Abstract

Experienced RMA, recently contracted in a research institution, gives a comprehensive overview of the main challenges and strategies for setting up a brand-new Research Support Office with Pre-Award services.

Regardless of previous experience, setting up a new Pre-award Support Office is never an easy task, even for an experienced RMA. To be successful, selection of the targets, goals, and involvement of the RMA should be based on the institutional development strategy. Operational agenda of the RMA needs to be synchronized with management structure of the institution, researchers’ scientific interests and the entire organizational body of the institution, and starts with getting to know the research community, obtaining an insight into their scientific interests, needs and career stage, gaining trust and becoming “visible” in the new environment. From the very beginning this agenda comprises: systematization and dissemination of financing opportunities and consequent access through direct-contact helpdesk for individual/group targeted information; boosting internationalization; encouraging multidisciplinary opportunities/teams; motivating researchers to participate in policy/evaluation processes and networking activities and programs; promoting career development opportunities; all in a structured, accessible and time relevant manner.

Challenging issues may arise, such as: introducing the new opportunities and funding programs that are researchers unfamiliar with; assuming more active role in competing for (inter)national funding programs; that can be overcome by finding tailor-made solutions for each individual challenge.