Blogs

Reflections on AI Implementation in Research Administration: Emergent Approaches and Recommendations for Strategic and Sustainable Impact

By SRAI JRA posted 9 days ago
Volume LVI, Number 2 Reflections on AI Implementation in Research Administration: Emergent Approaches and Recommendations for Strategic and Sustainable Impact Amber Hedquist Arizona State University Max Castillon Arizona State University Megan Cooper Arizona State University Valerie Keim Arizona State University Tasha Mohseni Arizona State University Kimberly Purcell Arizona State University Abstract This reflective inquiry reports on the experiences of a working group at Arizona State University (ASU) that, over the course of four months, built, integrated, and iterated artificial intelligence (AI) solutions into their ...

Building a Culture of Grantsmanship at an Urban Community College via Internal Funding Opportunities

By SRAI JRA posted 13 days ago
Volume LVI, Number 2 Building a Culture of Grantsmanship at an Urban Community College via Internal Funding Opportunities Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D. Hostos Community College, CUNY Research Programs Director, Office of the President Yoel Rodríguez, Ph.D. Hostos Community College, CUNY Chair and Professor, Natural Sciences Department Antonios Varelas, Ph.D. Hostos Community College, CUNY Professor of Psychology, Behavioral and Social Sciences Department Abstract Securing external grants is essential for the nation’s institutions of higher education where decreased funding for research and educational programs has triggered the imperative ...

Research Authorization and Protocol Review (RAPR): A Centralized Research Review Model for Advocate Health Midwest

By SRAI JRA posted 20 days ago
Volume LVI, Number 2 Research Authorization and Protocol Review (RAPR): A Centralized Research Review Model for Advocate Health Midwest Angela Navarrete-Opazo Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Health 960 N 12th Street, 4120 Milwaukee, WI 53233 414-534-7897 angela.navarreteopazo@aah.org Cheryl Lefaiver Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Advocate Health 1775 Dempster St Park Ridge IL 60068 630-817-4704 Cheryl.Lefaiver@aah.org Mercedes Robaina Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Health 960 N 12th Street, 4120 Milwaukee, WI 53233 414-534-7897 Mercedes.Robaina@aah.org Jessica Kram Academic Affairs, Advocate ...

Conflict Resolution in Research: Turning Friction into Collaboration

By SRAI News posted 21 days ago
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Conflict Resolution in Research: Turning Friction into Collaboration Spotlight Story In research, conflict is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to derail progress. From protocol disputes to scheduling strains, learn how active listening, shared goals, and proactive communication can transform tension into teamwork, protecting participants, strengthening trust, and keeping studies on track. Collaboration is the real breakthrough. Research is built on partnerships, collaborations, and teamwork. Investigators, sponsors, regulatory bodies, and clinical staff often have competing priorities—and those ...

The Importance of University Based Research and Why It is Worth Saving | Part 3: Expansion of the Profession, Management of Research, and Value to Society

By SRAI News posted 21 days ago
Community & Member Engagement The Importance of University Based Research and Why It is Worth Saving Part 3: Expansion of the Profession, Management of Research, and Value to Society Read Part 1: Why Are We Doing All of This? Why Does Research Matter? Read Part 2: Brief History of the Research Enterprise in the U.S. Since World War II, university-based, federally funded research has driven transformative advances in science and discovery to the benefit of society and the world. In parallel, the research administration profession has grown to meet this expanding need. The bottom line: these research efforts matter—and are ...

Research Administration: Building on Your Skill Set

By SRAI News posted 21 days ago
Career Growth & Leadership Research Administration: Building on Your Skill Set Many of us in Research Administration found this profession by chance. This article discusses some avenues in which research administrators can build knowledge and break silos by becoming a part of the RA community. Are you new to the field of Research Administration? How can one gather skills and knowledge to build expertise to succeed? This article discusses some of the ways that are worth exploring. Reading the Uniform Guidance as a reference guide: Referring to 2 CFR 200 to find acronyms and definitions commonly used in this profession to understand ...

