NEWSLETTER OF ARMS November - December 2023 |
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Season greetings to all!
What an amazing, event-filled year it has been!
As a strong and vibrant community of Research Management Professionals we have collectively achieved so much in 2023. You should all be extremely proud of your important contributions to research and innovation and the direct impact it continues to play on our everyday lives.
2024 is already looking to be another bumper year for ARMS! |
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We have a range of new initiatives and programs to help support you on your research management journey. Here is quick snapshot of what's on offer: -
We have just launched three new programs (Early Career Research Management Development Program; Indigenous/First Nations Conference Travel Award Program (ICTAP); and the International Travel Award Program (ITAP)). These programs are designed to support your professional development, education and training needs. See article in newsletter for further details.
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Early in 2024, we will also be launching our Chapter Travel Awards and our INORMS 2025 Travel Awards. These awards are designed to support your attendance to either the Darwin Conference 2024 or the INORMS Congress in Madrid, Spain in 2025. Watch the website and newsletter in 2024 for further updates.
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On the topic of Darwin Conference 2024, we are really pleased to be offering our in-person conference in regional Australia next year in conjunction with our Malaysian collaborators, MyRMA. If you have not registered yet, we encourage you to do so soon - our 2023 event sold out quickly! The call for abstracts and pre-conference workshops is now open, so think about your abstract submission over the break, get it into your work plans and talk to your managers. Contributions by all parts of our ARMS community is what makes the conference experience great! Oral and poster presentations close on 12 April 2024 while pre-conference workshop abstracts close 15 March 2024. See article in newsletter for further details.
- Don't miss out on our PD Sessions @ Zoom webinar series. A full program of activity will be released shortly. Visit the website for a taster on what's on offer in 2024!
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Accreditation program timetable is under construction and expected to be released in late March. Visit the website for regular updates.
Our achievements could not be possible without the support and contributions of our 100+ members who generously volunteer their time through Chapters, SIGs, Networks, Accreditation Council and other ad-hoc committees and working groups. Your commitment to supporting all members is exemplary. Visit our "Honour Roll" for the list of members who have actively contributed to our Society.
I also extend a special thanks to my fellow Board Members (Sharon Aburn, Emma Collyer, Yordanka Krastev, Brett Szmajda, Kate Swanson and Jaylene Wehipeihana) who have worked tirelessly throughout 2023 to support the range of new programs and initiatives and to ensure that ARMS is meeting its strategic priorities.
The contributions of our Corporate Partners - (ResearchMaster (Platinum), Cayuse (Silver), BMJ Impact Analystics and Clarivate (Bronze)), RMIT University for the annual Paul Taylor Awards for Excellence in Research Management Practice; as well as the many sponsors and exhibitors who supported our first return to an in-person conference in Sydney this year must also be acknowledged. Your support is essential in ensuring the delivery of high-quality member benefits and in pursuit of our end goal of "Enabling Research Excellence".
Finally, all of this could not be possible without the behind the scenes contributions of the engine room of ARMS, our Executive Office Team (Lisa Beckham, Brett Dobson, Kaeisha Kilmister and Maria Zollo). Your customer-driven focus and commitment are important contributors to our success - so thank you! Please take the time over the holiday season to rest, recover and rejuvenate. Enjoy some less chaotic down time with your family and loved ones.
We look forward to seeing you in the new year, until then... Yours in ARMS, |
Dr Tania Bezzobs ARMS President |
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| SUPPORTING YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY IN 2024 |
Excellence of the Individual is a key strategic priority for ARMS, and in this regard, ARMS provides professional development opportunities for members to continually enhance their skills, expertise, and professional networks globally.
