Day 2

SUNFLOWER

T1: Navigating the Research Rapids: Training and Developing a Resilient Research Administration Workforce  

Julie Cole, Denise Wynn, Lee Broxton, Amy Cuhel-Schuckers

The research administration profession is navigating increasingly challenging rapids—shifting regulations, evolving technologies, workforce transitions, and growing compliance expectations. This timely panel discussion will explore how institutions can develop meaningful training and professional development programs that prepare research administrators to adapt, grow, and thrive amid continuous change. Panelists will share practical ideas and successful approaches for building resilient, knowledgeable, and future-ready teams.

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Professional Growth/Professional Development, Sponsored Programs Regulations Overview

BELLFLOWER

T2: Clinical Trial vs Grant Finances: Protocol Based vs Project Based Management

Amanda Varone, Jill Cunnup

Clinical trials and research grants share common financial building blocks, but the way funds are earned, tracked, and reviewed differs significantly. This session explores the practical distinctions between protocol based clinical trial financial management and the project-based approach used for grant funded research. Participants will examine where financial workflows diverge across the research lifecycle, including pre award planning, budgeting, documentation standards, and key post award responsibilities. Attendees will gain a clear, practical understanding of how money flows through clinical trials and grants, which financial controls matter most in each model, and how well-designed processes support compliance, transparency, and the responsible use of research funding.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Clinical Trials

REDBUD A

T3: AI Exchange: What's Working in Research Administration

Joseph McNicholas, Jill Thomas

As the research funding environment becomes increasingly complex, research administrators are seeking practical ways to reduce administrative burden while maintaining compliance, accuracy, and service quality. This facilitated discussion will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to support research administration activities across pre award and post award functions, with an emphasis on real world, institution level applications. Participants will be invited to share AI tools and workflows currently in use at their institutions, discuss lessons learned, and collaboratively identify additional opportunities where AI could streamline processes such as document drafting, compliance review, knowledge management, and communication. The session will emphasize peer learning, human oversight, and responsible use, offering a collaborative forum for research administrators to exchange ideas and envision how AI can support their work in an increasingly demanding research landscape. 

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Optimization/Efficiency, Management, Workflow & Processes

REDBUD B

T4: Center Grant Proposal Architecture: A Pre-Award Toolkit for Center-Scale Submissions 

Phil Grosshans

Federal center and center-like proposals are not simply large submissions; they are complex pre-award projects that require a clear architecture for budgets, narrative components, collaborators, review teams, institutional commitments, and submission logistics. This session gives research administrators a practical framework for moving a PI’s center concept from solicitation review to routed submission. We will cover opportunity intake, proposal mapping, budget architecture, proposal writing and review processes, document coordination, partner tracking, internal review, and final submission readiness. Participants will receive a starter Center Grant Budget Architecture Template and related planning tools to support faculty conversations, partner planning, early budget decisions, and budget-justification development. The emphasis is on building center proposals that are coherent, compliant, coordinated, and positioned for successful launch if funded.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Proposal Development, Research Development, Workflow and Processes

DOGWOOD A

T5: The Evolving Funding Landscape for Research: Federal and Foundation Grant Trends, and What the Data Tell Us

Michael Fern

This session offers a data-driven look at the foundation funding landscape for research universities, drawing on IRS 990 and 990-PF filings covering 16,500 foundations and the top 50 R1 universities. We'll explore trends in foundation giving to universities, how foundations actually select grantees, and what signals matter most, including co-funding networks, geographic patterns, mission alignment, and more. The goal is to give research development professionals a clearer, empirically grounded picture of the foundation landscape and practical frameworks for identifying new funding opportunities beyond traditional federal sources.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced, Senior/Leadership

Topic Tags: Non-Federal Funding, Research Development

SUNFLOWER

T1: Navigating the Research Rapids: Training and Developing a Resilient Research Administration Workforce  

Julie Cole, Denise Wynn, Lee Broxton, Amy Cuhel-Schuckers

The research administration profession is navigating increasingly challenging rapids—shifting regulations, evolving technologies, workforce transitions, and growing compliance expectations. This timely panel discussion will explore how institutions can develop meaningful training and professional development programs that prepare research administrators to adapt, grow, and thrive amid continuous change. Panelists will share practical ideas and successful approaches for building resilient, knowledgeable, and future-ready teams.

