation, education, and ethical leadership.  Under the auspices of a research administrator, the model allows for the centralization and expansion of current AI capabilities to advance research.
 
The session will then focus on the development of guidelines and policies on the use of AI in research. With little precedent and few compliance requirements, combined with an ever-evolving discourse on the ethical use of AI in research, it is particularly challenging for a research administrator to determine when such a policy is needed and what to include.  Fundamental topics for AI in research policies that will be discussed include AI authorship and citation, research misconduct, use restrictions, human research participant protections, data security, and incidental usage.

Content level: Intermediate 

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify mechanisms to improve AI capacity for researchers through an institutional framework.
  2. Describe why policies on AI use in research are needed and what they should include.

Track: RMA Futurescapes

Leadership Certificate Required Session: Elective

Speaker(s): Stacy Pritt, Associate Vice Chancellor & Chief Research Compliance Officer, Texas A&M University System, Distinguished Faculty, Dr. Henry Fadamiro, Associate Vice President for Research, Strategic Initiatives, Division of Research, Professor, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Texas A&M University

In an era where transparency and research integrity are non-negotiable, ORCID’s persistent identifiers (PIDs) and provenance-rich assertions enable research organizations to move beyond hard-to-scale “identity verification” and toward “identity demonstration”, a practical, auditable way for people and systems to show who did what, where, and when. This session translates that principle into day-to-day Research Administration: pre-award (proposal routing, biosketches), post-award (reporting, effort validation), compliance (COI/COC, clinical trial registration), and scholarly communications (repositories/CRIS).
 
We’ll walk through a realistic, multi-stakeholder case (PI + departmental admin + ORIS/OSP + library/CRIS) to model how trusted affiliations, works, grants, and datasets flow into ORCID records via member integrations—creating a transparent career timeline with machine-actionable provenance. Participants will map those flows to their own systems (HR, CRIS, repository, grant eRA), identify quick-win integrations, and draft a lightweight governance checklist (consent, assertion sources, QA, KPIs). You’ll leave with templates and talking points to accelerate an ORCID-powered integrity strategy that improves discoverability, reduces admin burden, and strengthens institutional compliance—while aligning with SRAI’s emphasis on interactive, actionable learning.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen institutional policies and support a more robust Sponsored Research framework in Higher Education Institutions.
  2. Build an action plan that prioritizes 3 quick-win integrations or policy updates (e.g., department-level ORCID collection practice, repository push of DOIs with ORCID iDs, CRIS-to-ORCID affiliation assertions)

Track: Output Driven Research

Speaker(s): Dr. Paloma Marín-Arraiza, Associate Director of Engagement, ORCID, Ivo Wijnbergen, Director of Engagement, ORCID

1:40 PM - 2:40 PM

Research administration is an increasingly recognized profession, with established degrees and certifications in some regions. Yet worldwide, many institutions—especially universities—must operate without such structured career pipelines. This reality requires leaders to look beyond conventional hiring pools to find and develop talent. Professionals in NGOs, community programs, government agencies, and other administrative settings often possess transferable skills that can translate seamlessly into research administration, even if the profession is not formally established in their context. This session, tailored primarily for university research administrators but relevant across sectors, explores how to recognize administrative talent in under-recognized global communities, reframe job requirements, and build inclusive recruitment pipelines that expand opportunities across borders. Through practical frameworks, and interactive exercises, participants will gain tools to strengthen their own teams by tapping into overlooked global talent and cultivating robust, diverse offices that reflect the international nature of research.

Content level: Immediate 

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify transferable skills and core competencies in diverse, non-traditional backgrounds that are applicable to research administration roles.
  2. Design inclusive recruitment and mentorship strategies that build a globally representative, resilient research administration workforce.

Track: Professional Development

Leadership Certificate Required Session: Recruitment and Retention (LD-IV)

Speaker(s): Kathleen Furr, Associate Vice President for Research, Oklahoma University - Heath Campus, Rashid Khan, Research Finance Specialist, Khalifa University, Ingrid Liekens, Director of Research Services, American University of Sharjah

BRIDGE, reflects the essence of my topic, connecting researchers, communities, and institutions across borders through reciprocity, equity, and ethical engagement. In an increasingly interconnected research landscape, the ability to manage international collaborations equitably and efficiently is vital. 
 
