Why is it that even when supposedly fully staffed, our workloads are still so overwhelming? Simply put, because fully staffed is not the same thing as adequately staffed. If there are no vacancies and our employees are still overwhelmed, the problem may be rooted in a miscalculation of the number of positions needed to handle the workload in the current environment. Traditional methods of measuring the staffing needs of a department often neglect significant realities around the cognitive nature of the work we do, the amount of non-transactional activities we engage in, and most importantly the high variability of knowledge and experience within the workforce. A more robust and sustainable model of staffing is possible when we start thinking and talking about our profession and the workforce in a more comprehensive, reality-based way. This workshop presents a bold new way of assessing the needs of research administration offices that will result in more balanced workloads, greater employee retention, and more compliant operations.  During this interactive workshop, attendees will apply concepts learned in the context of their own office arrangements.  We will assess the composition of their current workforce and determine the capacity FTE (cFTE) of their employees.  We will discuss at a high level how to more comprehensively assess the workloads of their offices and strategize ways to advocate for additional positions using data points translated to dollars.  Attendees will leave with a foundation from which to build more thoughtful workload assessments and staffing models.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

1. Develop a more comprehensive assessment of the human resources required for a successful unit.

2. Advocate for appropriate staffing levels using data-driven evidence and language.   

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s): Lacey Rhea, Associate Director, Academic Finance & Administration, Duke University

This 60-minute didactic workshop is for research administrators looking to support NIH grant applications during the pre-award phase. This session provides a structured overview of the NIH application process, including funding opportunity announcements (FOAs), eligibility considerations, and required application components. Participants will learn how to read and interpret NIH policies and submission requirements, understand key deadlines and internal review processes, and recognize common compliance and administrative pitfalls that can delay or jeopardize submission. Practical examples and best-practice tips will be shared to strengthen pre-award support and improve coordination with principal investigators.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

1. identify and describe the key components and timelines of the NIH pre-award process 
2. Evaluate and assess an NIH application for compliance and completeness

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s): Aubri Drake, Grants Manager of Sponsored Research, Smith College

Collaboration is at the heart of research—but before data, materials, or confidential information can be shared, the right agreements need to be in place. This 60 minute session takes a practical and approachable look at three common (and misunderstood) tools in the research administrator’s toolkit: Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), and Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs).

Designed for research administrators, contracts professionals, and compliance partners, this session breaks down what each agreement is for, when it is needed, and which agreements are most often mistaken for one another. Using real world scenarios and plain language explanations, we’ll walk through common triggers, frequent pitfalls, and best practices for supporting investigators while protecting institutional interests.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how MTAs, DUAs, and CDAs fit into the research lifecycle and how to confidently explain these agreements to stakeholders who just want to “share the data already.” Whether you’re new to research contracts or looking to sharpen your approach, this session offers practical insights you can apply—no law degree required."

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

1. Distinguish between MTAs, DUAs, and CDAs and understand when each is required
2. Identify common risks and negotiation challenges associated with MTAs, DUAs, and CDAs

Track: Contracts & Law

Speaker(s): Kristin Cress, Manager, Contracts, The Ohio State University

Clinical trials represent a distinct subset of research dedicated to evaluating new medical treatments, procedures, and behavioral interventions for both safety and efficacy. Due to the inherent complexity of this field, many research administrators who do not frequently engage with clinical trials may find the information overwhelming, particularly because of unfamiliarity with specific vocabulary, regulations, processes, and the various roles within study teams. This session aims to clarify the complexities of clinical trials by addressing fundamental topics, including their definitions, common terminology, the clinical trial life cycle, and other essential concepts that participants may encounter. Additionally, this session will explore how research administrators can effectively interact with and support clinical trials in both pre-award and post-award contexts. This session is tailored to provide introductory information about clinical trials for research administrators who occasionally engage with this area or are curious about clinical trials. By equipping research administrators with foundational yet essential knowledge regarding clinical trials will be empowered to participate more effectively in discussions, raise pertinent questions, and contribute to decision-making in this dynamic and vital area of research. For further in-depth insights into clinical trials, participants are encouraged to explore the additional sessions and resources offered by SRAI.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the basics of clinical trials for those who do not regularly interact with this type of research.

