Introduction to Research Administration and Management Certificate

About the Introduction to Research Administration and Management Certificate

Ideal for someone new to the profession or as a refresher for a more seasoned research administrator, The Introduction to Research Administration and Management (IRAM) certificate explores the broad scope of the multi-faceted profession of research administration.

The comprehensive curriculum - developed by some of the "best of the best" instructors in the field - provides an overview and introduction to the broad field of research administration and management. Elements of the curriculum include understanding the environment and context within which research administration is conducted as it relates to such diverse areas as:

  • research law,
  • research ethics,
  • fiscal management,
  • regulatory compliance,
  • sponsored program administration, and
  • pre- and post-award management.

Certificate Course Requirements

IRAM is comprised of one full-day workshop, four required sessions and three elective sessions. The required courses are listed below; the electives may vary from meeting-to-meeting.

Fundamentals of Research Administration and Management

(Full-day)

This workshop, intended for individuals with fewer than three years' experience, is designed to give newcomers to research administration a big picture of the profession. Topics covered will include finding funding opportunities; research development; orienting new faculty to the research environment; pre- and post-award administration and compliance; proposal development, submission, review and award negotiation; administrative and fiscal regulations; accountability and risk management; research, fiscal, and professional ethics. Emotional and social intelligence and competencies to make an effective research administrator will also be covered. 

Must take four. 

Must take one session within each category. Session titles may vary from meeting to meeting.

Research Development 

This topic area covers the activities that support the strategic direction of the institutional research enterprise, including initiatives that will grow the institution’s position in sponsored research and improve the success of proposals submitted by the institution.

Examples of sessions that would meet this requirement are:
·       identifying funding sources and matching them with faculty expertise;
·       developing investigator capacity to submit successful individual proposals;
·       promoting the development, submission and implementation of large grants, including enhancing collaboration with internal and external partners;
·       supporting research enterprise activities such as strategic research planning and communication.

Pre-Award Management and Compliance 

This topic area covers pre-award activities that impact award management.  Stewardship at the proposal stage helps ensure compliance during the life of the award.  

Examples of sessions that would meet this requirement are: 
 
• Understanding the principles and application of funder terms and conditions (such as Uniform Guidance) 
• Developing a research budget, including costing and pricing 
• Building relationships and good communication in the pre-award process 
• Managing timelines, personnel, and teams in the submission process

Legal Issues in Research Administration

This topic area covers the protection of research data and property at the institutional level, data sharing and transfer and legal issues related to working with outside entities including for-profit companies, foreign institutions and other academic entities.

Examples of sessions that would meet this requirement include any introductory session on ownership of data, intellectual property issues, Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), confidentiality, indemnification and contract negotiations.

Regulatory Compliance

This topic area covers the regulatory requirements for the institution and the researcher to conduct research including: conflict of interest; export control; human subjects and animal subjects; Responsible Conduct of Research training requirements; and environmental health and safety.

Examples of sessions that would meet this requirement include introductory sessions on the role of the IRB and the IACUC in human and animal subjects, the regulatory agencies that oversee the conduct of this research, introductory sessions on conflict of interest, conflict of interest disclosures and training, identifying research misconduct, biosafety, radiation safety and other environmental health and safety topics.

Financial Management and Compliance

Sessions in this topic area include how to adhere to federal and sponsor requirements for budgeting and spending on sponsored projects.

Examples of session content on this topic include:

  • the basics of sponsored project budgeting;
  • OMB circulars and Uniform Guidance;
  • understanding indirect costs;
  • effort reporting;
  • cost transfers;
  • expenditure monitoring; and
  • financial reporting to sponsors.

Must take three.

The elective sessions will vary meeting to meeting.

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