In an increasingly interconnected global research environment, equitable collaboration is critical—but not always easy to achieve. This 60-minute interactive session—BRIDGE: Building Reciprocal, Inclusive & Diverse Global Engagements in Research—draws on the lived experience of Aga Khan University (AKU), Pakistan’s leading institution in research management, and a long-standing partner of global funders including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, World Bank, Gavi, and Wellcome Trust.
 
Through case studies, tools, and practical dialogue, this session explores how to foster equitable international partnerships, enhance institutional research development, and navigate the cultural and ethical dimensions of cross-border research.
 
Participants will learn how AKU builds and sustains fair partnerships—across Asia, Africa, and beyond—grounded in mutual benefit, shared decision-making, and community relevance. We’ll share real-world examples of how interdisciplinary teams structure agreements, develop responsive budgets, co-author protocols, and ensure compliance with funder expectations without compromising local autonomy.
 
The session features:
 
Presentation: An overview of AKU’s research governance model, focusing on North-South and South-South equity frameworks.
 
Case Study: A maternal health project funded by the Gates Foundation, highlighting operational lessons and ethical challenges across multi-country settings.
 
Step-by-Step Guide: Walkthrough of practical tools for grant development, budgeting, MOU templates, and funder compliance.
 
Panel Discussion: Diverse voices from partner institutions across South Asia and Africa will share strategies for local capacity building and inclusive leadership.
 
Audience Engagement: Real-time polling, resource sharing, and Q&A.
 
Participants will leave with ready-to-use templates, a resource packet, and concrete ideas for embedding equity, strengthening global collaboration, and addressing cultural and ethical complexities in research management.
 
Active Learning & Takeaways:
 
Participants will:
 
Gain field-tested tools and templates to initiate or enhance global collaborations.
 
Understand how to embed equity and inclusion into research governance.
 
Leave with concrete steps to strengthen research management in diverse settings.
 
Join a growing network of institutions advancing ethical, community-centered global research.

Content level: Immediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Analyze real-world challenges and successes in managing complex collaborations.
  2. Apply key tools and templates in their own institutional settings.

Track: International Collaborations

Leadership Certificate Required Session: Diversity in the Workforce (LD-III)

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Communication, Cultural Intelligence & Partnership Management (GRM-IV)

Speaker: Ali Hussaini, Senior Grants Manager, Aga Khan University

The last decade has seen a proliferation of global initiatives that have foregrounded responsible assessment practices across various levels (research; researchers; research organisations) and domains (e.g., bibliometric use; scholarly communications; rankings; open science) of research as a critical pre-requisite to ensuring its quality, integrity and impact. In parallel, the growing emphasis on output-driven research underscores the need for assessment mechanisms that not only move beyond traditional metrics but also account for the broader societal relevance of research - recognising and incentivising diverse outputs that contribute meaningfully to local and global challenges.
 
Both issues highlight the importance of context-driven approaches to research assessment - not only in terms of the tools and resources used, but also the wider environments in which those tools are deployed. This perspective necessarily calls attention to role and influence of those institutional priorities, wider regulatory frameworks, and global initiatives like university rankings that shape how evaluation practices are understood and applied. Embedding these considerations within a broader discussion of the drivers and barriers of research evaluation offers a valuable opportunity to critically reflect on how and why assessments are used, and the benefits and challenges these pose.  
 
This session proposes an interactive discussion with conference attendees to explore what responsible research assessment looks like across diverse institutional contexts, and differentially resourced regulatory and research ecosystems. 
 
It will do so by presenting two responsible research assessment initiatives created by the International Network of Research Management Societies’ (INORMS) Research Evaluation Group. 
 
1. The SCOPE Framework – which bridges the gap between responsible research assessment principles and their implementation via a five-stage model and practical step-by-step process to help research managers, or anyone involved in planning, conducting and reviewing research evaluations.
 
