SRAI Catalyst

SRAI and the Catalyst committee proudly present this newsletter, Catalyst, as an official publication featuring insights from top professionals in research management and administration, as well as updates on conferences, educational opportunities, member achievements, networking, and the latest news and trends from the field.

Featured Articles

  • Current Affairs | Spotlight Story As federal DEI priorities undergo a rapid rewrite, this article cuts through the ...

  • Community & Member Engagement Let’s Talk About Change… We did at VA SIG Spotlight Story Special Interest Group ...

  • Community & Member Engagement The 2025 Research Admin Superlatives: A Lighthearted Look Back at the Year Spotlight Story ...

  • Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Conflict Resolution in Research: Turning Friction into Collaboration Spotlight Story ...

  • Operations & Workflow Management The Use of Generative AI in Research Grant Applications: Balancing Innovation, Transparency ...

  • Operations & Workflow Management The Role of Shared Services and Department Administrators in Sponsored Programs Spotlight ...

  • Grant Management & Financial Oversight Nothing Sparks Interest in Your Cost Procedures Like Denying an Expenditure Spotlight ...

The Latest from the Catalyst

The Catalyst e-newsletter delivers the latest in research administration—expert insights, industry news, professional development, member achievements, and conference updates. Curated by SRAI and the Catalyst Committee, it’s your go-to source for staying informed, connected, and inspired.

  • Op-Ed | Please note that the following op-ed discussion is based on the authors’ analysis of the Compact and not a reflection of the editors’ or SRAI’s views. The Compact for Academic Excellence ...

  • Career Growth & Leadership | (Part I) Research administration runs on quiet wins—decisions, judgment calls, and interventions that rarely appear in metrics. This article explores why invisible ...

  • Current Affairs | Spotlight Story As federal DEI priorities undergo a rapid rewrite, this article cuts through the noise to reveal what the legal and regulatory pivots actually mean for research ...

  • Regulatory & Compliance Oversight | Research security doesn’t start in an office—it starts with study teams. This article reframes research security as a set of everyday decisions and introduces ...

  • Community & Member Engagement | Is it ever too late to contemplate a career transition? Based on my experience, I would say the answer is “no.” Job satisfaction and personal fulfillment are ...

  • Grant Development & Strategy | AI in research administration works best when it's built with the people who do the work, not just for them. The open collaboration with Denver Health's research ...

  • Grant Management & Financial Oversight | When you implement an EGMS, you must know your systems, map your processes, ask more questions than you think during training, coordinate early with IT, ...

  • Blog Entry

    Community & Member Engagement Let’s Talk About Change… We did at VA SIG Spotlight Story Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings can act as a low-stakes environment for Research Administrators ...

  • Operations & Workflow Management AI Applications in Research Administration Operations Free open AI tools could be used with non-confidential information to strengthen communications and other ...

  • Career Growth & Leadership Unlocking Hidden Value: Why Research Administration and Compliance Professionals Should Consider the PMP Mila Babaev, CIP, reveals how everyday tasks in research administration ...

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Catalyst Quarterly

See what is inside the special magazine edition of Catalyst, featuring timely new content alongside standout pieces from the past quarter. 

Read The Latest Issue

Write for Catalyst

Want to share your knowledge, unique experiences, or specialized insights with the research administration community? Check out our submission guidelines to see how you can contribute to Catalyst!

Submission Guidelines

Catalyst Committee

The SRAI Catalyst Committee is responsible for creating and publishing SRAI's monthly electronic newsletter, Catalyst. 

Meet SRAI’s Committee Members

Meet The Editor

Farida Lada

Editor in Chief

Chief Campus Compliance Officer
University of California, San Francisco