The ARMS Board is pleased to thrilled to announce three new programs aimed at supporting the education, training and professional development needs of our members in 2024. These include: |
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Early Career Research Management Development Program 2024 (ECRM 2024)
The ECRM Program aims to support Early Career Research Management Professionals to undertake education, training, and professional development programs to develop and strengthen their skills to become more proficient Research Management Professionals. Funding support under this program may be used to cover the registration cost related to a professional development program either through ARMS or via a relevant external provider. Priority will be given in the first instance to applicants seeking support under the Society’s Foundation Level Accreditation Modules and/or Master Classes
The Society may support up to ten (10) ECRM awards at AUD $760 per award – Conditions apply. Applications close 5 PM AEST, 8 March 2024
ARMS Indigenous/First Nations Conference Travel Award Program 2024 (ICTAP 2024)
The award is designed to provide modest financial support to eligible Indigenous/First Nations Research Management Professionals who wish to attend the ARMS Darwin conference from 11-13 September 2024.
While it is strongly encouraged that Awardees present at the conference either as a lead or co-author, it is not essential under this Award. The recipient will however need to demonstrate relevant professional development benefits to a broader ARMS community from attending the ARMS Darwin conference.
The Society may offer up to (3) eligible applicants an Indigenous/First Nations Research Conference Travel Award of up to AUD $2,500 per awardee – Conditions apply. Applications close 5 PM AEDT, 15 March 2024
ARMS International Travel Award Program 2024 (ITAP 2024)
The ARMS International Travel Award Program (ITAP) provides modest financial support for up to two (2) ARMS members to participate in international visits and exchanges for an agreed period of time (nominally up to two weeks) with an agreed program of work and training. While the awardee will remain an employee of their host organisation, it is expected they will be integrated as far as possible into the normal working arrangements of the host organisation. Ideally, the awardee will work with a host mentor in the normal working environment of the host.
The key objectives of the ITAP include: - Providing development and training opportunities for Research Management Professionals;
- Enhancing global research management collaboration; and
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Enabling Research Management Professionals with an opportunity to develop their expertise and to pass on what they have learned for the benefit of their host organisation and other members within the ARMS community.
The Society may offer two (2) eligible applicants support of up to AUD $5,000 each – Conditions apply. Applications close 5 PM AEST 30 April 2024 Visit the ARMS website for full details including application guidelines. Other Upcoming Initiatives in 2024: The Board will be also be shortly announcing the Society’s Chapter Travel Awards and INORMS Travel Awards (for attendance to the Congress in Madrid, Spain in 2025). More details coming soon. |
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| | ACCREDITATION CHAIR PLACEHOLDER
The Society wishes to welcome our new Chair of the ARMS Accreditation Council, Professor Alastair McEwan, former Pro Vice Chancellor (Research Development) from the University of Queensland. Professor McEwan has a distinguished research record with more than 200 research works across the biochemical and microbial sciences, and the interdisciplinary research area of Metals in Biology. |
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His research focusses on the role of transition metal ion acquisition and tolerance in bacterial-host cell interactions and the development of metal-based antimicrobials. His research was funded continuously by the ARC for more than two decades and he continues to be funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
As well as taking on the role of Chair of the ARMS Accreditation Council, Professor McEwan has recently joined the Australian Research Council as the Executive Director, Biological Sciences and Biotechnology in November.
Professor McEwan was awarded a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham in 1984 and held a Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC) Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Royal Society University Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford. He was a Lecturer in Biochemistry and Group Leader in the SERC Centre for Metalloprotein Spectroscopy & Biology at the University of East Anglia, Norwich before joining the University of Queensland in 1993.
We warmly welcome Alastair to the ARMS community. |
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ARC/NHMRC RESEARCH ADMINISTRATORS SEMINAR: ARMS SPONSORED NETWORKING EVENT!
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On the 12 & 13th of November the Australian Research Council (ARC) & the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) held the first ARC/NHMRC Research Administrators Seminar in Canberra since 2019. Over 160 research management staff from Australian Universities, Research Institutes and research organisations attended each day in person with hundreds more attending online. ARMS was pleased to sponsor the welcome event held on day one of the seminars to acknowledge its support for the ARC and the NHMRC in organising the event and providing the opportunity for so many ARMS members to meet their colleagues from our nation’s two peak research funding organisations, hear the latest developments at the ARC and NHMRC, ask questions and contribute to the positive and collaborative relationship research managers have across research funders and research providers. The seminars received great feedback from attendees and we look forward to the Seminars continuing into the future in a “COVID-managed” world.