2. More Than Our Rank (MTOR): developed in response to some of the problematic features and effects of the global university rankings, MTOR enables academic institutions to qualitatively and narratively highlight the various ways they serve the world that are not reflected in their ranking position. It is open to all universities, including those who are proud of their ranking but also recognize the limitations of the indicators used, and for those who feel that the rankings do not reflect their strengths or institutional mission. 
 
The session will facilitate open dialogue with attendees on the perceived benefits and challenges of these tools, particularly in the context of more publication dominant research evaluation systems. Questions will seek to establish how generalisable tools that emphasise a context-first approach can be, how they might be better adapted to support more equitable and inclusive forms of research assessment, and the types of resources that could more effectively support their adaptation to the diverse goals, outputs, and missions of research communities globally.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand how responsible research assessment principles may or may not be applied across diverse institutional contexts
  2. Identify key drivers and barriers influencing the incentivization of research assessment practices within varied regulatory and resource environments

Track: Output Driven Research

Leadership Certificate Required Session: Change Management (LD- I)

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Research Impact, Valorization & Leadership (GRM-V)

Speaker(s): William Bramwell, Senior Policy and Networks Manager, INORMS Research Evaluation Group / Association of Commonwealth Universities

The US government expects an extraordinary level of transparency, openness, and accountability by recipients of US government research funds -- including from non-US institutions that are recipients or subrecipients of US grant funds (which is increasingly difficult). 
 
Recipient institutions have been audited and scrutinized heavily in recent years.  Current and pending US legislation also promotes intensive accountability by recipients of US federal funds.  This session centers on key audit areas and compliance exposures for non-US institutions participating in US government-funded projects.   
 
We will start the session by diving directly into 5 hot compliance areas currently on the radar for US government authorities, and which often involve non-US recipients or subrecipients: 1.  Inadequate time and effort recording; 2. Failure to obtain prior approvals for certain award activity (new collaborators, foreign components, rebudgeting, etc.); 3. Mishandling research misconduct allegations; 4. Research security, supply chain and cybersecurity; and 5. Undisclosed conflicts of interest.
 
The key take away message for the audience is the following:  compliance with US government funding policies and procedures is getting more and more difficult, and has challenged some of the most prominent research institutions in the world.  There is much to learn from experiences of peers to help improve outcomes in this area. 
 
The audience will benefit from a US perspective, particularly as international scientific collaborations have matured over time.  This is an evolving area, and US sponsoring agencies have revamped and updated expectations and guidance over the past years.   Accordingly, institutions must devote resources to keeping up with developments and improving their overall understanding of key financial and scientific elements of US government grants and contracts.  We aim to include discussion time for the audience to articulate best practices and approaches to dealing with US government requirements.

Content level: Intermediate 

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify the most salient audit and compliance areas when participating in US-government-funded projects
  2. Deploy strategies to mitigate risk of noncompliance with US government funding terms

Track: Regulatory Landscapes

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Research Finance & Resource Management (GRM-II)

Speaker(s): William Ferreira, Partner, Hogan Lovells, Amanda Ferguson, Higher Ed Consulting Director, Huron

There is an urgent need to prioritize domestic financing and building resilient financing in strengthening health system is essential to reducing inequities and ensuring none is left behind, boost productivity, improve educational outcomes, and fuel broader economic growth through industrialization, tourism, and innovation. Yet, challenges persist, including low insurance coverage (less than 5%), inefficient resource allocation, and fragmented health systems, which continue to hinder progress.
 
The financing landscape is changing rapidly. We must now look inward and adopt reforms that ensure sustainable and dependable and comprehensive set of health financing interventions including to increase domestic resource mobilization, improve health financing efficiency, enhance equity and financial protection, and strengthen governance and financial accountability and efficiency, non-negotiable in increasing the health budget allocation from 2% to 5% of GDP, while navigating the market volatility.
 
As sustainable nontraditional financing mechanisms  is essential to navigate and challenge to external shocks, responsive to the people's needs, and rooted in national ownership continues to gain momentum on all aspects of this sector, including financial services regulations, environmental and social standards compliance, and equity and debt investments such as sustainability-linked loans, green bonds and green loans, green and social infrastructure or structuring sustainability-linked financing for corporate borrowers.

