September 25, 2015 marked the first National Research Administrators Day. Yes, it’s a thing– a big thing because research administrators (that means YOU) help support the research, education, and service projects that facilitate learning and discovery.  To celebrate, the CSU Office of Sponsored Programs will be grilling up hot dogs on Tuesday, September 25th over at 601 Howes Street on the front lawn from 11:45 – 12:30.  Come join the celebration!

Research administration is a profession that involves the “development, management, and implementation of research initiatives.” Research administration touches all aspects of planning for research programs, whether they are basic or applied programs, instructional programs, or public service programs. It also involves preparation and submission of proposals to secure funding for research, as well as award negotiation and management, financial management and oversight, and compliance with program, federal, state, and university regulations and policies.

Thousands and thousands of people work in research administration across the globe. They may work in hospitals or institutions of higher education; they may work in not-for-profit agencies or in business and industry; or they may work in municipal, state, or federal governmental agencies. Possible job titles in the profession include:

• Vice President/Provost for Research
• Sponsored Programs Director
• Research/Proposal Development Coordinator
• Program Manager/Coordinator
• Contract Manager
• Research Compliance Officer/Director
• Research Integrity Officer
• Export Controls Officer
• Technology Transfer Officer/Director
• Grants Accountant
• Fiscal Administrator
• the list goes on…

The profession of research administration is supported by several organizations, including the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA). According to NCURA, Research Administrators Day is “the day that will recognize the significant contributions made by administrators in support of research innovation, inquiry, and discovery.”

Learn more about research administration from “the man on the street.”