This page highlights external opportunities for Research Administrators to develop professionally and nurture advancement of knowledge.

Contents:

 

Professional Organizations and Development for Research Administrators

GRANT
Georgia Research Administration NeTwork (Link) 
No cost. This organization offers an annual conference hosted by Georgia universities.
Submit a request to join group in LinkedIn.

NCURA
National Council of University Research Administrators (Link) 
Membership requires annual dues.  Scholarships available for conferences. This organization produces regional (Georgia Tech is in Region III) and annual conferences as well as webinars, e-newsletters, and resource libraries.

SRAI
Society of Research Administrators International (Link) 
Membership requires annual dues. This organization produces regional and annual conferences as well as webinars, e-newsletters, and resource libraries.

Florida Research Administration Conference (FRAC) 
Hosted by UCF’s Office of Research - Sessions recorded - $0 cost to attend FRAC@ucf.edu 

NYU RAD Series
Research Administration Demonstration (RAD) Series (Link) 
The goal of NYU's RAD is to provide information/knowledge sharing for all research administrators. New research administrators could utilize RAD as part of their new employee onboarding, while veteran research administrators could utilize RAD for their continued learning (or refresher). 

Please RSVP for any RAD sessions via their online registration or see previous sessions at this link.  
•    All RAD sessions are taught by national-level, expert presenters.  All RAD sessions are free ($0 cost).
•    NYU can provide CEU or certificate of attendance/completion, for folks who need it. Please fill out our CEU/CRA Request Form and we will follow up with a certificate.

 

External Listservs for Research Administrators

GA-RESADM Listserv
Hosted by Valdosta State University, GA-RESADM is a listserv for information sharing among University System of Georgia research administrators.
Sign up:  http://lighthouse.valdosta.edu/mailman/listinfo
Archives (Requires sign-on): http://lighthouse.valdosta.edu/mailman/private/ga-resadm/ 

RESADM-L Listserv
Health Research Incorporated (HRI) provides free access to the Research Administration Discussion List, which allows industry professionals from universities, hospitals, and government and non-profit research labs to share information and field questions for their peers. Focused on research grant administration, the Research Administration Discussion List features such topics as grant funding, grant submission, regulatory compliance, project budgeting, educational opportunities, and technology.
Sign up: https://www.healthresearch.org/office-sponsored-programs/research-administration-listserv/

 

Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Are you looking to confirm or expand your knowledge of research administration?

The Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) promotes the concept of voluntary certification by examination for all research and sponsored programs administrators. After passing this examination, an individual earns the Certified Administrator® (CRA®) designation. Certification is just one part of a process called “credentialing”.  It focuses specifically on the individual and is one indication of current competence in this specialized field.  Certification in research and sponsored programs administration is highly valued and provides formal recognition of basic knowledge in this field.

You must meet specific combinations of education and experience to qualify to apply to sit for the CRA exam. The exam is held during May and November of each year and the current application fee is $395. There is a Body of Knowledge provided as a guide to the content that might be included on the exam and covers the following four areas:

  • Collection and Dissemination of Information 44%
  • Legal Requirements and Sponsor Interface 20%
  • Financial Management 21%
  • General Management 15%

CRA Study Group Organized by Georgia Tech's Office of Sponsored Programs

Because this can be overwhelming and you may not know where to even begin, the Office of Sponsored Programs offers a virtual study group. Within 11 content-filled modules, you'll find a recorded session with the content, along with a copy of presentation slides for review, a scored quiz (in most modules), and additional resources that we feel will help along the way. Be sure to pay special attention to all of the additional resources in Module 11!

There is also a discussion board and information about live virtual sessions that we hold throughout the time leading up to upcoming exam windows. This study content is currently provided at no cost.

There are also RACC Body of Knowledge Review Sessions available - please check the link for locations and dates. The review sessions validate what you know and help you identify areas you need to improve your knowledge. There is a $299 registration fee for these sessions.

 

Master’s of Research Administration (MRA)

Below are links to a sample of the various institutions who offer an online MRA degree.