EARMA Emerging RMA Talent Award

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Call status: Open

Deadline: February 18, 2026

 

Scope and Objectives

The EARMA Emerging RMA Talent Award aims to recognize and support outstanding early-career research managers and administrators (RMAs) who demonstrate exceptional potential, innovation, and dedication to advancing the field of research management & administration in line with EARMA’s core mission and values. This award celebrates emerging talent within the RMA community and seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders in the sector.

The objectives of the award are to:

  • Acknowledge the achievements of early-career RMA’s.
  • Promote the development and recognition of future leaders in research management & administration.
  • Discover and disseminate innovative and effective RMA practices among emerging professionals and the wider RMA community.

 

Eligibility

  • Applicants should be actively working in a recognised RMA role within a university, research institution, or other related organization within the EARMA network.
  • The applicant must provide clear, consistent, and verified evidence of how they demonstrate leadership potential, deliver initiative, and create a clear impact on their organization and/or research-related activities.
  • Applicants must be an EARMA member (individual or institutional) for at least one year prior to the submission deadline.
  • Applicants must be early-career RMAs with no more than 6 years of experience in research management & administration at the time of application.
    • Note: Career breaks (e.g., parental leave, health reasons) are not counted toward the 6 years. Also, prior research experience is not included in this calculation; only time spent in research management & administration is considered.

 

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by the Awards Expert Group based on the following criteria:

  • Leadership Potential (25%): Applications must provide clear evidence of how they demonstrate leadership skills in their role, including clear examples of how they inspire and motivate teams, and drive change in research management & administration in their area and across the wider organisation;

  • Innovation and Problem-Solving (25%): Applications should demonstrate clearly  a creative, innovative approach to research management & administration challenges, including, for example, process improvements or conceiving of new, novel solutions;
  • Impact on Research Community (25%): Applications  should describe how  contributions to enhancing research management & administration practices are made, including providing evidence of their direct contribution to the overall success of research projects or teams;
  • Professional Development and Commitment (25%): Clear and measurable examples of ongoing professional development, commitment to continuous learning, and engagement with the broader research management community should also be provided as evidence of continuous achievement and commitment to the profession over time.

 

Application Process

To apply for the EARMA Emerging Research Manager Talent Award, applicants must:

  1. Complete the online application form available on the EARMA website.

  2. Provide a brief personal statement (max 500 words) outlining their achievements, leadership experiences, and contributions to research management.

  3. Submit a CV detailing their professional experience and accomplishments.

  4. Include a letter of recommendation from a supervisor or senior colleague who can speak to the applicant's stated achievements and their impact in their current role, as well as their future potential in research management & administration.

 

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by February 18, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Late submissions will not be considered.

 

Evaluation and Notification

Awards Expert Group will assess the applications based on the selection criteria. The winner will be notified as soon as possible after March 17, 2026, and the award will be presented during the EARMA Annual Conference.

 

Award Recognition

Winners of the EARMA Sustainability in Research Management Award will receive the following recognition:

  • Formal Award Presentation: The award will be presented during the EARMA Annual Conference.
  • Certificate and Plaque: A personalized certificate and a plaque symbolizing the recipient's contribution to advancing sustainability in research management.
  • Showcasing in EARMA Communications: The winner will be featured in EARMA’s official communications, including the website, newsletters, and social media, to raise visibility and acknowledge their achievements.
  • Mentorship Opportunity: The winner will be prioritised for the next possible intake as a mentor or mentee (to be decided) on the EARMA Mentoring Programme. This prioritisation does not guarantee a place but ensures their application will be considered with priority, supporting their potential to engage in mentorship and networking with senior research managers, and to further enhance their professional growth and visibility within the community.
  • Professional Development: Invitations to represent EARMA in future events, webinars, or workshops, offering a platform for further exposure and collaboration within the global research management community. 
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