Content level: Advanced

Learning objectives:

  1. Charting a path toward increased non-traditional domestic financial resource mobilization, efficiency, equity, and sustainability strategic actions, to strengthen domestic financing innovative mechanisms reforms and policies.
  2. Call for action on the urgency of adopting non-traditional homegrown, sustainable solutions to government, corporate body, investors, firms, experts and policymakers, financial institutions, researcher, philanthropists, diaspora and essentially strategic.

Track: RMA Futurescapes

Speaker: Dr. Ernest Tambo, Implementation MERL and Grants Writer, University of Global Health Equity

This session will explore the evolving landscape of research security and dual-use technologies through a comparative lens, examining legal and policy frameworks across Asia, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the United States. Participants will gain insights into how different regions define and regulate dual-use research, manage institutional risks, and balance scientific openness with national security imperatives. The discussion will highlight best practices and emerging trends to help research managers navigate compliance and foster responsible international collaboration.

Track: Regulatory Landscapes

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Research Governance, Legal & Compliance (GRM-I)

Speaker(s): Coming Soon

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This session unlocks leadership strategies that ignite powerful transformation within research enterprises. Participants will explore how learning styles, leadership models, and organizational dynamics become catalysts for expanding research capacity and elevating institutional performance. Through an dive into servant, transformational, transactional, and resonant leadership, the session reveals how research leaders can redesign systems, inspire teams, rebuild trust with PIs, and modernize operations using innovation and design-thinking tools. 
Attendees will walk away with a dynamic framework for leading culture change, strengthening compliance and service, and driving research growth—especially within mission-driven or resource-constrained institutions striving to break through structural barriers and build sustainable, high-performing research ecosystems
 
Content level: Intermediate
 
Learning objectives: 
Discover high-impact leadership strategies that shift research culture, boost PI confidence, and elevate research administration performance by weaving together learning styles, leadership theory, and real-world transformation practices.
Leverage innovation, organizational analysis, and systems-design techniques to identify structural barriers and implement leadership-driven solutions that expand research capacity and accelerate institutional momentum—even in under-resourced or equity-challenged environments
 
Track: Professional Development
Leadership Certificate Required Session: Leadership Theory and Practice (LD-V)
Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Research Impact, Valorization & Leadership (GRM-V)
Speaker: Marchon Jackson, Associate Vice President of Research, Howard University

The CHAIN Network is a Global South-led research collaboration focused on understanding child mortality in Africa and South Asia. Coordinated from Nairobi, Kenya, it brought together multidisciplinary teams across countries in Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Burkina Faso), Asia (Bangladesh, Pakistan), and partners in Europe and North America. CHAIN faced and addressed several key challenges common in international research partnerships, including aligning budgets with actual work at local sites, clarifying roles across diverse institutions, ensuring inclusive and equitable decision-making, and managing power dynamics with Global North donors. Through transparent governance, locally driven priority-setting, and fair resource distribution, CHAIN maintained scientific integrity while empowering leadership from the Global South. The network offers a valuable model for future consortia aiming to build sustainable research capacity and leadership in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating that impactful, equitable collaboration is possible when local voices are central to the research process.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand the unique challenges faced by Global South-led research collaborations, particularly in multi-country, multidisciplinary contexts.
  2. Apply lessons from CHAIN to design or improve collaborative research models that prioritize local ownership and capacity building

Track: International Collaborations

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Communication, Cultural Intelligence & Partnership Management (GRM-IV)

Speaker: Martin Muthomi, Programme Manager, Strategy and Planning, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme

Research Management Offices are no longer just administrative units; they are evolving into strategic partners driving institutional excellence. This session focuses on how research offices can leverage data analytics and open science principles to strengthen decision-making and compliance—without requiring technical expertise.
Participants will explore practical strategies to transition from static spreadsheets to actionable intelligence, using dashboards to monitor proposal pipelines, success rates, ROI, and collaborations. The discussion emphasizes what to measure, why it matters, and how RMAs can lead the process, even if they are not IT specialists.
The session also introduces the emerging role of Open Data Stewards—professionals within research offices responsible for data sharing compliance, FAIR principles, and open science mandates. These roles are increasingly critical as global funders (EU Horizon, NIH, QNRF) require Data Management Plans and transparency in research outputs.
Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for building a data-driven and compliance-ready research office, applicable to institutions across the GCC and beyond. By focusing on strategy, governance, and collaboration, RMAs can champion digital transformation and position their organizations for global competitiveness.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify key research KPIs and how they influence institutional strategy.
  2. Understand the steps to plan dashboards without technical skills. 3.Explain the importance and responsibilities of Open Data Stewards for compliance and transparency.