Subrecipient Monitoring: Keys to Successful Subrecipient Relationships

By SRAI News posted 21 days ago
Grant Management & Financial Oversight Subrecipient Monitoring: Keys to Successful Subrecipient Relationships Navigating the complex dynamics of a subrecipient collaboration between institutions can be a daunting task. From initial proposal to closeout, effective oversight of internal controls, good time management, and clear communication all help lead to successful outcomes. A subrecipient is a legal entity that receives a subaward in which your organization serves as the prime recipient (pass through entity) of a grant. The subrecipient is responsible for carrying out a portion of the programmatic effort of the proposed project. ...

Don't Be Afraid of the Lawyers!

By SRAI News posted 21 days ago
Community & Member Engagement Don't Be Afraid of the Lawyers! An in-house research attorney shares insights on his role from the legal vantage point, the relationship with colleagues, and how he tackles the perception of "Legal" involvement as intimidating. “Because I Carry a Big stick, Speak Softly.” To borrow from Teddy Roosevelt, I like to invert his famous adage, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”, into “Because I carry a big stick, speak softly”. In a well-run organization, the Legal office wields significant clout- but I admit I’m biased as in-house counsel for a large nonprofit. Legal needs the authority to intervene ...

The Use of Generative AI in Research Grant Applications: Balancing Innovation, Transparency and Integrity

By SRAI News posted 10-09-2025
Operations & Workflow Management The Use of Generative AI in Research Grant Applications: Balancing Innovation, Transparency and Integrity Spotlight Story GenAI is influencing research grant applications by aiding in drafting, data analysis, and knowledge mobilization, while emphasizing adherence to ethical standards, transparency, and confidentiality established by Canadian and U.S. agencies. The article highlights the community’s responsibility to ethically integrate GenAI, balancing innovation with integrity and originality. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has been profoundly transforming the research enterprise, ...

The Importance of University Based Research and Why It is Worth Saving | Part 2: Brief History of the Research Enterprise in the U.S.

By SRAI News posted 10-09-2025
Community & Member Engagement The Importance of University Based Research and Why It is Worth Saving Part 2: Brief History of the Research Enterprise in the U.S. Read Part 1: The Importance of University Based Research and Why It is Worth Saving | Part 1: Why Are We Doing All of This? Why Does Research Matter? University-based, federally-supported research that pushes the envelope of innovation and discovery has established the United States as an economic and world power, especially since World War II. These investments are crucial for U.S. universities and the public good. Research administrator professionals are ready to help ...

Clinical Trial Compliance: Preparing for FDA Inspection Readiness

By SRAI News posted 10-09-2025
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight Clinical Trial Compliance: Preparing for FDA Inspection Readiness Being “inspection ready” isn’t just about preparing when the FDA calls — it’s about embedding compliance into daily clinical trial operations. This article explores practical strategies, common pitfalls, and proactive steps research teams can take to stay audit-ready at all times. FDA inspections are a fundamental component of clinical research oversight, designed to safeguard participant protection and ensure the integrity of study data. For research administrators, inspection readiness is not a one-time exercise, but an ongoing discipline ...

Students Are Our Research Future: Let’s Treat Them Well, Research Administrators

By SRAI News posted 10-09-2025
Grant Development & Strategy Students Are Our Research Future: Let’s Treat Them Well, Research Administrators When it comes to the future of research, research administrators should not forget current students in our programs. Whenever possible, students should be supported in their grant development because they are the future of research. If you work at a research university or a research institution, you may or may not miss the fact that although you primarily support faculty researchers now, it is their students who will be the researchers of tomorrow. Current students working in your labs, classrooms, and in the field, are gaining ...

Finding My Place as a Leader in Research Administration

By SRAI News posted 10-09-2025
Community & Member Engagement Finding My Place as a Leader in Research Administration A simple girl from Bangladesh who had no idea about the academic world transitions into a successful Research Administrator, leading a team of five as an Assistant Director. From volunteering at MIT, Georgia Tech and in Lubbock to working across different professions- she is always eager to learn and grow. When I arrived from Bangladesh many years ago, I had no idea that one day I would become a Research Administrator. With a Master’s in Economics, I imagined a future in banking. I began my career as a teller in a local bank, eventually moving to ...

