MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ARMS
PRESIDENT'S UPDATE August 2020
So far 2020 has been a challenging year for many people in many regards. Whilst the obstacles in front of us may sometimes appear insurmountable, and it may seem that we have limited control of key facets of our lives – I have hope for the future. I truly believe that we will all emerge from this period of our lives as more compassionate, more grateful, more understanding of ourselves and others, and more appreciative of the simple things in life.
On a daily basis I am inspired by the words and deeds of family, friends, and colleagues and I reminded of how strong everyone is, and also how fragile.
It sometimes feels as if everyone is walking along their own tightrope, trying to steady themselves, whilst also steadying those close to them and juggling the demands of work and life. Quite frankly, this is impossible. Every now and then we all fall. The remarkable fact is that you are all getting back up and this is admirable.
Some of you may be visualising other colleagues performing a front flip with a full twist and still landing graciously on their rope. This is not reality and is not the case. Believe me when I say that we are all the same – just doing our best to navigate troubled waters. Your best, as wobbly as it may be at times, is perfectly good enough. Please recognise the wonderful effort that you are making. Others see it. This is all anyone can ask.
September brings two days that provide opportunity to focus on important aspects of our lives. Thursday 10th of September is R U OK? Day. Please take this as a particular opportunity to do something that we should all do regularly – check in with those around you to ask them how they are doing and have a chat. To mark the occasion, ARMS is running a special webinar on ‘Mental Health Management for Research Administrators and Managers’ hosted by the Health and Medical Research Special Interest Group . This looks like being an informative session on an incredibly important topic and I encourage you to join if you can – more details are in this newsletter.
On Friday 25th September, the world celebrates all aspects of the endeavours of research management professionals through ‘Research Administrators’ Day’. See full article in this newsletter to learn how to get involved. This dedicated day provides a moment for reflection on all that you have each achieved so far this year and, importantly, on the way that you have delivered these exceptional examples of research support through uncertain and turbulent times. You should be incredibly proud.
Finally, I am pleased to announce the official launch of our first ARMS Virtual Conference - aptly titled "Never Waste a Crisis - Lessons Learned" (see article for full details). Hosted over three days - Thursday 26 - Monday 30 November, the event aims to focus on the important learnings from 2020, how research management professionals have had to change, become even more agile and responsive than ever before. Members participation is paramount and we encourage you to get involved by submitting an abstract.
I can’t promise that the rest of this year, or next, will be any simpler or easier than 2020 has been. However, I can promise that ARMS will continue to be there to support you. I look forward to your continuing engagement.
Dr Ross McLennan
ARMS President
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - National Disability Research Partnership
The Commonwealth government has provided seed funding to establish a new National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) which brings together experts in disability policy and research to deliver a world-class disability research and policy hub. The NDRP will aim to facilitate a collaborative, translational research program through partnerships between academics, people with disability, their families and carers, peak advocacy and consumer groups, governments and service providers to conduct cutting-edge policy-relevant research that enables people with disability to participate fully in society.
The establishment phase is being led by the Melbourne Disability Institute at the University of Melbourne together with a working party of academics and advocates. The NDRP will be engaging with the disability community including people with disability, their families and carers, universities and research organisations as well as governments over the coming months.
The initiative should be of interest to research managers. Over the next two years, the NDRP will build a case for sustained investment in disability research and identify potential long-term funding streams. This will initially involve the development of a national disability research agenda (with request for tender released in August 2020). The NDRP will also begin mapping relevant research capability in Australia, and propose strategies and activities for building research capacity and partnerships.
Find out more: www.ndrp.org.au.
Update from the ARMS Board
Membership Renewal Notices for Corporate Members, Small Corporate Members and Individual Members for the period commencing 1 July 2020 and ending 30 June 2021 have now been issued. If you have any questions relating to your renewal invoice or haven't received one, please do not hesitate to contact the ARMS Management Accountant, Brett Dobson - email Brett.Dobson@flinders.edu.au
KEY CLOSING DATES TO NOTE:
Janet Dibb-Leigh Award
OPENED (27 July)
CLOSES (4 September)
Fellow of ARMS
OPENED (27 July)
CLOSES (4 September)
Election Cycle - Nominations close 10 September 2020
CSIRO Awards for Excellence in Research Management Practice
OPENS (17 August)
CLOSES (28 September)
Impact Case Studies
OPENED (15 July)
CLOSES (30 September)
Abstracts for ARMS Virtual event "Never Waste a Crisis - Lessons" learned close 21 September ( also see full article for details).