Track: Output Driven Research

Speaker(s): Anu Kuriakose, Proposal Lead, Sponsored Research Office, HBKU 

Research integrity underpins trustworthy research, yet it relies not only on researchers but also on the systems, policies, and people that support them. This interactive, hour-long session explores how institutions worldwide are cultivating cultures of integrity, and what can happen when those cultures fail.
 
We begin with the core principles of research integrity - honesty, accountability, fairness, transparency, respect, and stewardship - and will examine how these translate into practice across disciplines and contexts. Participants will investigate a spectrum of research behaviours, from responsible conduct through questionable research practices (QRPs) to the most serious forms of misconduct: fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
 
Through case studies of high-profile integrity breaches, we will consider the ripple effects on individuals, entire disciplines, and public trust. Using Mentimeter activities, participants will actively share their perceptions and experiences, setting the stage for discussion on why institutional responses sometimes succeed — and sometimes fail.
 
Building on global frameworks, the session highlights strategies to promote fairness, openness, and responsible assessment practices across borders, addressing systemic challenges such as the replication crisis, authorship disputes, and the emergence of predatory publishers and paper mills.
 
Finally, we spotlight the pivotal role of Research Managers and Administrators. Positioned at the frontline of research, they are often the first to detect irregularities, guide responsible practices, and foster environments where integrity becomes the norm. The session closes with actionable takeaways, empowering participants to translate insights into practice within their own institutions.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

  1. Evaluate research behaviours and institutional practices to identify risks and opportunities for fostering integrity across disciplines and international contexts.
  2. Apply strategies and global frameworks to promote responsible research practices and support a culture of integrity within their own institutions.

Track: Regulatory Landscapes

Global Research Management Certificate Required Session: Communication, Cultural Intelligence & Partnership Management (GRM-IV)

Speaker(s): Floris van der Leest, Manager, Research Performance Information, University of the Sunshine Coast, Distinguished Faculty, Sidney Engelbrecht, Senior Research Compliance Specialist, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology

Evaluating research programs is crucial for determining a program's effectiveness, efficiency, and impact, leading to informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and better resource allocation. By understanding the successes and failures of a program, decision-makers can guide future planning, resource allocation, and policy development. Evaluation provides actionable recommendations to enhance program design, delivery, and outcomes, ensuring they meet the needs of the target audience. Program evaluations demonstrate transparency and accountability to stakeholders, funders, and the public by showing the results of invested resources. Evaluation determines if a program is achieving its objectives, producing the desired results, and using its resources effectively. Insights from evaluations help identify best practices, discontinue ineffective strategies Demonstrating a program's impact and effectiveness provides a solid basis for securing continued or new funding from investors and other sources. Evaluations also allow for the collection of feedback from researchers and other stakeholders to understand their experiences and gauge the program's suitability for its intended purpose within the framework of a given institution. The Session would aim at presenting how institutions create and navigate these evaluations. Three presenters from different Institutions, would make 15-minute presentations with 15 minutes allowed for questions.

Content level: Advanced

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand the importance of 360 evaluation of research programs
  2. Understand that different models of research program evaluations are available and the differences amongst them

Track: Sponsors & Funding Agencies

Speaker(s): Dr. Luis Rizzo, Director of Research and Development, Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein, Dr. Antonio Coutinho, Fundação Champalimaud, Patrice Debre, Advisor to AVIESAN, the Delegation of International Relations and the Directorate of Clinical Research and Innovation, AP-H

Great research deserves to be understood beyond academic circles. This session will look at how we can communicate research in ways that are clear, engaging, and meaningful to wider audiences, including funders, partners, policymakers, and the public. We will discuss how strong storytelling can help research stand out, build trust, and show why it matters in the real world, with practical ideas that researchers and research administrators can apply right away.

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify the elements of research storytelling
  2. Understanding and utilizing channels of communications effectively

Track: RMA Futurescapes

Speaker(s): Min Sohn Pullan, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, External Relations and Communications, NYU Abu Dhabi

4:10 PM - 5:30 PM

African research managers are operating in a dynamic and increasingly complex environment. With domestic funding becoming more competitive and international sources constrained by global budget cuts, the profession must evolve to remain strategically relevant. Research management professionals are vital to shaping equitable programmes, securing partnerships, and demonstrating the value of research and innovation across the continent. However, responses to these challenges vary widely across institutions and countries.
This presentation introduces the International Professional Recognition Council (IPRC), an Africa-led initiative that recognises and elevates research managers through a peer-reviewed, competency-based framework. By aligning professional standards with continental realities and supporting initiatives, the IPRC is building a coherent, visible cohort of skilled practitioners. The session will explore how professional recognition strengthens institutional capacity, enhances research governance, and drives innovation—ultimately contributing to a more resilient and impactful African research ecosystem.

Content level: Advanced

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand the evolving role of RMAs in Africa’s research ecosystem.
  2. Gain insight into the IPRC’s recognition framework and professional designations.

Speaker(s):Pamisha Pillay, Director: Research & Consulting Services, Wits Enterprise, Karin Dyason, SARIMA, Garry Aslanyan, TDR/WHO

The research enterprise is undergoing a significant shift. Driven by the permanence of hybrid work, the rise of AI augmentation, and the increasing complexity of interdisciplinary science, traditional top-down hierarchies are failing to keep pace. This panel suggests that Research Management Offices (RMOs) must urgently move beyond reactive bureaucracy to embrace flexible, outcome-driven designs.
 
We present three integrated frameworks for this organizational redesign. First, Hemansi addresses Structure, advocating for a shift from rigid verticality to Adaptive Agile Frameworks. Through an Ashoka University case study, she demonstrates how cross-functional matrix teams can dismantle silos and accelerate responsiveness. Second, Breeden and Quartiero address Operations via Lean Management Systems. Leveraging data from an NSF GRANTED project, they show how "Lean" principles can eliminate administrative bottlenecks and reduce burnout, aligning workflows with strategic priorities. Finally, Moo addresses the Professional Agency through the "Navigator’s Equilibrium." She challenges the gatekeeper mindset, proposing a governance model in which research administrators serve as empowered partners who balance risk stewardship with the agility required for discovery.
 
The session concludes with a facilitated dialogue on managing the tension between stability and innovation. Participants will engage in a collaborative discussion to identify actionable takeaways for transforming their own RMOs into resilient, future-ready organizations.

Content level: Coming Soon

Learning objectives:

  1. Identify Structural Limitations: Recognize the specific ways traditional hierarchies struggle to support modern, hybrid, and interdisciplinary research environments.
  2. Explore Adaptive Concepts: Gain a high-level introduction to how principles from Agile, Lean, and Strategic Navigation can be applied to streamline research administration.
  3. Reimagine the Administrator Role: Discuss strategies for shifting the organizational mindset from reactive compliance ("error avoidance") to proactive, outcome-driven support.

Leadership Certificate Required Session: Recruitment and Retention (LD-IV)

Speaker(s): Hemansi , Research Administrator, Ashoka University, Amanda Breeden, Associate Chief, Research, Denver Health & Hospital Authority, Nicole Quartiero, Director, Research Project Management, Notre Dame, Eva Moo, Assistant Director, Grants Support & Consultancy,

Moderator: David Junsong Huang, Associate Dean, Research Administration and Support, Nanyang Technological University

We are witnessing an era characterized by geopolitical instability, marked by shifting international alliances, regional conflicts, and unpredictable policy changes. This tumultuous landscape presents unprecedented challenges for the research ecosystem, affecting funding flows, international collaborations, data governance, and the mobility of talent. As we face these uncertainties, how do we continue to cultivate a sustainable and resilient RMA workforce?
 
