Abstract

In both Germany and Austria, RMAs can benefit from informal yet sustainable national networks. Although the German Working Group of EU Funding Advisors at Universities (BAK) and the Austrian University Research Administrators and Managers (AURAM, German abbreviation AG FoFoe) exhibit somewhat different structures and target groups, they also share several common characteristics. As grassroots initiatives, both networks neither receive nor possess any funds and are entirely dependent on the commitment and dedication of their members. Each network convenes biannual meetings to obtain the latest updates from national agencies involved in science policy making, to advocate for the RMA profession, and to exchange hands-on experience between peers. Both have established themselves as respected stakeholders within their respective national science policy ecosystems and beyond, contributing to initiatives such as ERA action 17, and they regularly cooperate with each other as a transnational community of practice.
BAK (https://www.uni-giessen.de/bak) was established in 1995 and currently represents more than 400 universities and higher education institutions across Germany. It has become a regular participant on panels of national RMA conferences and is frequently consulted for feedback in national policy consultations.
AURAM (AG FoFoe, https://www.plus.ac.at/forschung/argefofoe) has been in existence since 2001 and benefits RMAs from all 22 public universities in Austria, with a focus on research funding and related issues.
In addition to fostering vibrant networks within their respective countries, both BAK and AURAM soon recognized the importance of establishing connections with one another. Today, both networks hugely benefit from regular transnational exchanges on strategic and practical RMA matters, and they also organise joint panels at national and international RMA conferences.

BAK and AURAM are keen to engage in dialogue with RMA networks worldwide. This includes opportunities for collaboration, the exchange of best practice, mutual learning, policy development, and joint efforts to lobby funding agencies.
Moreover, attendees lacking national RMA networks can gain valuable insights into best practices for establishing and maintaining such networks, as well as understanding their substantial benefits and proven feasibility.