Update Research Integrity Advisors Training Module (a collaboration between ARMS and AAMRI). The joint ARMS/AAMRI working group has held regular zoom meetings to discuss chapter outlines and writing is now proceeding. Each chapter is being written by an ARMS/AAMRI pair to ensure that content is applicable across both sectors. Further updates will be provided to members over the coming weeks.
Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ARMS - Under the current restrictions, the ARMS Board has advised that the AGM will now be moved to 26 November and will be held via zoom. Details about this meeting will be disseminated over the coming weeks.
VALE Helen Fullgrabe 28 April 1953 - 31 July 2020
It is with immense sadness that I share the news of the recent passing of Helen Fullgrabe after a long illness.
Helen was one of the founding members of ARMS. She was a wonderful advocate of research and of our Society from its inception and through her long career with the Commonwealth Government, the Australian Research Council and the NHMRC.
She was an active member of ARMS International Committee in its earliest days and co-convenor of the inaugural INORMS Congress held in Brisbane in 2002.
The photo of the four of us (Fiona Wood, myself, Helen, Jan Massey), taken on the evening of the Congress Dinner, is testimony to our life-long friendship and the pleasure we had in organising that event and other activities together.
Helen was a consummate professional, epitomising what it means to be a career Research Management Professional. She worked tirelessly to support the research community, their sponsors and her ARMS colleagues – and built bridges between us all.
Helen radiated intelligence and dignity, and brightened up every room she entered – be it for a planning meeting, a brainstorming session on research policy or for a group dance at the ARMS Conference Dinner. She will be in my heart every time I hear Staying Alive by the Bee Gees.
Helen is survived by her daughter Rachel, son James and loving partner Mick.
Janet Dibb-Leigh
Life Member of ARMS
This first ARMS virtual conference picks up this theme to focus not so much on the difficulties of 2020, but on the lessons we have learned, the things we have changed and the emergence of "a new normal." What will we retain from the past in this new normal, what will we discard? As the world around us rapidly changes, research management has also been required to change - to be more agile, responsive and connected.
How are individuals and the sector responding to challenges the pandemic has created? From crisis management to opportunities for innovation.
Scheduled across 3 days Thursday 26 - Monday 30 November, this ARMS online event will provide the chance to hear from key funding agencies, be inspired by panel sessions addressing current issues and participate in interactive virtual networking.
We are excited to annouce that Call for Abstracts and Registration is now open!
International Celebration of Research Management Professionals 2020 - SAVE THE DATE
#ResearchAdministratorDay
If you haven't made plans, it is not too late to organise an activity (virtual or otherwise) at your organisation. You might like to consider one of the following ideas:
- A (virtual) morning tea
- A (virtual) lecture or symposium
- Invite staff to exchange insights into their roles and/or achievements
- Write an article on the importance and role of a research administrator and submit to ARMS for inclusion in its monthly newsletter.
Alternatively, you might wish to participate in two INORMS initiated activities as follows:
- Take part in the "complete the sentence twitter initiative". Use the #ResearchAdministratorDay and complete the sentence "You know you're a research administrator if/when..."
- Take a selfie, attaching the message "INORMS wishes you a very happy #ResearchAdministratorDay - Warmest Greetings [first name] in [Country, city]
Annual ARMS Competition: Tell us how you celebrated the day?
The ARMS Executive Office will be giving away an Amazon gift voucher to the value of AUD$100 to be used for a future event in your office. To enter your organisation in the draw, please submit a short feature article with photos describing how the day was celebrated!
Submissions will be due no later than the 12th of October to: arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au. The winner will be announced in the October edition of Up In ARMS.
For further information, visit ARMS website here.
ARMS is very committed to providing professional development offering to all members, despite the adverse set of circumstances that surrounds us. In this current climate, many organisations have had to cancel and/or postponed some of their professional development offerings including their flagship conference.
We value the input of our members and ask that you complete a 5-minute survey around virtual event delivery options. This feedback will help us to better structure our virtual events to meet your specific requirements.
