Future of the Field

Recognizing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Research Administration

SRAI’s Future of the Field Program celebrates the rising stars of research administration—innovators and emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the profession. These exceptional individuals are making an impact today while paving the way for tomorrow.

Get to know the standout professionals who are redefining what’s possible in research administration. The 2025 Rising Stars are bold thinkers, problem-solvers, and changemakers making waves across the field. This is the talent shaping the future—don’t miss the chance to see who’s leading the charge.

Meet the 2025 Honorees

This program is open to Research Administrators with fewer than 15 years of experience who are making a significant impact in the field. We invite nominations for those who are driving change, shaping innovation, and advancing the future of research administration. Both SRAI members and non-members are eligible, with previous honorees no longer eligible.

2026 Nominations are now closed.

SRAI will contact the individuals nominated to ask them to complete an application by April 17. The individual must complete the full program application to be reviewed/considered.

2026 Applications are now closed. Applicants will be notified by Friday, June 12.

Only individuals completing the full program application by the deadline will be reviewed/considered.

Candidates must provide written narrative responses addressing questions demonstrating a clear sense of their professional growth and development (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 professional references we can call upon to endorse you!

Future of the Field celebrates emerging leaders - applicants must meet these key qualifications:

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

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?

2026 Applications Now Closed

Applicants will be notified by Friday, June 12.

Congratulations to past recipients of the Future of the Field award.

These individuals represent the brightest rising stars from across the U.S. and internationally. We are proud to call them colleagues, mentors, co-workers, and friends.

See Past Honorees

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