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Parallel sessions

Developing professional research managers and administrators

The parallel sessions detailed below have been identified as falling under the theme "Developing professional research managers and administrators". Most sessions have this as their primary theme, but for some it is a secondary theme. Please review the description of each session for further information about what it will cover.

For other sessions, see also:

105: Profiling the Research Administrator: Who are we and where are we going?

Dr John Kirkland, Deputy Secretary General (Development), Association of Commonwealth Universities
Dr John Green, Chief Coordinating Officer, Imperial College London

Both the size and functions of research administration offices have increased in recent years. Often, this expansion has been ad-hoc in nature, responding to specific opportunities. There remains a lack of information about the background and motivation of the individuals that make up the profession.

This session will provide the first results of a major international survey conducted by the Association of Commonwealth Universities. It will address questions such as: what type of person becomes a research administrator? What are their backgrounds and aspirations? What skills do research administrators need, and what skills are lacking? What, in the view of those working in research administration, are the major challenges facing the profession?

206: Managing academic research in universities or cat-herding for beginners? The case of the UK

Professor Rosemary Deem, Professor of Education, University of Bristol
Ewart Wooldridge, Chief Executive, Leadership Foundation for Higher Education

Academics are regarded as particularly challenging to manage, leading to descriptions of the process as being like 'herding cats'. The paper examines how UK universities manage their research through such roles as Pro-Vice Chancellors for research, and via the work of central administrative units which specialise in the management of research, consultancy and entrepreneurial/ enterprise activity. What are the possible consequences for academic research and researchers' identities and practices of the attempts to herd research cats? The paper draws on theories about the permeation of universities by new managerialism and the new governance of higher education well as theories about the complexities of strategic management in higher education.

305: Mentoring, or "how was it for you?" (panel discussion)

Simon Kerridge, Assistant Director (Research), Academic Services, University of Sunderland
Dr Mark Hochman, Director, Research and Innovation Services, University of South Australia
Lita Denny, Head of Research Operations, University of Manchester

This panel session is designed to give a practical insight into setting up a mentoring relationship, reflecting on experiences in different countries of the mentoring process itself, from both a mentor and a mentee perspective. Each member of the panel will give a short presentation to highlight some key points, and then the discussion will be opened up to the audience. The session will be of interest to those involved in a mentoring relationship and those interested in becoming involved.

306: The S-cubed factor: emerging self concepts, structures and strategies for the professionalisation of research administration

Dr Edward Gabriele, Director, Educational Development, Office of Research Integrity, US Department of Health and Human Services

This session will explore the fundamental identity of research administrators as it has evolved since the middle of the last century. The session will propose a proposed conceptual structure for research administration offices and departments. The session will also explore a series of continuing education "signature pedagogies", originally addressed in current educational studies from the Carnegie Foundation, that may assist the ongoing professional development of research administrators, their departments, and the institutions that they serve.

505: Career Development Options for Administrators

Guy Gregory, Personnel and Staff Development Director, University of Bristol
Sandra Nordahl CRA, Manager, Sponsored Research Administration, San Diego State University Research Foundation

The provision of effective support to the academic community in a cost effective way is a challenge in a modern university. Often traditional structures, roles and culture present a barrier. This session will consist of two parts. The first will explore how Bristol University is looking to overcome these barriers by releasing the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism within "communities" of support staff. The second will reflect upon experience from the United States of the Body of Knowledge as a personal growth tool and a resource for new administrators. Experience of the US Certified Research Administrator (CRA) programme will also be discussed.

508: The Researcher as a Research Manager - a hybrid professional?

Richard Bond, Head of R&D, Research, Business & Innovation, University of the West of England
Dr Jo Cresswell, Research Manager, Academic Radiation Oncology, University of Manchester

  • Target Audience: All are welcome but may be of particular interest to research managers and administrators with practical research experience
  • UK/International: Not geographically specific
  • Experience Level: Any

Increasing numbers of staff with research experience are being recruited as research managers and administrators (in UK universities at least). This session will examine the role that experienced researchers can and do play in supporting research and enhancing research quality, with examples from two UK institutions. It will explore whether this trend constitutes the emergence of a new hybrid professional, or someone caught between two stools - neither a professional administrator nor an academic. What are the prospects for the development of these roles, what career paths are open to those in them, and how can we best harness their abilities?

See also: