Abstract

Research Management and Administration (RMA) has been an evolving profession over several decades. Initially the profession was seen as “a post box” for researchers wishing to submit grant proposals and a financial management or compliance office once grant funding had been awarded. RMA position titles of the time reflected these roles with titles such as Pre-Award Officer, Compliance Officer being common. Over the years, and as the scope of RMAs has broadened, position titles have changed to reflect both the increasing specialisation and the increasing breadth of roles, for example Research Development Specialist, Navigator. This latter term (Navigator) coming from the health sector where the Navigator position helps clients/patients navigate an increasing complex health system – and is now applied in RMA.
RMA roles have changed or been created as research itself changes. As we enter a period characterised by increased complexity it is certain that RMA roles themselves will change and new roles emerge. Changes such as increased globalisation of research, increased regulation, demands for greater transparency and public accountability of research and researchers, greater availability of data and an emphasis on performance will all impact on RMA roles. At the same time we see trends cross cutting disciplinary knowledge such as requirements for increased digital literacy, higher level cognitive skills, re-imagined leadership and an emphasis on metal wellbeing. And, of course, the very rapid advent of artificial intelligence into all sectors of live will also impact RMA roles.
This talk by speakers having several decades of shared experience across multiple countries, will look at likely roles for RMAs in the next decade, where possible drawing on examples of changes already occurring in support roles in other professions. Such knowledge will assist current RMAs in their professional development, preparing for the future environment and will also assist leaders in recruiting new staff into new roles with skills that will equip their offices to provide high quality service in a changing environment.
Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will understand new RMA roles required over the next decade to effectively support research and faculty.
2. Research administrators will understand the professional development pathways needed to equip them for future roles.
3. Research Office leaders will increase their understanding of new RMA roles which will assist their recruitment practices.