Complete the Research Administration as a Profession (RAAAP) survey

We are asking our EARMA community to take part in an important study that seeks to better understand the worldwide RMA community. Research Administration as a Profession (RAAAP) is an international survey that aims develop a longitudinal dataset about our profession, and this time focuses on the routes that bring us here – HIBARMA – How I Became A Research Manager and Administrator.

The initial RAAAP survey was conducted in 2016 and funded by NCURA.  It was led by Simon Kerridge (University of Kent, UK) and Stephanie Scott (Columbia University, USA) as Co-PIs, and supported by an international advisory group.  In June 2018, the Council of the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) formally endorsed the RAAAP survey as an INORMS initiative.

The Research Administration as a Profession (RAAAP) longitudinal survey asks questions about your experience as a research manager or administrator, your most recent role, how you entered the field, your experience of research impact and engagement, and demographics - your educational background, the country you work in, your age range, and gender.

The RAAAP survey now comprises of two main sections. One section of the survey is a streamlined version of the 2016 survey. This section is intended to remain the same longitudinally.  The other section of the survey focuses on a specific area of interest, of particular relevance at the time. The focus of this section will change with each iteration of the survey.

• RAAAP-3 (2022): The third and current iteration of the RAAAP survey (RAAAP-3) has now been launched for 2022 and will focus on “How I Became a Research Manager and Administrator” (HIBARMA) looking at the myriad of ways people find themselves in this profession.
• RAAAP-2 (2019): The second iteration of the RAAAP survey (RAAAP-2) was launched on 1 October 2019. The ‘guest’ section of the survey focused on “Research Impact”.
• RAAAP (2016):  The first iteration of the RAAAP survey attracted responses from over 2,600 individuals from 64 countries.  The survey’s findings were presented at RM and INORMS conferences between 2016 and 2018.

The RAAAP Taskforce was formed in October 2018 and it includes many members involved in the initial (2016) RAAAP exercise. It has expanded to include representation from each of the 18 INORMS Associations.

The aim of the RAAAP Taskforce is to continue the work of the initial RAAAP survey, by surveying Research Managers and Administrators approximately every three years, to collect and analyse longitudinal data about the profession. The Taskforce is also responsible for revising the initial survey and editing future iterations of the survey.

Taskforce members are delivering presentations and workshops on RAAAP at major RMA events and the Taskforce has regular email briefings that highlight key updates, milestones and developments in RAAAP. You can also keep up-to-date with their work by checking #RAAAP on Twitter.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this pivotal piece of research, which will greatly benefit our community and improve our understanding of the RMA profession globally. We appreciate your support.