IRAM Certificate

Introduction to Research Administration and Management (IRAM)

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.

Tuesday, 5 March 2024*

IRAM Certificate
8:00 am - 8:45 am Keynote Speaker - Professor Puleng Segalo
9:00 am - 9:45 am

Understanding Research

Embark on the fundamentals of research, covering science methodologies, and the pivotal role of research in universities. The session will discuss inductive versus deductive reasoning, basic versus applied science, quantitative versus qualitative approaches, and the Scientific Method, and will answer the question Why is Research Important to Universities?

Speaker(s):
Silke Blohm, 4Sciences Group Ltd; Mir Asghar A Khan, Research at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karāchi

10:00 am - 10:45 am

Understanding Researchers

Explore the core attributes defining researchers: curiosity, analytical insight, determination, collaboration and communication. Gain insights into research career stages, partnerships and lifecycles, and the support they need in each stage.

Speaker(s): Silke Blohm, 4Sciences Group Ltd; Mir Asghar A Khan, Research at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karāchi

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Pre-Award Processes

Navigate the intricacies of pre-award processes in research administration, from opportunity identification via budget templates to proposal preparation, and acquire the fundamental skills for successful grant applications and tenders. A good start with detailed records is crucial for effective award management down the track.

Speaker(s): Dr. Savita Ayyar, Jaquaranda Tree; Valentina Romano, Politecnico di Torino

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Compliance & Governance (1)

Dive into the critical realms of compliance and governance in research administration. Learn essential protocols to ensure ethical and legal standards are met throughout the research lifecycle. Understand the basics of legislation and policies affecting research activities, the benefit of institutional procedures, and the nuances within research integrity, research ethics for human & animal studies, accountability and risk management.


Speaker(s):
Professor Les Labuschagne, University of South Africa; Dr. Retha Visagie, University of South Africa 

12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

Panel Discussion with Q&A

Speaker(s): Dr. Savita Ayyar, Jaquaranda Tree; Silke Blohm, 4Sciences Group Ltd; Dr. Retha Visagie, University of South Africa 

Wednesday, 6 March 2024*

IRAM Certificate
8:00 am - 8:45 am Keynote Speaker - Brechtje Vreenegoor
9:00 am - 9:45 am

Compliance & Governance (2)

Dive into the critical realms of compliance and governance in research administration. Learn essential protocols to ensure ethical and legal standards are met throughout the research lifecycle. Understand the basics of legislation and policies affecting research activities, the benefit of institutional procedures, and the nuances within research integrity, research ethics for human & animal studies, accountability and risk management.

Speaker(s): Professor Les Labuschagne, University of South Africa; Dr. Retha Visagie, University of South Africa 

10:00 am - 10:45 am

Post-Award Considerations

Plunge into post-award processes from notification of funding awarded via the development of a contract to effective management of grants and projects. Explore types of funding, common components of a funding agreement, and how to manage variations, extensions, unspent funds and deficits. Other topics include non-financial agreements and prior authorization requests.

Speaker(s): Silke Blohm, 4Sciences Group Ltd; Edwin Kanters, University of Utrecht; Jan Andersen, University of Southern Denmark

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Data, Outputs and Impact

Gain insights into effective scientific communication and showcasing research outcomes and evaluate parameters for research assessment and key performance indicators, and evidence trails for research impact. Identify emerging trends in information management and open science practices.

Speaker(s): Floris van der Leest, University of the Sunshine Coast; Mir Asghar A Khan, Research at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karāchi

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Supporting the Project Lifecycle

Discover the origins of research management and how it evolves into a profession. Learn about career planning and professional development opportunities, and why to hoon the soft skills needed beyond technical & practical knowledge.

Speaker(s): Dr. Savita Ayyar, Jaquaranda Tree; Silke Blohm, 4Sciences Group Ltd

12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

Panel Discussion with Q&A

Speaker(s): Dr. Savita Ayyar, Jaquaranda Tree; Floris van der Leest, University of the Sunshine Coast; Dr. Retha Visagie, University of South Africa

Thursday, 7 March 2024*

IRAM Certificate
8:00 am - 8:45 am Report on Homework Exercise
9:00 am - 9:45 am

Facets of Research Collaboration

Speakers(s): Dr. Savita Ayyar, Jaquaranda Tree; Professor Les Labuschagne, University of South Africa

10:00 am - 10:45 am

Electives:
(Must take one (1) Elective Session) 

  • Structured Information & Systems
  • Unveiling University Rankings
11:00 am - 11:45 am

Electives:
(Must take one (1) Elective Session)

  • Thinking Outside the Box
  • Cultivating Research Culture
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Electives:
(Must take one (1) Elective Session)

  • High Performing Teams
  • Principles of Networking