Simon Brennan Chief Research Development Officer Research Development and Support, Flinders University |
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NCURA RAPIDS SURVEY
The Research Administration Professional Identity Scale (RAPIDS) survey is being conducted as part of a new research project funded by the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA). The aim is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the core values, traits, and professional identity within the field Research Administration (RA). Everyone whose role includes Research Administration and/or Management is encouraged to complete the survey. Full details are available here https://bit.ly/ncurarapids. The link to the survey can be found HERE
Contacts/For More Information This survey has been developed by an international team of research administrators and has had ethical approval and institutional review board (IRB) exemption from Clemson University, SC (Ref IRB00000481). Any questions or concerns should be directed to the principal investigators: Melinda Fischer of Clemson University, melindf@clemson.edu
José Santos of Polytechnic University of Bragança, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, josesantos@ipb.pt
Simon Kerridge of Kerridge Research Consulting, s.r.kerridge@kent.ac.uk |
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| BIENNIAL MEMBERSHIP SURVEY - CLOSING 19 JANUARY 2024 On behalf of the Member Services Committee, we are pleased to announce the release of our 2023 Membership Survey. As a community which values diversity in the profession, this year’s survey has been revised with two key foci:
- To obtain a broader understanding of who makes up our community of Research Management Professionals; and
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To seek greater insights into what our members value and require to continue their professional development.
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The results from this survey will also be used to inform the Board as it reviews our Strategic Plan in 2024.
The survey has been revised substantially from previous membership surveys, making it simpler and less time consuming to complete!
We value your input and now invite you to participate – click here to commence the survey. The survey closes Friday, the 19th of January 2024. We look forward to your feedback! |
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ARMS SKILLS NETWORK: HAVE YOU CREATED AN ACCOUNT? |
This is a new resource that showcases the skills and experience of ARMS members as a networking and connecting platform. The platform is designed to enable ARMS members to self-submit their details, including a photo (optional) current role, academic/employment background, skills and expertise. This site is only available to current financial members of the Australasian Research Management Society. |
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Once joined, all registered members of the Skills Network will be able to search for research management expertise, mentors and make new connections across the broad remit of ARMS including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and beyond!
To ensure all members joining the Skills Network receive a positive experience, registered participants are required to observe the following Terms and Conditions for participation.
We hope that the ARMS Skills Network provides you with a valuable platform to showcase your skills, find mentors, and build meaningful connections with other research management professionals. |
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ACCREDITATION, EDUCATION & TRAINING |
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| ACCREDITATION
In November, we successfully completed the final instalment of our 2023 accreditation offerings, featuring the new Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP) elective on Due Diligence and Governance Considerations. As an integral component of the Foundation Level Accreditation Program (FLAP), we presented thirteen (13) elective modules to a cohort of 288 participants throughout the year. Additionally, we conducted twelve (12) master classes, utilizing both in-person and online formats to cater to diverse learning preferences.
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Earlier in December, ARMS distributed its fourth quarterly Accreditation Newsletter, showcasing key events and achievements in the accreditation domain for the year 2023. For access to the December Accreditation Newsletter and previous newsletters, please visit the Accreditation Newsletters webpage.
Additionally, we anticipate releasing next year's FLAP elective module schedule in March with elective modules commencing in May. |
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| PD SESSIONS @ ZOOM: 2024 SCHEDULE |
PD Sessions @ Zoom, our one-hour professional development webinar series, is offered to ARMS members on a range of research management related topics.
Our 2024 program is currently being finalised, but we are pleased to announce the release of our confirmed webinars. To view & save the dates for our confirmed 2024 PD Sessions at zoom click here.
Registration is free of charge to ARMS members, and a fee applies for non-members. |
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All ARMS members are encouraged to attend any, and all, sessions. Accredited members will automatically be credited 1 CPD hour per session attended. |
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DESIGNING FOR IMPACT: MOVING BEYOND THE ICING ON THE CAKE |
We extend our gratitude to Dr Wade Kelly, Ken Knight, and Catherine McElhone for presenting and facilitating our November PD Session @ Zoom!