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Professional Growth/Professional Development, Sponsored Programs Regulations Overview

BELLFLOWER

T2: Clinical Trial vs Grant Finances: Protocol Based vs Project Based Management

Amanda Varone, Jill Cunnup

Clinical trials and research grants share common financial building blocks, but the way funds are earned, tracked, and reviewed differs significantly. This session explores the practical distinctions between protocol based clinical trial financial management and the project-based approach used for grant funded research. Participants will examine where financial workflows diverge across the research lifecycle, including pre award planning, budgeting, documentation standards, and key post award responsibilities. Attendees will gain a clear, practical understanding of how money flows through clinical trials and grants, which financial controls matter most in each model, and how well-designed processes support compliance, transparency, and the responsible use of research funding.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Clinical Trials

REDBUD A

T3: AI Exchange: What's Working in Research Administration

Joseph McNicholas, Jill Thomas

As the research funding environment becomes increasingly complex, research administrators are seeking practical ways to reduce administrative burden while maintaining compliance, accuracy, and service quality. This facilitated discussion will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to support research administration activities across pre award and post award functions, with an emphasis on real world, institution level applications. Participants will be invited to share AI tools and workflows currently in use at their institutions, discuss lessons learned, and collaboratively identify additional opportunities where AI could streamline processes such as document drafting, compliance review, knowledge management, and communication. The session will emphasize peer learning, human oversight, and responsible use, offering a collaborative forum for research administrators to exchange ideas and envision how AI can support their work in an increasingly demanding research landscape. 

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Optimization/Efficiency, Management, Workflow & Processes

REDBUD B

T4: Center Grant Proposal Architecture: A Pre-Award Toolkit for Center-Scale Submissions 

Phil Grosshans

Federal center and center-like proposals are not simply large submissions; they are complex pre-award projects that require a clear architecture for budgets, narrative components, collaborators, review teams, institutional commitments, and submission logistics. This session gives research administrators a practical framework for moving a PI’s center concept from solicitation review to routed submission. We will cover opportunity intake, proposal mapping, budget architecture, proposal writing and review processes, document coordination, partner tracking, internal review, and final submission readiness. Participants will receive a starter Center Grant Budget Architecture Template and related planning tools to support faculty conversations, partner planning, early budget decisions, and budget-justification development. The emphasis is on building center proposals that are coherent, compliant, coordinated, and positioned for successful launch if funded.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Proposal Development, Research Development, Workflow and Processes

DOGWOOD A

T5: The Evolving Funding Landscape for Research: Federal and Foundation Grant Trends, and What the Data Tell Us

Michael Fern

This session offers a data-driven look at the foundation funding landscape for research universities, drawing on IRS 990 and 990-PF filings covering 16,500 foundations and the top 50 R1 universities. We'll explore trends in foundation giving to universities, how foundations actually select grantees, and what signals matter most, including co-funding networks, geographic patterns, mission alignment, and more. The goal is to give research development professionals a clearer, empirically grounded picture of the foundation landscape and practical frameworks for identifying new funding opportunities beyond traditional federal sources.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced, Senior/Leadership

Topic Tags: Non-Federal Funding, Research Development

SUNFLOWER

T1: Navigating the Research Rapids: Training and Developing a Resilient Research Administration Workforce  

Julie Cole, Denise Wynn, Lee Broxton, Amy Cuhel-Schuckers

The research administration profession is navigating increasingly challenging rapids—shifting regulations, evolving technologies, workforce transitions, and growing compliance expectations. This timely panel discussion will explore how institutions can develop meaningful training and professional development programs that prepare research administrators to adapt, grow, and thrive amid continuous change. Panelists will share practical ideas and successful approaches for building resilient, knowledgeable, and future-ready teams.

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Professional Growth/Professional Development, Sponsored Programs Regulations Overview

BELLFLOWER

T2: Clinical Trial vs Grant Finances: Protocol Based vs Project Based Management

Amanda Varone, Jill Cunnup

Clinical trials and research grants share common financial building blocks, but the way funds are earned, tracked, and reviewed differs significantly. This session explores the practical distinctions between protocol based clinical trial financial management and the project-based approach used for grant funded research. Participants will examine where financial workflows diverge across the research lifecycle, including pre award planning, budgeting, documentation standards, and key post award responsibilities. Attendees will gain a clear, practical understanding of how money flows through clinical trials and grants, which financial controls matter most in each model, and how well-designed processes support compliance, transparency, and the responsible use of research funding.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Clinical Trials

REDBUD A

T3: AI Exchange: What's Working in Research Administration

Joseph McNicholas, Jill Thomas

As the research funding environment becomes increasingly complex, research administrators are seeking practical ways to reduce administrative burden while maintaining compliance, accuracy, and service quality. This facilitated discussion will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to support research administration activities across pre award and post award functions, with an emphasis on real world, institution level applications. Participants will be invited to share AI tools and workflows currently in use at their institutions, discuss lessons learned, and collaboratively identify additional opportunities where AI could streamline processes such as document drafting, compliance review, knowledge management, and communication. The session will emphasize peer learning, human oversight, and responsible use, offering a collaborative forum for research administrators to exchange ideas and envision how AI can support their work in an increasingly demanding research landscape. 