2. Identify the roles research administrators play within clinical trials.

Track: Clinical and Translational Research 

Speaker(s): Katherine Bui, Senior Clinical Trial Research Process Manager, Stanford University

1) Provide a summary of the Attain Partners report issued for AAU and COGR and also provided to the JAG committee members and to Congress.
2) Update on Interview with GAO regarding the GAO congressional "study on the comprehensive review of indirect costs for conducting federally supported research" 
3) Update on the current indirect cost environment
4) Current practice and new strategies for fringe benefit costing

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

1. Participants will have a clearer understanding of the current environment for indirect and fringe benefit costs
2. Participants will be updated on the headwinds facing the research community regarding the current environment for recovering costs on federal grants and contracts

Track: Financial and Cost Accounting

Speaker(s): Wallace Davis, Partner, Attain Partners, Mike Leon, Senior Manager, Attain Partners

Research administrators are increasingly expected to support complex policy and compliance environments with limited resources. This session explores how free and open-source AI tools can be used to support the development of policies, procedures, best practices, and internal guidance. Emphasizing practical use cases, the presentation demonstrates how AI can function as a collaborative companion (not a replacement!) for the research administrator.

Content level: Intermediate 

Learning objectives:

1. Identify practical ways to use free, open-source AI tools to support the development of research administration policies, procedures, and best practices.
2.  Apply strategies for integrating AI as a collaborative tool while maintaining professional judgment, compliance awareness, and institutional accountability.

Track: Compliance & Ethics

Speaker(s): Jeff Derr, Manager, Attain Partners

This session will give RAs new to training grants a primer on navigating pre- and post-award best practices with training grants.  Participants will explore key funding mechanisms of training grants. Using NIH T32s and NSF REUs as examples we will dive into training grant specific proposal requirements - including data tables and mentor training expectations. Then we’ll walk through how to implement the training grant once it is awarded.  Participants will discuss tracking expenses by trainee, compliance with unique budget categories, and keeping tabs on individual trainee requirements. Finally, assess training participant sense of belonging and ways to evaluate and improve the program.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives: 

1. Identify common training grant funding mechanisms and common training grant specific proposal requirements.
2. Determine implementation steps of a training grant once it’s awarded.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s): Erin Pyrek, Finance Specialist II, Cornell University, Krys Lynam, Sr. Research Training Specialist, University of Kentucky

Are you new to Research Administration and feel like you’re drowning in all the acronyms, and new terms?  Are you looking for suggestions on where to find information to help understand this complicated field?  Where can you go when you have questions- especially if you don’t have experienced people to mentor you in your current office.  This session will provide a review of some common acronyms, some definitions, and sources of assistance to give you a smooth start in this exciting and complicated profession.

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

1. Identify several sources of assistance in resolving research administration issues.
2. Understand common terms used in the research administration field.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s): Martha Stephens, Emeritus Director of Research Services, University of Oklahoma

Coming Soon

Speaker(s): Tonya Edvalson, Policy and Projects Analyst, University of California, Los Angeles

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives: 

1. Gain a better understand the non-financial post-award responsibilities of a central office RA.
2. Increase knowledge of RA roles and possible post-award non-financial best practices.

Track: Financial and Cost Accounting

Speaker(s): Sean Scott, Contract Manager, University of Maryland, College Park

In today’s dynamic research environment, effective collaboration between Principal Investigators (PIs) and Research Administrators is essential for successful project outcomes. Both the PIs and administrators have the same end goal, but the path to get to the ending results is laced with interpersonal dynamics and individual working styles. This session explores proven strategies to bridge communication gaps, align goals, and build strong working relationships that drive innovation and compliance. Participants will learn how to enhance mutual understanding, streamline administrative processes, and cultivate a collaborative culture within their institutions. Join us to discover actionable insights and foster connections that empower both PIs and administrators to achieve excellence in research management. 