Did you miss out on this PD Sessions @ Zoom? Catch up here!
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CONFERENCE & EVENTS UPDATES |
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| ARMS 2024 DARWIN CONFERENCE: CALL FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS |
ARMS in collaboration with MyRMA are currently calling for abstract submissions to be delivered during our 2024 ARMS conference in Darwin, Australia!
We encourage you to contribute to the conference program by submitting an abstract that aligns with any of the themes below: CONFERENCE THEME Global and local research partnerships for a sustainable future SUB-THEMES Bringing philanthropists, public research and industry research closer together Effective collaboration with external stakeholders
More than our rank – innovate the future of global rankings Professional Research management as an embedded practice The Knowledge Broker –Translating and disseminating research for greater impact CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS Preconference Workshops - closing date Friday 15 March 2024 Oral Presentations - closing date Friday 12 April 2024
Poster Presentations - closing date Friday 12 April 2024 NB: Late abstracts will not be accepted. Don't miss the opportunity to present your paper at the ARMS 2024 Conference in Darwin!
Interested? Please visit our website by clicking the button below for more information and share with your colleagues! |
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We have published our 2024 annual calendar! Stay up-to-date with all the current ARMS events, accreditation, professional development, and more! Please check our annual calendar regularly, as we confirm more dates throughout the year. |
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CHAPTER & SIG UPDATES/EVENTS |
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| SA CHAPTER: END OF YEAR EVENT SUMMARY |
On Friday December 1st, ARMS members from the University of South Australia, The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and Torrens University came together for the SA Chapter’s End of Year event to celebrate and reflect on 2023. With a drink in hand and an abundance of cheese, attendees enjoyed an opportunity to network, unwind, and share insights into their corner of research management this year. |
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As per our “Research Reset” theme, the afternoon included a chance to discuss the highlights, challenges, and things we were grateful for in 2023; as well as wishes for the year ahead. Some of the common themes that emerged were gratitude for supportive teams and good leadership, celebrating professional successes and subsequent well-earned acknowledgement from leadership and researchers, and universally-experienced challenges with resourcing and adapting to change. Among the discussions were also valuable suggestions for how the SA Chapter can support our members in 2024; including facilitating informal connections between University of Adelaide and UniSA in the lead-up to the merger, and creating opportunities for researchers and Research Management Professionals to share and appreciate perspectives.
The SA Chapter committee would like to thank everyone in attendance for a fantastic event to close off the year, congratulate our members for their efforts in 2023, and wish you all a wonderful and safe holiday season!
Vanessa Eley and Kathy Mott (Co-Convenors, SA Chapter) |
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QLD, NT & PNG CHAPTER: END-OF-YEAR EVENTS SUMMARIES |
DARWIN EVENT DETAILS The 2023 ARMS end-of-year event in Darwin was a success. The lovely smiles of our King and Queen, as well as the gift card winners, made our night. We missed some of the members who got sick and were not able to attend the event, but the laughter shared with those present will always be remembered. Those who met the other members for the first time gained new friends. |
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The exchange of experiences contributed to further interest to learn. We look forward to more beneficial networking events in the future. Happy holidays and wishing you all a safe and fabulous New Year! Analyn Vargas (Committee Member, QLD, NT & PNG Chapter) |
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BRISBANE EVENT DETAILS
The Queensland cohort of the QLD, NT & PNG Chapter held their End of Year Event at The Ship Inn, Southbank, Brisbane on Friday 24th November. It was such a great turn out from our local members, with very lively discussions about the year that was and speculations about what lies ahead for grantors, research funding, and research management. Two of our members were rewarded with lucky door prizes and there were also prizes for the winners of an ARMS quiz. The Chapter is enjoying great participation levels but are always open to welcoming more of our members to our events.
Please reach out to the Chapter Convenors or Chapter Members at your institution if there are professional development or social events you would like to see the Chapter organise in 2024. We look forward to another active 2024, especially with Darwin hosting the ARMS Conference! Belinda Watanabe and Iftikhar Hayat (Co-Convenors, QLD, NT & PNG Chapter) |
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| WA CHAPTER: END-OF-YEAR FUNCTION & AGM |
The WA Chapter recently held their AGM and end-of-year networking event in the beautiful new Boola Katitjin building at Murdoch University.