We thank you in advance for taking time in completing this survey.
PD Sessions @ Zoom are scheduled between 12 pm and 1 pm AEST unless noted otherwise.
ARMAs and ARMFs - Note that these sessions will automatically accrue 1 hour of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Information on each session, including registration and Zoom log-in details, will be sent to ARMS members prior to each event and posted as an event on the ARMS Events page.
September 10th - Thursday
Health and Medical Research Special Interest Group
Mental Health Management for Research Management Professionals
Presenter(s): Dr Denise Riordan
September 21st - Monday
WA Chapter
How Ready are Australia's Industired, enterprises and workforces for the 4th Industrial Revolution?
Presenter(s): Mr Rocky Scopelliti
October 13th - Tuesday NSW Chapter
“Grantsmanship on a shoestring: a time-efficient approach”
Presenter(s): Dr Thorsten Kostulski and Dr James Walsh, UTS Research Capability and Development Team
October 22nd - Thursday ARMS EO
'Paradox, dilemma & uncertainty: shaping an ‘academic me’
Presenter(s): Dr Joanna Cobley, Research Development Coordinator, University of Canterbury
October 27th - Tuesday
QLD/NT/PNG Chapter
Regional University Experience
Presenter(s): TBC
November 3rd - Tuesday
NZ Chapter
The Unique Contribution of Te Ao Māori: An Overview of New Zealand's Vision Mātauranga Policy Framework
Presenter: Dr Gabrielle Hine
November 19th - Thursday
WA Chapter
Tips and examples on creating a supportive environment for university-industry collaborations
Presenter(s): Tom Goerke, Director CSIRO Innovation Centres Australia and CSIRO Lead, Innovation Centre Perth and Ms Ash Roberts, Curtin University
December 2nd - Wednesday VIC Chapter
Our Identity: Research Management as a profession in a global context
Presenter(s): Dr Bryony Wakefield
Missed A Past PD Sessions @ ZOOM?
Our presenters from two recent PD Sessions @ ZOOM have written separate articles outlining the key learnings and reflections from their sessions.
Fifty Shades of Epidermis: Diversity Beyond Gender - Presented by Tania Tambiah and Yuen Chang
We recently had the opportunity to host this ARMS PD Session @ Zoom, which attracted close to 100 participants from across the membership in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
The aim of the forum was to increase awareness through collaborative discussion, with the goal of promoting proactive diversity and inclusion initiatives in research and research management, and to build a network of support and ongoing conversation. We invited participants of any gender, skin tone, ethnicity, language and cultural identity to challenge their beliefs and share their experience and observations.
In recent years, a global awakening has occurred about the role of women in professional communities - from politics and cinema to medicine and science. While the under-representation of women in the research sector is a topic of growing interest and concern, there is a conspicuous silence around inequality in other aspects of diversity besides gender, particularly that of cultural identity, ethnicity and language.
This is an important gap, as empirical evidence has demonstrated the compounding impacts of intersectionality on experiences of discrimination. In other words, while women are achieving significant gains in recognition and equity, culturally and linguistically diverse women and peoples in general continue to be under-represented and even systemically discriminated against in the workplace.
For the full article, view here.
Removing the anxiety around Indigenous engagement conversations - Presented by Jaylene Wehipeihana and Faith Welch
In New Zealand the drivers for researchers to engage with indigenous communities are relatively weak and government-led. Policies such as ‘Vision Mātauranga’ encourage researchers to consider indigenous knowledge and engagement, but assessment of this is relatively light touch and the system doesn’t give much encouragement for organic buy-in. In contrast, the reasons for researchers to engage with non-academic stakeholders in general are getting stronger and are primarily being driven by the impact agenda.
The session focussed on the mutually beneficial drivers for indigenous engagement and impact and asked whether these drivers could be used to remove the anxiety around talking to researchers about indigenous engagement. We discussed what barriers and/or challenges we face in having indigenous engagement conversations with researchers. Looking at this from both an indigenous and non-indigenous point of view.
We then looked at the similarities between the impact agenda and indigenous engagement, asking the question “could we utilise the impact agenda to help enable these conversations?” to help researchers think about how they are engaging with indigenous communities. But this was heeded with caution that indigenous engagement should be conducted on its ability to enhance communities, research and research practice, not because the engagement might be counted or the impact on the indigenous community might be assessed in a future impact case study. A newly created planning tool for researchers and research managers was presented during the session to help identify how the research is being responsive to indigenous communities.