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Optimization/Efficiency, Management, Workflow & Processes

REDBUD B

T4: Center Grant Proposal Architecture: A Pre-Award Toolkit for Center-Scale Submissions 

Phil Grosshans

Federal center and center-like proposals are not simply large submissions; they are complex pre-award projects that require a clear architecture for budgets, narrative components, collaborators, review teams, institutional commitments, and submission logistics. This session gives research administrators a practical framework for moving a PI’s center concept from solicitation review to routed submission. We will cover opportunity intake, proposal mapping, budget architecture, proposal writing and review processes, document coordination, partner tracking, internal review, and final submission readiness. Participants will receive a starter Center Grant Budget Architecture Template and related planning tools to support faculty conversations, partner planning, early budget decisions, and budget-justification development. The emphasis is on building center proposals that are coherent, compliant, coordinated, and positioned for successful launch if funded.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Proposal Development, Research Development, Workflow and Processes

DOGWOOD A

T5: The Evolving Funding Landscape for Research: Federal and Foundation Grant Trends, and What the Data Tell Us

Michael Fern

This session offers a data-driven look at the foundation funding landscape for research universities, drawing on IRS 990 and 990-PF filings covering 16,500 foundations and the top 50 R1 universities. We'll explore trends in foundation giving to universities, how foundations actually select grantees, and what signals matter most, including co-funding networks, geographic patterns, mission alignment, and more. The goal is to give research development professionals a clearer, empirically grounded picture of the foundation landscape and practical frameworks for identifying new funding opportunities beyond traditional federal sources.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced, Senior/Leadership

Topic Tags: Non-Federal Funding, Research Development

SUNFLOWER

T1: Navigating the Research Rapids: Training and Developing a Resilient Research Administration Workforce  

Julie Cole, Denise Wynn, Lee Broxton, Amy Cuhel-Schuckers

The research administration profession is navigating increasingly challenging rapids—shifting regulations, evolving technologies, workforce transitions, and growing compliance expectations. This timely panel discussion will explore how institutions can develop meaningful training and professional development programs that prepare research administrators to adapt, grow, and thrive amid continuous change. Panelists will share practical ideas and successful approaches for building resilient, knowledgeable, and future-ready teams.

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Professional Growth/Professional Development, Sponsored Programs Regulations Overview

BELLFLOWER

T2: Clinical Trial vs Grant Finances: Protocol Based vs Project Based Management

Amanda Varone, Jill Cunnup

Clinical trials and research grants share common financial building blocks, but the way funds are earned, tracked, and reviewed differs significantly. This session explores the practical distinctions between protocol based clinical trial financial management and the project-based approach used for grant funded research. Participants will examine where financial workflows diverge across the research lifecycle, including pre award planning, budgeting, documentation standards, and key post award responsibilities. Attendees will gain a clear, practical understanding of how money flows through clinical trials and grants, which financial controls matter most in each model, and how well-designed processes support compliance, transparency, and the responsible use of research funding.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Clinical Trials

REDBUD A

T3: AI Exchange: What's Working in Research Administration

Joseph McNicholas, Jill Thomas

As the research funding environment becomes increasingly complex, research administrators are seeking practical ways to reduce administrative burden while maintaining compliance, accuracy, and service quality. This facilitated discussion will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to support research administration activities across pre award and post award functions, with an emphasis on real world, institution level applications. Participants will be invited to share AI tools and workflows currently in use at their institutions, discuss lessons learned, and collaboratively identify additional opportunities where AI could streamline processes such as document drafting, compliance review, knowledge management, and communication. The session will emphasize peer learning, human oversight, and responsible use, offering a collaborative forum for research administrators to exchange ideas and envision how AI can support their work in an increasingly demanding research landscape. 

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Optimization/Efficiency, Management, Workflow & Processes

REDBUD B

T4: Center Grant Proposal Architecture: A Pre-Award Toolkit for Center-Scale Submissions 

Phil Grosshans

Federal center and center-like proposals are not simply large submissions; they are complex pre-award projects that require a clear architecture for budgets, narrative components, collaborators, review teams, institutional commitments, and submission logistics. This session gives research administrators a practical framework for moving a PI’s center concept from solicitation review to routed submission. We will cover opportunity intake, proposal mapping, budget architecture, proposal writing and review processes, document coordination, partner tracking, internal review, and final submission readiness. Participants will receive a starter Center Grant Budget Architecture Template and related planning tools to support faculty conversations, partner planning, early budget decisions, and budget-justification development. The emphasis is on building center proposals that are coherent, compliant, coordinated, and positioned for successful launch if funded.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Proposal Development, Research Development, Workflow and Processes

