In the ever-evolving world of research administration, staying ahead requires more than keeping track of compliance updates and funding trends. It’s about connecting with peers, exchanging innovative ideas, and learning the best strategies to navigate this dynamic field. Conferences offer an invaluable opportunity to do just that whether you are looking to enhance your skills, gain insights from experts, or build a network that fuels professional growth.
As research administrators, we wear many hats balancing grants management, compliance, ethical oversight, and collaboration. Attending the right conferences not only sharpens your expertise but also inspires innovation, ensuring you stay at the cutting edge of the profession.
Here’s a look at the top seven conferences for research administrators in 2025. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned expert, these events promise to enrich your knowledge and broaden your horizons.
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1. Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) Annual Conference
The Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) Annual Conference has established itself as an essential gathering for professionals in the research administration field. Known for its comprehensive approach, SRAI attracts attendees from around the globe, offering a mix of networking, professional development, and actionable insights.
What Makes It Special
SRAI caters to professionals at every level, from entry-level administrators to experienced leaders. With its focus on grants management, leadership, and compliance, the conference ensures that participants leave with tools to enhance both individual and institutional success.
What to Expect
This global event features workshops on topics like grants management, compliance frameworks, and leadership development. The conference also provides numerous networking opportunities, bringing together grant writers, compliance officers, and administrators under one roof.
Why You Should Attend
Attendees often report leaving SRAI with a renewed perspective on their work, fueled by innovative ideas and meaningful professional connections. The workshops and sessions provide practical strategies that can be applied immediately in your role.
2. National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Annual Conference
For those working closely with federal regulations or institutional compliance, the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Annual Conference is an unmissable event. NCURA is particularly well-suited for professionals in higher education institutions, offering insights into the policies and practices that govern research administration.
What Makes It Unique
NCURA stands out for its emphasis on federal funding policies and compliance trends. The conference also offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with representatives from federal agencies, providing clarity on key regulations that shape research funding.
What to Expect
Participants can anticipate a range of sessions covering federal funding trends, multi-institutional collaboration strategies, and compliance best practices. Interactive Q&A sessions with policymakers are among the highlights, allowing attendees to address specific challenges in real time.
When and Where
- Financial Research Administration Conference (FRA), March 17 & 18, 2025: San Diego, CA
- Pre-Award Research Administration Conference (PRA), March 20 & 21, 2025: San Diego, CA
- Annual Meeting, August 10-13, 2025 in Washington, DC
Why You Should Attend
This conference offers a deep dive into compliance and regulatory frameworks, helping you stay ahead of changes in federal funding policies. For university research administrators, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to refine strategies for managing complex projects and institutional requirements.
3. NORDP Annual Conference (National Organization of Research Development Professionals)
The NORDP Annual Conference is a hub for research development professionals seeking to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive institutional competitiveness. With a focus on strategy and innovation, this event is ideal for those looking to enhance the impact of their institution’s research portfolio.
Why It’s Special
NORDP’s niche focus on research development makes it a standout event. It offers specialized sessions on proposal development, team science, and strategies for fostering collaboration within and beyond institutions.
What to Expect
The conference features thought-provoking keynotes from industry leaders, skill-building workshops, and dynamic “Lightning Talks” that spark innovative ideas. Attendees leave equipped with tools to enhance collaboration and competitiveness in their institutions.
When and Where
The NORDP Annual Conference is slated for May 2025, with dates and the location yet to be finalized.
Why You Should Attend
By focusing on research development, NORDP provides unique insights into strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration. It’s particularly valuable for professionals looking to improve proposal quality and secure competitive funding.
4. European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) Annual Conference
For research administrators involved in international collaborations or European research frameworks like Horizon Europe, the EARMA Annual Conference is a must-attend event. This conference focuses on the intricacies of managing cross-border research partnerships and navigating European funding opportunities.
What to Expect
EARMA delivers expert-led sessions on EU funding mechanisms, cross-border collaboration, and building effective partnerships. Networking opportunities abound, connecting attendees with peers from across Europe and beyond.
When and Where
(EARMA) will host the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) Congress. This prestigious event will be held at the IFEMA Palacio Municipal in Madrid, Spain, from May 6 - 8.
Why You Should Attend
EARMA is particularly beneficial for those managing multinational research projects. By attending, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of European funding frameworks and develop strategies to optimize collaboration across borders.
5. Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Annual Conference
Grant writing and management are fundamental to securing research funding, and the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Annual Conference is the go-to event for honing these critical skills. This conference brings together grant professionals from various sectors to share insights and best practices.
What Makes It Unique
The GPA Annual Conference emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. From crafting winning grant proposals to managing awarded funds effectively, the sessions offer actionable strategies tailored to grant professionals.
What to Expect
The event includes workshops on grant writing techniques, compliance protocols, and innovative funding strategies. Networking sessions allow participants to connect with potential collaborators and mentors in the field.
When and Where
GrantSummit is scheduled for October 29 – November 1, 2025 in-person in Baltimore.
Why You Should Attend
Attendees consistently praise the practical value of this conference, particularly its focus on crafting compelling proposals and managing funds efficiently. It’s an essential event for anyone involved in securing and managing research funding.
6. Financial Research Administration (FRA) Conference
Managing the financial aspects of research administration requires specialized expertise, and the Financial Research Administration (FRA) Conference offers the perfect platform to enhance these skills. This event delves into the financial side of research management, covering topics like budgeting, compliance, and audit preparation.
What to Expect
Sessions at the FRA Conference focus on financial stewardship, offering best practices for budget planning, risk management, and financial compliance. Expert panels provide insights into emerging trends and challenges in research funding.
When and Where
The Financial Research Administration Conference (FRA) will be held March 17-18, 2025, followed by the Pre-Award Research Administration Conference (PRA) on March 20-21, 2025 in San Diego, California.
Why You Should Attend
For professionals tasked with managing research finances, the FRA Conference offers invaluable tools and strategies to navigate complex funding landscapes while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
7. PRIM&R Annual Conference (Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research)
Ethics and compliance are cornerstones of responsible research, and the PRIM&R Annual Conference stands out as the premier event for professionals dedicated to advancing ethical standards in medicine and research.
What Makes It Unique
PRIM&R focuses on the ethical dimensions of research administration, particularly the protection of human and animal subjects. The conference draws a diverse audience, including compliance officers, IRB members, and research administrators.
What to Expect
Attendees can look forward to sessions on IRB (Institutional Review Board) and IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) best practices, as well as discussions on emerging ethical challenges in research. Networking opportunities abound, connecting participants with experts in the field.
When and Where
- Registration opens in January
- Location: Washington, D.C.
Why You Should Attend
This event is essential for professionals committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in research. The insights gained at PRIM&R will empower you to navigate complex compliance challenges with confidence.
The Power of Conferences in Research Administration
In research administration, professional growth goes hand in hand with staying connected to a community of peers and experts. Conferences like these provide a platform to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and develop strategies for success.
Whether your focus is on financial compliance, grants management, ethics, or research development, these seven conferences promise to deliver actionable insights and opportunities to grow. They’re not just events—they’re investments in your career and the future of research administration.
As you plan your professional development for 2025, make room in your calendar for these transformative experiences. The knowledge, connections, and inspiration you’ll gain are sure to propel your career to new heights.
