Research plays a major role in driving the discovery of solutions to the challenges faced across the globe. The global investments in research and development have skyrocketed over the last twenty years, promoting economic growth, and driving competition for international research funding and staff. The emerging focus on research has encouraged institutions to be more accountable regarding how funding is used and increased societal expectations for impact that benefits society. The establishment of an effective framework to promote and sustain high-quality research has become a critical priority in both national and international policy agendas. The recognition of and a career framework for professional research managers and administrators, the enablers of research potentials, must follow investments in research. The session will present the Botswana Statement with a follow up discussion on how new and emerging associations can leverage their work for visibility and recognition of the profession. Together with the Hiroshima Statement it contributes to the formulation of the ethos of the global society of research managers and administrators. It is formulated in an open process involving colleagues worldwide hense a true international collaboration. The purpose of the session is to discuss and validate the value of the Botswana Statement and to establish a common ground for how to proceed to activate the growing global collaboration among RMAs and RMA societies.
