2025 Future of the Field Application Process

2025 Future of the Field Application Process

The Future of the Field is open to any Research Administrator with fewer than 15 years of experience in the profession, who is helping to drive and propel the profession for years to come. We're looking for rising stars who are making a significant difference in research administration. Time to put the spotlight on those who will be driving our profession forward! 

To nominate someone for this recognition:

• Complete the online form by March 14. 
  
• The individuals nominated will be contacted by SRAI to complete an application by April 26. The individual must complete the full program application to be reviewed/considered.

Self-nominees/applicants should:

• Complete the online application by April 4.
• Only individuals completing the full program application by the deadline will be reviewed/considered.
• Candidates must provide written narrative responses addressing questions within the following four sections (note the word count limit for each response). Entire form must be submitted at once, work cannot be saved and submitted later within the form.
• Provide two references we can call upon to endorse you!

Eligibility criteria:

• Currently in a Research Administration role.
• Fewer than 15 years in the Research Administration profession.
• Open to members and non-members alike.
• Individual can only be recognized in this program once.

Applications must include responses to the following criteria.

Section 1 - CAREER & DEVELOPMENT (short response, up to 200 words per question.)

• Why did you get into research administration? 
• How are you seeking growth opportunities in the field of research administration?

Section 2 - SERVICE & CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROFESSION (short response, up to 200 words per question.)

• How are you leading (formally or informally) in research administration?
• Have you recently presented at a conference or been published (within the last 5 years)? If yes, please provide a list.
• How have your actions contributed to a project or situation that gained positive attention or produced excellence results at your institution?

Section 3  - STANDING OUT (short response, up to 200 words per question.)

• What do you bring to research administration that is beyond ordinary or sets you apart from others?
• How do you influence or inspire others?

Section 4 - LOOKING AHEAD (narrative response, 400-600 words.)

• What are your career path aspirations and/or professional achievement goals for the next 5-10 years? What is your vision for doing your part to propel, elevate, or innovate research administration at your institution, and for the benefit of the profession at large? 

A special review committee will convene to evaluate each application. Applicants will be notified by June 27, 2025 and will be recognized at the 2025 SRAI Annual Meeting in San Antonio, October 18-22.

Questions?

For questions, please contact membership@srainternational.org.