Abstract

As a research manager, I like to zoom out and envision our role in the bigger picture. How we, as RMAs, actively contributes to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world, is the perspectives I want to explore in this abstract, and in this presentation.
In the ever-evolving realm of research management and administration, the question of sustainability transcends operational boundaries, challenging us to reflect on the larger impact our profession has on the world. As research managers and administrators (RMAs), we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture where our potential to influence global sustainability initiatives has never been more significant.
This presentation argues that RMAs are not merely facilitators, but essential, equal partners in the orchestration of large-scale research projects and collaborations that aim to tackle some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. The discourse will explore how RMAs are instrumental in driving international cooperations that yield sustainable solutions with far-reaching implications. By delving into examples like the Mission Cities project, we will illustrate how RMAs contribute to crafting strategies and frameworks that are not only innovative but are also universally applicable, ensuring that sustainability goals are achieved across borders.
We see the role of RMAs evolving rapidly from traditional administrative support to strategic equal stakeholders who possess the expertise to influence research direction and outcomes significantly. By acting as equal partners to researchers, RMAs are instrumental in shaping, managing, and implementing sustainable solutions with far reaching consequences. This transition is crucial in realizing projects that not only advance scientific knowledge but also promote a greener, more sustainable world. Participants will understand RMAs' strategic role in driving sustainability, gain insights into facilitating international collaborations, recognize their evolution as key stakeholders, and be inspired to take active roles in shaping sustainable research initiatives.