Presenters

Presenters

With a background in Computer Science and Danish Language, Jan Andersen is a seasoned expert in research strategy, funding, and planning. Renowned for his role in establishing successful research support units at Danish Universities, including the Danish Technical University and University of Copenhagen, he offers invaluable insights as an advisor for Deans and Rectors. Jan played a pivotal role in the cross-faculty follow-up of the Danish university merger in 2007.

A leading figure in the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA), Jan served as Chairman from 2010 to 2013, receiving the prestigious EARMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. He co-founded the Danish Association of Research Managers and Administrators (DARMA) and chaired the COST BESTPRAC Targeted Network from 2013 to 2018. Jan's extensive experience culminated in co-authoring "Research Management – Europe and beyond" and the Emerald Handbook of Research Management and Administration Around the World.

Mir Asghar Ali Khan has been associated with the dynamic and exciting field of research administration and grants management for over 18 years now, having expertise in the areas of Pre-award, Postaward and Compliance. He has been presenting at various national and international forums including SRA International, on topics that interest most. He was one of the co-chairs of the SRAI’s 2021 Annual Meeting.

Mir is currently heading the Department of Research at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Pakistan. He was also associated with the Aga Khan University as its Director, Research and Grants Administration for 16 years. Mir has a Masters in Research Administration from the University of Central Florida, and a Masters in Business Administration from Pakistan. Mir has also been one of the authors of the recently published Emerald Book of Research Administration.

Dr. Savita Ayyar, founder of Jaquaranda Tree consultancy, is dedicated to strengthening research capacity across diverse institutions. With a PhD in Life Sciences from the University of Cambridge, UK, she boasts over 16 years of research management experience in academia, funders, and other sectors. Formerly associated with the Wellcome Trust in the UK, she possesses deep insights into Indian institutions and funder systems.

Savita played a pivotal role in establishing the Research Development Office at NCBS, Bangalore, overseeing grant management, fundraising, and intramural funding. As a consultant since 2017, she has contributed to research capacity strengthening at institutions like Ahmedabad University and IIT Bombay. From 2018-2023, she led the India Research Management Initiative (IRMI) for the Welcome Trust/DBT India Alliance, fostering research managers' community growth through funding and networking. Savita is a sought-after speaker, actively shaping discussions and contributing to curriculum development, as evidenced in her chapter in the Emerald Handbook of Research Management and Administration Around the World.

Silke Blohm, the founding director of 4Sciences Group in the UK, is a driving force in Higher Education development and research excellence globally. With over 25 years of experience, Silke has demonstrated expertise in institutional and strategic development, successfully growing research portfolios and establishing governance structures and policy frameworks. She has held senior management positions on three continents, including Senior Advisor to the Pan-African University in Cameroon and Director of Research & Enterprise at SOAS, UK.

Recognized as Distinguished Faculty by the SRAI, Silke contributes to the field through her role on the editorial board of JoRMA and as a regular reviewer and evaluator of grant applications. A trained physicist and social scientist, Silke is also a doctoral researcher at the International Centre for Higher Education Management, University of Bath, focusing on international collaborations.

Valentina Romano - Head of Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Research Planning Division at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy

With nearly 20 years of experience at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy, Valentina Romano serves currently as the Head of the Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Research Division. A former member of the Professional Development and Recognition Committee of EARMA, she currently contributes to the Awards Committee. Since January 2020, she has led a network of Italian research managers and administrators, dedicated to promoting the recognition of RMA as a profession (www.italianresearchmanagers.eu).

As a seasoned trainer, Valentina imparts her expertise in research management at both national and international levels and excels in organizing training courses for the upskilling and reskilling of RMAs. Valentina Romano is a respected figure, playing a pivotal role in shaping the RMA landscape.