To enable the conversation between ourselves and our researchers on indigenous engagement we need to frame it differently. We need to do this in absence of any assessment criteria supporting indigenous engagement. It will be up to us to champion it. We need to drive the change from the bottom up. We could flip our thinking on the subject and not be driven by the policies but doing it for the broader benefits, for the community, the collective rather than the individual.
Who cares about policies – do it for the broader benefits!
NEW ARMS FIRST NATIONS RESEARCH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
ARMS is pleased to be offering a new Special Interest Group (SIG) to our members.
The First Nations Research SIG will facilitate networking between members of this emerging specialism within research management, while identifying learning and professional development needs.
The SIG will also facilitate:
- Sharing of knowledge and good practice (initially with a focus around resources and support)
- Act as voice to respond to specialist consultations
- Ultimately lead towards developing and embedding a positive inclusive first nation research culture within Australasia
- Encourage engagement and collaborate with other SIG groups to enable the sharing of knowledge
The SIG encourages a diverse membership to ensure different perspectives are represented.
The SIG Co-Convenors are Ms Jaylene Wehipeihana, Research Manager - Vision Mātauranga and University of Auckland And Ms Mandy Dowing, Research Development Advisor, Curtin University
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
Accredited Research Managers (Foundation) or ARMFs and Accredited Research Managers (Advanced) or ARMAs, please note that ARMS in-house events (registrations taken on the ARMS website) will automatically accrue CPD hours and there is no need for you to enter CPD separately in your CPD Diaries. Examples are PD Sessions @ Zoom, ARMS virtual events and Winter School electives.
Chapter and SIG Updates/Events
Call for Global Chapter Committee Nominations
Are you an ARMS member that is resident outside of Australia, New Zealand or Singapore? Do you want to contribute to the development of the ARMS Global Chapter? The newest ARMS Chapter is seeking nominations for Committee Members.
The term of a committee member is two years for no more than two consecutive terms (i.e. up to four years in total). The Chapter Committee offers a chance to engage with like-minded colleagues from other parts of the research management sector, build networks and to help the Chapter host occasional events to build skills and engagement within the other ARMS members. There are also opportunities to contribute more broadly across the Society through the Member Services Committee.
Nomination forms available here. Please email your completed form to arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au by Monday 28 September 2020.
Meet our new Global Chapter Convenor - Caryn (Caz) McNamara
Caz has a molecular biology Masters degree but has worked in the Academic Research Management sector for the past 13 years: firstly at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, then at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
She has, and continues to, provide research management support to various externally-funded University projects (including internationally the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA and Wellcome Trust in the UK, and locally: from the FirstRand Foundation (FRF) and the South African Dept of Science and Innovation (DSI), administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF). These projects have spanned numerous disciplines, including: Education, Molecular Biosciences, Mathematics and Statistics.
Caz has also served on numerous conference Local Organising Committees (LOCs): SAARMSTE2009-2014 and SARIMA2019, and will be serving WCRI2021 and INORMS2023 in the near future. She is currently working towards completing her ARMS Professional Accreditation, and is also serving on the IRPC Secretariat.
QLD/NT/PNG Chapter
Question: What’s a great way to celebrate Research Administrators day?
Answer: Playing trivia with the QLD/NT/PNG Chapter!
The QLD/NT/PNG Chapter Committee will be hosting online trivia over lunch on Friday 25 September from 12 - 1pm (AEST) to celebrate Research Administrators Day. Participants will be challenged to four rounds of ten questions covering a broad range of topics, including some questions about research administration.
Prizes will include a $100 voucher for the winner ($100 Coles Myer voucher) and a “lucky door prize” for a randomly selected participant ($50 Coles Myer voucher).
All QLD/NT/PNG Chapter members are invited to join. Please register here to participate.
For additional information, please contact Kelly Murphy (KAMurphy@usc.edu.au)
Research Information and Reporting SIG
INORMS Research Evaluation Working Group Seeking Partners to Test ‘SCOPE’ Model
The INORMS Research Evaluation Working Group has been extended for one year until June 2021 in order to further test and develop their SCOPE model for responsible research evaluation. To this end, they are now seeking partners from a range of different stakeholders who would be interested in hosting a SCOPE workshop to develop a responsible evaluation approach for a specific business process. It could be that you want to re-think your recruitment criteria, consider how to fairly assess engagement with open research, or to develop some new Key Performance Indicators for research.