Communicating to Make a Point: Centering Learning Outcomes to Optimize the Abstract and Enhance Your Delivery in Presentations

By SRAI News posted 10-08-2025
Career Growth & Leadership Communicating to Make a Point: Centering Learning Outcomes to Optimize the Abstract and Enhance Your Delivery in Presentations Research administration, like any other profession, is a field that relies on clear and efficient communication—including the transfer of knowledge through conference sessions and presentations. With a strong foundation, dynamic design, and effective summarization skills, you can maximize the impact of your next presentation to communicate what matters the most. Have you ever attended a conference session and the content did not reflect what it said on the schedule? Were you ...

Leveraging Temporary Roles for Professional Advancement: How Temporary Assignments Can Boost Your Career

By SRAI News posted 10-08-2025
Career Growth & Leadership Leveraging Temporary Roles for Professional Advancement: How Temporary Assignments Can Boost Your Career Research administration thrives on adaptability and continuous learning. Temporary roles at other institutions offer a unique path to growth—broadening skills, expanding networks, and opening doors to future leadership. Step outside your routine and discover what’s possible. Research administration is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with regulatory updates and shifting government priorities. This fluctuating environment requires research administrators to not only be adaptable but also be willing ...

Looking Back on a Journey of Growth: Adapting to the Dynamics of Research Administration

By SRAI News posted 10-07-2025
Community & Member Engagement Looking Back on a Journey of Growth: Adapting to the Dynamics of Research Administration One research administrator shares how professional development, strategic connections, and flexibility have fueled their success. The Journey Begins My journey into research administration began with a mentorship that shaped the course of my career. I met my mentor, Sheleza Mohamed, through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) mentorship program. From our earliest conversations, she spoke often and passionately about her work in grants administration. She was planting a seed, and her support laid ...

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By Ellen Quinn posted 10-03-2025

The Importance of University Based Research and Why It is Worth Saving | Part 1: Why Are We Doing All of This? Why Does Research Matter?

By SRAI News posted 09-26-2025
Community & Member Engagement The Importance of University Based Research and Why It is Worth Saving Part 1: Why Are We Doing All of This? Why Does Research Matter? Why does research—and research administration—matter? The truth is the world is better off because of federally funded, university-based research. We need to tell people about its benefits and positive outcomes, and why it is worth protecting. The public good depends on it. Research administration and management is not for the faint of heart. In recent years, the work has become increasingly complex and unpredictable. Administrators grapple to support researchers with ...

Catalyst Quarterly: September 2025

By SRAI News posted 09-16-2025
View the Full Issue (PDF)* Volume 01, Issue 02: September 2025 Editor's Note Dear Readers, Welcome to the 2nd volume of the Catalyst Quarterly , where we present to you a new selection of thought-provoking articles while revisiting some highlights from the past quarter. In this volume, our special section dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research administration covers topics ranging from basic uses to compliance implications. The sooner we discover how to use AI most effectively while ensuring we don’t cross any boundaries, the better we will be able to use this new technology to our benefit. And the timing ...

A Qualitative Content Analysis of Job Advertisements for Research Funding Managers-Related Positions in Australian Universities

By SRAI JRA posted 09-04-2025
Volume LVI, Number 2 A Qualitative Content Analysis of Job Advertisements for Research Funding Managers-Related Positions in Australian Universities Olanrewaju A. Wilhelm Department of Human Resources and Administration New Home Distribution Africa Ltd, Lagos, Nigeria Olumide A. Odeyemi Research Division University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia Abstract Research funding managers require diverse knowledge, skills, and experience to provide excellent research support services. This study aims to identify the topmost critical knowledge, skills, and experience required of a research funding manager in higher education in Australia. A ...