Transitioning from researcher to administrator, Dr. Edwin Kanters boasts a diverse career in the realm of research management. Initially serving as a grant advisor from mid-2016 for Amsterdam University Medical Centre, he excelled in implementation and life cycle management. In 2020, he assumed the role of interim head of the Grants Office at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, showcasing leadership skills and versatility.

Making a significant move in November 2021, Edwin currently serves as the EU Liaison Officer at the University of Utrecht. His specialties encompass education, EU grants, research policy, and the invaluable ability to build bridges, connect people, and make a tangible difference. Driven by a passion for facilitating impactful research initiatives, he continues to contribute to the dynamic field of research administration.

Prof. Lessing Labuschagne embarked on his journey as a scholar and researcher, stumbling into the realm of Research Management and Administration (RMA). In 2011, he assumed the role of Executive Director of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Joining the founding editorial board of the Journal of Research Management and Administration (JoRMA) in 2019 showcased his commitment to advancing the field. In 2021, Les achieved recognition as a Senior Research Management Professional (SRMP), marking a milestone in his career. Notably, 2023 saw him appointed as a member of the International Professional Recognition Council for Research Management. Beyond his professional pursuits, Lessing engages in longitudinal research on various viticultural products, employing social network analysis during his spare time.

John Nord serves as the Chief Information Officer for Cayuse. He oversees the global technology operations of the organization and leads Cayuse’s risk, compliance, and security initiatives. John has worked in IT and Cybersecurity for more than 25 years and has held technology leadership positions across several industry verticals including life sciences, aerospace and defense, higher education, healthcare, and several others. John specializes in transforming technology departments, building high-performing teams, and running complex compliance, risk, and security programs. John holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Strayer University and a master’s degree in information systems security from Colorado Technical University. He also has earned several industry-leading certifications.  

With nearly 20 years of experience at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy, Valentina Romano serves currently as the Head of the Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Research Division. A former member of the Professional Development and Recognition Committee of EARMA, she currently contributes to the Awards Committee. Since January 2020, she has led a network of Italian research managers and administrators, dedicated to promoting the recognition of RMA as a profession (www.italianresearchmanagers.eu). 

As a seasoned trainer, Valentina imparts her expertise in research management at both national and international levels and excels in organizing training courses for the upskilling and reskilling of RMAs. Valentina Romano is a respected figure, playing a pivotal role in shaping the RMA landscape.

Floris van der Leest, with nearly 25 years of expertise, specializes in Research Information Management Systems. Currently contributing to the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, he strategically analyses information needs and ensures data accuracy for research performance benchmarking. Floris adeptly maintains database systems, supporting both internal research management and public accountability, while monitoring enhancements of off-the-shelf research information systems.

As one of SRAI's Distinguished Faculty and a former Board Member, Floris has presented annually at international conferences (ARMS, INORMS, SRAI) and facilitates professional development sessions globally. Having served as the immediate Past-President of the International Section, Floris's impactful career includes roles at James Cook University and Victoria University in Australia and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. His commitment to advancing Research Management & Administration is evident in his diverse contributions to the field.

Dr. Retha G. Visagie, a trailblazer in Africa's research ethics governance community, founded the Research Integrity Office at the University of South Africa in 2014, catalyzing national and international research ethics reform. Over the past five years, she has been a dedicated advocate for indigenizing research ethics governance, championing policy changes and conducting research. As co-editor of "Social Sciences Research Ethics in Africa" (Springer, 2019), she contributes significantly to ethical discourse in research.

Retha provides advisory services to African higher education institutions, focusing on responsible research and ethical conduct. Holding a Senior Professional Research Management certification, she is committed to advancing Research Management in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. She co-founded and chairs the SARIMA Northern Regions Community of Practice for Research Ethics and Integrity and serves as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Executive Board of EthiXPERT, promoting responsible and ethical research capabilities in Africa. Recognized with the 2023 Research Excellence Award from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and the 2023 Departmental Mentor Excellence Award, Retha continues to supervise doctoral candidates, focusing on indigenizing research management.