PRAM Certificate

Practice of Research Administration and Management (PRAM)

The Practice of Research Administration and Management (PRAM) certificate focuses on the supervision and organization of research activities from an organization management perspective. The core content for the certificate emphasizes:

  • leadership development,
  • research administration staffing and management,
  • research and faculty development,
  • innovation and economic development, and
  • integrity and stewardship.

The certificate includes content that is relevant for research managers who are generally at a Director or higher-level within an organization and covers the broad range of activities comprising research operations.

Tuesday, 5 March 2024*

PRAM Certificate
9:00 am - 9:45 am

Supporting the Lifecycle

Delve into the evolution of and strategies in research management and administration (RMA), and the pivotal role of research support. From establishing robust frameworks to adapting to evolving needs, explore strategies for optimizing research support for long-term success. 
Outline the five strands of PRAM and illustrate their interconnectedness with a few exemplar cases; participants consider (in advance) their own experiences with regards to these cases (send to them the week before).
1. leadership development,
2. research administration staffing and management,
3. research and faculty development,
4. innovation and economic development, and
5. integrity and stewardship.


Speaker(s): Edwin Kanters, Vrije University of Utrecht; Jan Andersen, University of Southern Denmark; Floris van der Leest, University of the Sunshine Coast

10:00 am - 10:45 am

A Process Reference Model of RMA

A novel process reference model for RMA activities from research development to research outcomes will help you streamline your workflows, optimize processes and enhance efficiencies. Compare roles and responsibilities - down the track - for researchers, research support and funders/sponsors.

Speaker(s): Edwin Kanters, Vrije University of Utrecht; Jan Andersen, University of Southern Denmark; Floris van der Leest, University of the Sunshine Coast

11:00 am - 11:45 am

The Merit of Policies & Processes

Explore the nuanced landscape of institutional policy development, delving into key issues and advanced practices. Uncover the intricacies of policy implementation and optimization strategies, distinguishing between high-level governance policies and operationally focused instructions. Gain expert insights into influencing both internal and external systems.

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

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Budget & Proposal Development

This session will cover crucial elements of the art of persuasive grant proposals with compelling research budgets, such as contextualising the research idea, overhead methodologies and what if full costs cannot be recovered and with an emphasis on continuance and/or outcomes beyond the grant period: it will feature examples of data management and engagement plans. Engage in a discussion on the development and active management of budgets for international collaborative projects, gaining in-depth insights into in-project allocations among partners.

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

12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

Panel Discussion with Q&A

Speaker(s): Jan Andersen, University of Southern Denmark; Edwin Kanters, Vrije University of Utrecht; Floris van der Leest, University of the Sunshine Coast; Professor Les Labuschagne, University of South Africa; Valentina Romano, Politecnico di Torino

Wednesday, 6 March 2024*

PRAM Certificate
9:00 am - 9:45 am

Research & Faculty Development

 
Plunge into fostering academic growth and advancing institutional and individual research capabilities. When and how to get engaged in proposal and research(er) development? How to translate research strategies into faculty activities, map research portfolios, and use seed funding sagaciously to pump-prime activities. How to build substantive partnerships that enable the aggregation of key expertise and offer opportunities for staff development.

 

Speaker(s): Silke Blohm, 4Sciences Group Ltd; Valentina Romano, Politecnico di Torino

10:00 am - 10:45 am

Working with Different Funders

Navigate funding landscapes to create a diverse funding portfolio, including innovation & economic development. Learn about commonalities and distinctions between funders and about effective strategies for engaging, negotiating and collaborating with different types of funding agencies and commercial customers.

Speaker(s): Mir Asghar A Khan, Research at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karāchi; Valentina Romano, Politecnico di Torino

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Integrity & Stewardship

Explore approaches towards research integrity, ethical standards, and accountability. What does best practice mean in research in a global context? How to navigate different and sometimes conflicting national positions (laws and/or cultures). What are questionable practices? How to support research while managing inherent risks? Examine moral dimensions and the dilemmas when confronted with grey problems (open to subjective interpretation).

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

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Socio-Economic & Environmental Impact

Examine how to support pathways to socio-economic and environmental impact of research, including how to create the right relationships for impact to happen, how researchers may need to operate differently, and how the institution's promotion processes take account of this area of activity. Learn about types of engagement and impact and ways to evidence them and compare the benefits and implications of claiming intellectual property with forms of Open Access.

Speaker(s):  Floris van der Leest, University of the Sunshine Coast; Valentina Romano, Politecnico di Torino

12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

Panel Discussion with Q&A

Speaker(s):  Silke Blohm, 4Sciences Group Ltd; Valentina Romano, Politecnico di Torino; Dr. Retha Visagie, University of South Africa

1:20 pm - 2:00 pm

Cayuse Roundtable Discussion: Research Security 360 - A Complete View 

In this session, we will talk about all things research security, including a deep dive into the newest developments, in regards to NSPM-33 and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.  A few of the questions we will address include:

  • What are the key things we need to be confident we are complying with? 
  • What types of research grants does this apply to?
  • What departments need to be involved in setting up our research security program?

The presenters will also give a 360-degree view of what a holistic research security program looks like and the elements you should be looking for at your institutions.  


Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding what makes up research security.
  • Regulations and guidance on enhancing your internal research security program.
  • Understanding of a holistic approach to protecting our research programs.


Speaker(s):  John Nord, CIO, Cayuse

Thursday, 7 March 2024*

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

Leadership Development

Apply leadership in the research arena with strategies for nurturing effective leaders in administrative settings and for influencing research culture at your institution. Personal development to influence upwards and sideways: How do you manage/persuade your boss, the PVC/AVP/VP for research? 

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

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)

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

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

  • High Performing Teams
  • Principles of Networking