Sixteenth Thing: Research Management as a Profession

In the world of research, the pursuit of knowledge and breakthrough discoveries requires not only the brilliance of researchers but also the guidance and support of research management professionals. Research management professionals play a vital role in facilitating and enhancing the research process, as discussed in this Thing by Anne Coco.

Overview of Research Management: Enabling and Supporting Research

Research management encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at enabling and supporting research projects. It involves the coordination and administration of research initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical standards, and securing funding to sustain research activities. Research management professionals act as catalysts for innovation and collaboration and aim to create an environment where researchers can thrive and produce impactful outcomes. 

Pathways into the Profession

The research management profession includes individuals from diverse educational backgrounds and experiences. While there is no specific degree required to enter this field, a combination of relevant academic qualifications, research experience, and specialised training can be advantageous. Many research management professionals have backgrounds across a broad range of disciplines with degrees related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), social sciences, humanities, and business. 

There are several pathways that individuals can take to enter the research management profession. Like me, some professionals transition into research management roles after gaining research experience as researchers themselves. Others may start in administrative roles within research institutions and gradually specialise in research management. Additionally, there are formal programs and certifications available that offer specialised training in research management, providing support and structure for individuals on their pathway into the profession.  

The Australian Research Management Society (ARMS) is the Australasian association of research management professionals.  It has over 3500 members from universities, independent research institutions, government, health and research organisations from across the Australasian region including Australia, Aotearoa / New Zealand and Singapore. ARMS is a member of an International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) and provides access to professional training and development, an accreditation program and knowledge exchange via special interest groups. 

Supporting Research 

There is a broad range of roles research management professionals can be involved in, some of these areas are described below. Many aspects of this work have evolved over time, to be more efficient and effective, utilising systems and automating processes. 

Grant Proposal Development and Pre-Award Funding Support

Research management professionals assist researchers in navigating the complex landscape of funding opportunities. They help identify suitable grants, develop compelling proposals, and ensure compliance with funding agency requirements. These professionals possess a deep understanding of funding mechanisms and are adept at reviewing research funding applications and providing feedback to researchers on their research proposals, aiming to effectively communicate the significance and feasibility of research projects. 

Post-Award Funding Support and Finance

Post-award funding support and finance play a crucial role in research grants and contracts. Once a project receives funding, effective management of financial resources becomes essential. This includes budget monitoring, expense tracking, and compliance with funding agency guidelines. Research management professionals who work in post-award support provide guidance on financial reporting, contract negotiations, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Their expertise ensures smooth project execution, allowing researchers to focus on their scientific endeavours. 

Collaboration and Partnerships

Research management professionals facilitate collaboration and foster partnerships between researchers, institutions, and industry stakeholders. They identify potential collaborators, establish connections, and negotiate collaborative agreements. By bringing together experts from different fields and sectors, they encourage interdisciplinary research and the exchange of knowledge, fostering innovation and maximising research impact. 

Research Integrity and Ethics

Maintaining the highest standards of research integrity and ethics is fundamental to the credibility and reliability of research findings. Research management professionals promote ethical conduct and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines. They provide guidance on research ethics, authorship, and data management helping researchers navigate potential ethical dilemmas and safeguarding the integrity of the research process. 

Project Management and Administration within Research Groups

Research projects often involve multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and stringent requirements. Research management professionals play a crucial role in project management and administration. They oversee the planning, implementation, and coordination of research activities, ensuring that projects progress smoothly and remain on track. They also handle administrative tasks such as budget management, ethics approvals, and regulatory compliance. 

Conclusion

The research management profession plays a vital role in enabling and supporting the research endeavours of academics and researchers. Research management professionals bring together their expertise in project management, funding support, ethics, and collaboration, facilitating and optimising the research effort. Their contributions help researchers overcome administrative hurdles, access funding, comply with regulations, and foster meaningful partnerships. By working behind the scenes, research management professionals empower researchers to focus on what they do best—creating knowledge, driving innovation, and making significant contributions to society as a whole. 

Research Management professionals work in various roles across the University. You can find support available to you here on the Research Gateway.

About the author

Anne is an experienced research management professional who has worked in the sector for over 20 years. Anne started off as a Research Assistant working in physiology and auditory neuroscience and then transitioned into research management working in various roles. Currently, the Associate Director (Pre-award) within Research Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of Melbourne, she leads teams in delivering high-quality research grant support. Anne oversees the submission of approximately 2000 grant proposals annually and manages large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders. Anne enjoys building productive relationships and creating innovative solutions to improve processes. Her aspiration is to lead a research support service that sets the global benchmark and fosters an environment that enables colleagues to achieve excellence in their work.

Cite this Thing

You are free to use and reuse the content on this post with attribution to the author. The citation for this Thing is:

COCO, ANNE (2024). Sixteenth Thing: Research Management as a Profession. The University of Melbourne. Online resource. https://doi.org/10.26188/25340386

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