This panel will bring together senior research managers and administrators from the USA, Europe, Africa, and India to explore effective strategies for developing a workforce adept at navigating these challenging times. Drawing on case studies from India and global best practices, the session will emphasize adaptive leadership models, capacity-building frameworks, and institutional policies that promote agility and preparedness. The session will also cover the following: 
 
• Strategic Competency Development: Training in forecasting, contingency planning, and crisis management to equip RMA professionals with the skills needed to respond effectively to unexpected challenges.
• Institutional Support Systems: Implementing flexible operational frameworks, secure remote communication systems, and automating administrative workflows to enhance efficiency and adaptability.
• Support from Regional RMA Associations: Creating sustainable cross-learning platforms and building robust networks to facilitate collaboration among RMA professionals.
• Policy Advocacy and Engagement: Strategies for engaging with and influencing national and local policymakers, fostering trust in the research management profession.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Exploring Innovative Work Practices: Understanding new methodologies in the current research environment and how they can enhance resilience.
  2. Identifying Essential Skills: Recognizing the competencies required for becoming a dynamic and adaptable research manager or administrator.

Speaker(s): Dr. Madhuri Dutta, Head Strategic Partnerships and Commissioned Research, The George Institute for Global Health, Rosemary Madnick, Vice President, Research Administration, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation

"The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is rapidly expanding its investment in research and development, creating significant opportunities for global academic collaboration and innovation. This panel brings together representatives from leading national funding agencies and research foundations across the GCC to demystify the regional funding landscape. Designed for research administrators, grant writers, and institutional leaders, this moderated discussion will provide practical insights into securing support for projects within and outside the region.The panel will address crucial questions, including the structure of recurring, multi-year funding mechanisms; specific eligibility requirements for international and regional Principal Investigators (PIs); current and emerging research focus areas; and proven strategies for establishing successful cross-border collaborations that are attractive to GCC-based funders. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to align their proposals with the strategic R&D visions driving research investment in the Gulf.
Objectives/Outcomes:
1. Clearly articulate the current research priorities and available funding instruments of key GCC agencies to an audience of global research administrators
2. Provide actionable guidance on optimizing proposal alignment and fostering effective institutional partnerships to maximize GCC funding for R&D."

Track: Sponsors & Funding Agencies

Speaker(s): Coming Soon

This session will take the form of a panel discussion, bringing together a diverse group of speakers and practitioners. Panellists will include representatives from EU Delegations across the Gulf, experts from academia, and contributors from the United Nations University – Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS). Together, they will explore how research management can become a strategic enabler of global engagement in a region marked by rapid technological transformation and complex geopolitical dynamics.
 
In today’s interconnected landscape, research administrators operate at the interface of science, policy, and diplomacy, where building strong cross-border relationships is essential for addressing shared global challenges. This panel will examine how research management practices can effectively support collaboration within and beyond the Middle East.
 
The discussion will focus on three key dimensions:
 
  1. Science Diplomacy in Practice: How research managers can act as bridge-builders across institutions, cultures, and geopolitical contexts, enabling trust, dialogue, and joint problem-solving.
  2. Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs): Opportunities and challenges linked to hydrogen technologies, advanced materials, renewable energy, and other critical EDTs shaping regional and global agendas.
  3. Funding Pathways for Global Engagement: Practical insights into EU programmes (e.g., Horizon Europe), EU–GCC cooperation mechanisms, regional funding initiatives, and partnership instruments supporting collaborative research, capacity building, and innovation ecosystems.
By combining case studies, policy perspectives, and on-the-ground experience, the panel will demonstrate how research administrators can leverage science diplomacy and strategic funding tools to support transformative research and build sustainable international partnerships.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand how science diplomacy practices enhance international research collaboration and explore opportunities and challenges of managing research in emerging technologies.
  2.  Gain insights into funding options available for global engagement, with a focus on EU and Middle East initiatives and learn practical strategies for fostering sustainable, trust-based partnerships across diverse research ecosystems.

Speaker(s): Dr. Luca Polizzi, Manager Strategy and Program Reviews, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Silke Blohm, Director, 4Sciences Group Ltd, Distinguished Faculty