After the AGM formalities, which included a summary of the year’s events, thanks to the retiring Committee Members and call for EOIs to join the Committee, we heard from ARMS Travel Award winners on their learnings from the ARMS Conference. |
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This was followed by delicious food and beverages served on the huge balcony, as we watched the sun setting in the West on another great year in research management!
Dale Banks (Committee Member, WA Chapter) |
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The New Zealand/Pacific Island chapter wrapped up the year by supporting a team from the NZ Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor's office in promulgating approaches to translate research to policy, for both researchers and research managers, through a series of seminars around New Zealand. Events were held at Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University Wellington on 18 September 2023 and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury on 27 September 2023. Read Hannah McKerchar's Debrief of the event here.
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Further workshops will be held at Otepoti | Dunedin and Tamaki Makaurau | Auckland and again in Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington in early 2024. The last NZ/PI Chapter Virtual Event was on 25 October 2023, which was a webinar focusing on MBIE’s new He Aka Ka Toro and He Tipu Ka Hua funds to advance iwi, hapu, hapori, and Māori Research, Science and Innovation (RSI) priorities, presented by Vanessa Clark of Kanapu and Shea Robin-Underwood of MBIE.
For 2024, the Chapter Committee is looking forward to welcoming new members Michelle van Rheede, Kirsty McGregor and James Savage. The first Chapter event will be in February (date to be announced), focusing on the EU Horizons programme, of which New Zealand is now an associate member.
Dr Simon Lovatt and Katie Jones (Co-Convenors, NZ/PI Chapter) |
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MORE FROM ARMS & OUR PARTNERS |
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Hello ARMS subscribers!
Season’s greetings to you all. As the end of the year approaches and our office is winding down for the festive period, the ResearchMaster team is taking the opportunity to reflect on the year that’s passed.
We’re always thrilled to be part of the work our clients do daily. Our industry-leading software solutions support thousands of research projects across Australia and New Zealand every year.
This year, we also got to be part of the first ARMS event back in person after the lockdowns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The ARMS conference in Sydney had the biggest turnout of any ARMS event ever. We’re incredibly proud to have sponsored them for the occasion, and of course it was an amazing opportunity to catch up with our industry colleagues. We also got to head on over to NZ for their chapter events.
For over 25 years now, ResearchMaster has supported excellence in research. As research practices evolve, they demands a greater degree of sophistication and complexity, and ResearchMaster is committed to delivering solutions that can evolve in step. It’s a tremendous privilege for us to watch and participate in the generation of new knowledge, and to support the traditions that produce it into the future. Wherever you are, we wish you all a very safe and happy festive season, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2024. All the best, The ResearchMaster Team |
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ARMS EXECUTIVE OFFICE END OF YEAR CLOSURE MESSAGE 2023 On behalf of the ARMS Executive Office, we wish you all the best for the holiday season and hope you enjoy a well-deserved rest with your family and friends.
We wish to advise that Lisa Beckham, ARMS Conference and Major Events Coordinator will be leaving ARMS this week to take on a new opportunity in the events sector. We thank Lisa for her dedication, support and for her contributions in making our first return to in-person conference and events in 2023 so successful. We wish Lisa every successful for her future endeavours.
Please be reminded that our office will be closed for a brief break from 1 PM AEDT, Friday, the 22nd of December 2023 and will re-open on Tuesday, the 2nd of January 2024.
We look forward to working with and supporting you on your research management journey in 2024! With best wishes, Maria Zollo, ARMS Chief Operating Officer on behalf of the ARMS Executive Office
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UP IN ARMS NEWSLETTER - 2024 SCHEDULE If you would like to contribute content, please note the deadlines below.
All enquiries about newsletter content can be directed to ARMS COO, Maria Zollo, at ARMSCOO@researchmanagement.org.au. |
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ARMS acknowledges the generous support of our corporate partners: |
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ARMS EXECUTIVE OFFICE CONTACTS |
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