DOGWOOD A

T5: The Evolving Funding Landscape for Research: Federal and Foundation Grant Trends, and What the Data Tell Us

Michael Fern

This session offers a data-driven look at the foundation funding landscape for research universities, drawing on IRS 990 and 990-PF filings covering 16,500 foundations and the top 50 R1 universities. We'll explore trends in foundation giving to universities, how foundations actually select grantees, and what signals matter most, including co-funding networks, geographic patterns, mission alignment, and more. The goal is to give research development professionals a clearer, empirically grounded picture of the foundation landscape and practical frameworks for identifying new funding opportunities beyond traditional federal sources.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced, Senior/Leadership

Topic Tags: Non-Federal Funding, Research Development

SUNFLOWER

T1: Navigating the Research Rapids: Training and Developing a Resilient Research Administration Workforce  

Julie Cole, Denise Wynn, Lee Broxton, Amy Cuhel-Schuckers

The research administration profession is navigating increasingly challenging rapids—shifting regulations, evolving technologies, workforce transitions, and growing compliance expectations. This timely panel discussion will explore how institutions can develop meaningful training and professional development programs that prepare research administrators to adapt, grow, and thrive amid continuous change. Panelists will share practical ideas and successful approaches for building resilient, knowledgeable, and future-ready teams.

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Professional Growth/Professional Development, Sponsored Programs Regulations Overview

BELLFLOWER

T2: Clinical Trial vs Grant Finances: Protocol Based vs Project Based Management

Amanda Varone, Jill Cunnup

Clinical trials and research grants share common financial building blocks, but the way funds are earned, tracked, and reviewed differs significantly. This session explores the practical distinctions between protocol based clinical trial financial management and the project-based approach used for grant funded research. Participants will examine where financial workflows diverge across the research lifecycle, including pre award planning, budgeting, documentation standards, and key post award responsibilities. Attendees will gain a clear, practical understanding of how money flows through clinical trials and grants, which financial controls matter most in each model, and how well-designed processes support compliance, transparency, and the responsible use of research funding.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Clinical Trials

REDBUD A

T3: AI Exchange: What's Working in Research Administration

Joseph McNicholas, Jill Thomas

As the research funding environment becomes increasingly complex, research administrators are seeking practical ways to reduce administrative burden while maintaining compliance, accuracy, and service quality. This facilitated discussion will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to support research administration activities across pre award and post award functions, with an emphasis on real world, institution level applications. Participants will be invited to share AI tools and workflows currently in use at their institutions, discuss lessons learned, and collaboratively identify additional opportunities where AI could streamline processes such as document drafting, compliance review, knowledge management, and communication. The session will emphasize peer learning, human oversight, and responsible use, offering a collaborative forum for research administrators to exchange ideas and envision how AI can support their work in an increasingly demanding research landscape. 

Knowledge Level: All Levels

Topic Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Optimization/Efficiency, Management, Workflow & Processes

REDBUD B

T4: Center Grant Proposal Architecture: A Pre-Award Toolkit for Center-Scale Submissions 

Phil Grosshans

Federal center and center-like proposals are not simply large submissions; they are complex pre-award projects that require a clear architecture for budgets, narrative components, collaborators, review teams, institutional commitments, and submission logistics. This session gives research administrators a practical framework for moving a PI’s center concept from solicitation review to routed submission. We will cover opportunity intake, proposal mapping, budget architecture, proposal writing and review processes, document coordination, partner tracking, internal review, and final submission readiness. Participants will receive a starter Center Grant Budget Architecture Template and related planning tools to support faculty conversations, partner planning, early budget decisions, and budget-justification development. The emphasis is on building center proposals that are coherent, compliant, coordinated, and positioned for successful launch if funded.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Topic Tags: Budgets/Financial, Proposal Development, Research Development, Workflow and Processes

DOGWOOD A

T5: The Evolving Funding Landscape for Research: Federal and Foundation Grant Trends, and What the Data Tell Us

Michael Fern

This session offers a data-driven look at the foundation funding landscape for research universities, drawing on IRS 990 and 990-PF filings covering 16,500 foundations and the top 50 R1 universities. We'll explore trends in foundation giving to universities, how foundations actually select grantees, and what signals matter most, including co-funding networks, geographic patterns, mission alignment, and more. The goal is to give research development professionals a clearer, empirically grounded picture of the foundation landscape and practical frameworks for identifying new funding opportunities beyond traditional federal sources.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced, Senior/Leadership

Topic Tags: Non-Federal Funding, Research Development