REWG is open to any ideas from any stakeholder – research groups, learned societies, publishers, funders, and so on. Members of the INORMS REWG would work with you to develop and (remotely) run a workshop based on the five-step SCOPE process. This will help you develop your thinking around the best way of evaluating fairly, whilst helping the working group to develop the model further and produce case studies and workshop materials for use beyond the life of the working group. Workshops to be scheduled between September 2020 and January 2021, although there may be some flexibility.
Contact the INORMS REWG Chair, Dr Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gadd, if you’d like to explore this opportunity further: e.a.gadd@lboro.ac.uk
ERA/EI Review Consultation
The Australian Research Council are undertaking a comprehensive review of Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) and the Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI). Join us for this RIR SIG Zoom session to discuss some of the key questions raised in the consultation paper (https://www.arc.gov.au/excellence-research-australia/era-ei-review).
This event will be facilitated by Michelle Duryea, RIR SIG Convenor, from Edith Cowan University (MAICD, Fellow of ARMS) and Tracey McNicol, Associate Director of Research Analytics, University of Canberra.
Date: Wednesday 9 September 2020 | Time: 12.00pm - 1.30pm AEST.
REGISTER HERE
Accreditation, Professional Development and Training
ARMS Foundation Level Accreditation 2020 Program
Compulsory Modules
ARMS is pleased to announce that we will be opening Module 1.1-Aus: The National Research and Innovation System in Australia as a complete online LMS module this week. Registrations will be capped at 15 per fortnight to ensure that ARMS has approached the new delivery format in a moderated manner.
Module 1.2-Aus: Legislation as it Affects Research in Australia and 1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers continue to be developed as online LMS modules.
Electives Modules
ARMS wishes to advise that the following electives will open for registration on the ARMS portal shortly. Please check the ARMS website regularly to register for these modules. The list is not exhaustive as ARMS is continuing to schedule the delivery of further modules in the latter part of 2020.
Module 1.1-UK: The National Research and Innovation System in the United Kingdom
Module 5.1: Research Information and Analytics
Module 1.2-SING: Legislation as it Affects Research in Singapore
Module 6.1: Working with Industry
Module 4.1: Research Ethics - Human and Animal
Module 5.1: Research Information and Analytics
Module 2.3: Research Finance
Module 4.2: Research Integrity
Should you have any questions please contact the ARMS Accreditation Program Administrator email arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au.
Australian Catholic University
Clinical Trials Project Coordinator
From the ARMS Executive Office
ARMS acknowledges the generous support of our corporate partners:
ARMS Executive Office Contacts
ARMS Chief Operating Officer
Phone: +61 8 8201 2525
ARMS Management Accountant
Phone: +61 8 8201 2610
ARMS Conference and Major Events Coordinator
Phone: +61 8 8201 2911
ARMS Administration Officer
Phone: +61 8 8201 2911
ARMS Accreditation Program Administrator
Phone: +61 8 8201 5592
Email the ARMS Executive Office
Not receiving Chapter or SIG Communication Emails?
Here's why...
As we have now moved to the new website/portal, it is required that you re-join your Special Interest Group (SIG) and Chapter through the portal. We have created a helpful guide to assist you with completing this.
If you have already completed this process and are still not receiving ARMS communications. Please contact your organisations IT department and request to whitelist the following IP addresses (range 103.73.82.0 to 24).
Newsletter Content and Release Dates for 2020
See below dates for the submission of content and distribution of the e-newsletter for 2020.
07 Sept 20
06 Oct 20
01 Dec 20
14 Sept 20
12 Oct 20
07 Dec 20
Week of 21 Sept 20
Week of 16 Oct 20
Week of 11 Dec 20
ARMS has been experiencing intermittent email issues.
Please contact your organisations IT department and request to whitelist the following IP addresses (range 103.73.82.0 to 24).
If you receive a bounce back and are unsure who to contact, please email arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au and your enquiry will be forwarded to the relevant person.
We apologise for any inconvenience!
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