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

1. Identify effective strategies for enhancing communication and collaboration between Principal Investigators and Research Administrators throughout the research lifecycle.
2. Apply practical tools and approaches to build a mutual understanding, streamline administrative processes, and foster a culture of teamwork in research environments. 

Track: Professional Development

Speaker(s): Megan Kyle, Grants & Contracts Supervisor, The University of Chicago, Kayleigh Edgar, Pre-Award Services Coordinator, The Office of Pre-Award Services

Content level: Basic

Learning objectives:

1. Apply practical strategies to align proposal narratives, budgets, and scope with sponsor requirements and investigator intent.
2. Recognize the pre-award professional’s role as a strategic partner in developing compliant, competitive proposals.

Track: Pre-Award

Speaker(s): Kayleigh Edgar, Pre-Award Services Coordinator, The Office of Pre-Award Services, Marissa Gannon, Pre-Award Services Coordinator, University of Wyoming

The increase in use of AI in clinical trials has demonstrated the need to rethinking CTA terms around data protection and privacy terms. I aim to delve deep into the basics of AI and how it impacts the Data concerns in clinical trial. Many institutions are currently hesitant to allow the data to be used for Machine learning and AI modelling, however with deeper understanding, the issues around data protection could be handled by balancing ethical/ responsible use of AI and advancement of research.  

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the impact of use of AI in clinical trials.
2. Understand the current data protection approached in clinical trial contracts.

Track: Contracts & Law

Speaker(s): Vassupradha Rengarajan, Senior Contract Analyst, University of Arizona

This session will provide a practical, step-by-step overview of effective patient recruitment and enrollment strategies in community-based and outpatient clinical research settings. Drawing from real-world experience in patient screening, physician engagement, and site operations, the presenter will share proven approaches to improving enrollment efficiency, data quality, and participant retention.
Participants will learn how to build strong referral networks with physicians, optimize pre-screening workflows, and address common barriers that delay enrollment, including eligibility misalignment, patient hesitancy, and operational bottlenecks. The session will include brief case examples from active clinical studies to illustrate how targeted outreach, clear communication, and structured follow-up can significantly improve recruitment performance.
Active learning techniques will be used, including interactive polling and short scenario discussions, to help attendees apply these strategies to their own institutions. Attendees will leave with practical tools, sample workflows, and actionable checklists that can be immediately implemented to strengthen recruitment and retention across the research lifecycle.
This session is designed for research administrators, coordinators, and site staff involved in participant recruitment, feasibility assessment, and trial operations who are seeking practical, field-tested methods to enhance study start-up and enrollment success.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

1. By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify and implement at least three practical strategies to improve patient recruitment and screening efficiency in community-based and outpatient clinical trial settings.
2. By the end of this session, participants will be able to analyze common operational barriers to enrollment and apply structured workflows and follow-up processes to improve participant retention and study start-up timelines.

Track: Clinical and Translational Research

Speaker(s): Saleem Sajwani, Business Development Associate , Pioneer Research Solutions Inc

With the current retention problems and high turnover rates in research administration contributing to higher than ever workloads, veteran RAs can often find themselves falling behind on their reconciliations or RAs will join a team and take over portfolios that have been long neglected and need in-depth clean-up. Post-award crisis management and clean-up is very different from routine reconciling and requires a different approach than standard account maintenance. In this session we will discuss why we are in crisis, specific tools, processes and methods to clean up grants in crisis, and ways to minimize future crises. The goal of the session is to empower RAs to understand that crisis, while a natural part of our industry, can be managed with the right approach! This includes both central and departmental perspectives, and highlights collaborative efforts in problem solving. 

Content level: Intermediate

Learning objectives:

1. Attendees will learn tips and tricks for reviewing portfolios that have been unmanaged for a prolonged period of time.
2. We will cover techniques to develop tools that can analyze data and determine what needs to be corrected in the context of the bigger picture. 

Track: Financial and Cost Accounting

Speaker(s): Minessa Konecky, Research Administrative Consultant, Minessa InK, Saira Valley, Post Award Crisis Management, Minessa InK