Abstract

Research Management and Administration (RMA) Professionals are responsible for managing and advancing research-related processes at higher education and research institutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, RMA professionals were under immense pressure to operate in a business-as-usual mode under a new normal. This called for a specialised set of skills that influenced an RMA professional's success or failure.
The pandemic further highlighted that RMA professionals cannot function in isolation and need collaboration with peers through, for example, RMA associations such as the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA). SARIMA enabled and supported the establishment of Communities of Practice (COPs) in Research Ethics and Integrity. Currently, member countries within the Southern African Developing Community (SADC) region are represented in the COPs. These COPs have created a platform to share similar interests, generate support in peer-led activities, build resilience with limited resources, and create opportunities for meaningful engagement. We argue that these COPs have become RMAs very own ‘utopia’ – a perfect place for engagement with exceptional outcomes and impacts throughout the SADC region and beyond. Evidence shows that these COPs significantly improve RMA and professional development.
Professional development and recognition are crucial pillars of COP activities; thus, an essential part is empowering the current RMA generation to leave a lasting impact on future generations. In addressing this impact, we identified a critical need to build the next generation of RMA professionals by implementing a peer-led mentorship programme for a sustainable and innovative Research Management Profession.
We launched a call for Mentors and Mentees in January 2024 to achieve this. In response, we received 80 applications (24 mentors, 50 mentees, 6 unclear) across Africa (Botswana, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe) and beyond (The Netherlands). The applicants were not only from the RMA fraternity but also from emerging researchers. From a diversity and inclusivity perspective, our mentorship programme included mentors and mentees from the RMA profession and emerging researchers paired with established academics some of whom are research ethicists. Over the course of the 6-months mentorship programme, we held monthly virtual joint sessions for both the mentors and mentees. At these events, our guest speakers focused on specific and relevant topics such as mentorship and professional development, mental wellness and mentoring, etc. This occurred alongside monthly one-on-one mentor and mentee meetings. We are inspired by the commitment of the mentors and mentees and will run the programme annually.
Our motto is, “As we rise, we pull.” We reflect and share insights into this novel journey that emerged from an idea and informal chats into a reality. This enriching journey touched the lives of many research managers and administrators, and emerging researchers.