7:30a-4:00p (Westbrook Prefunction)

• Registration for All Attendees & Speakers (closed for lunch)

7:30a-9:00a (Royal Ballroom)

• Breakfast for Workshop Attendees

8:00a-9:00a (Bill Hahn)

• Rest & Relaxation Room

Essentials of Research Administration (Westbrook A)(Workshop)

• Sabrina Heisey, Northeastern University

The Essentials of Sponsored Research Administration workshop provides participants with a broad overview of sponsored projects administration. The workshop covers cost principles, budgets, coordination and review of proposals, negotiation and acceptance of awards, financial and administrative management, closeout and audit, and compliance issues.

Proposal Preparation and Budgeting (Westbrook C) (Workshop)

• Rady Rogers, Harvard University

• Amy Ellis, Yale University

This workshop will focus in some depth on pre-award topics that drive proposal submissions. Proposal elements will be identified on the basis of common RFPs, with special attention to updated Current and Pending and Other Support regulations. A survey of sponsored systems will be offered with live demos of working with Fastlane, research.gov, Workspace, and ASSIST. The workshop will also focus on budgeting strategies, review of budget template/s, and crafting of budget justifications/narratives.

Lunch for Workshop Attendees (Royal Ballroom)

Award Management and Reporting (Westbrook C) (Workshop)

• Rady Rogers, Harvard University

• Amy Ellis, Yale University

This workshop will focus on award management and financial accounting of sponsored funds. The topics that will be surveyed include reporting requirements, financial management, account structuring, cost principles and best practices in financial reconciliations. Additional topics for discussion are effort reporting and international activities disclosures. The workshop will also focus on strategies for financial projections and strategizing with regard to new proposal submissions to maintain healthy sponsored portfolios.

Leveraging the NSF SECURE Center Resources: A Hands-on Workshop to Explore Utility with a Focus on ERI and PUI (Standard) (Workshop)

• Amanda Humphrey, Northeastern University

Description of session goes here.

Welcome Reception (Grand Ballroom)

• 4:00p-5:00p

7:30a-5:00p (Westbrook Prefunction)

• Registration for All Attendees and Speakers (closed for lunch)

7:30a-9:00a (Royal Ballroom)

• Breakfast and Roundtable Discussions

7:30a-6:00p (Bill Hahn)

• Rest and Relaxation Room

8:45a-9:15a (Royal Ballroom)

• Welcome Address & NCURA National Update

  • Tricia Callahan

9:15a-10:15a (Royal Ballroom)

• Keynote Panel

  • Minessa Konecky (Moderator), Minessa InK

  • Kris Monahan, Harvard University

  • Leo Otterbein, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

  • Gil Tran, Attain Partners

Role of the Grant Manager (Grants Management- Concurrent -Intermediate) (Grand Ballroom)

• Wayne Brown, Rutgers University

In our changing institutional organizations, the Role of The Grant Manager has changed from an administrator to one that: Inspires, Encourages, Facilitates, and Supports. We will dive into each category to discover how we can benefit from this evolving Role of The Grant Manager.

NSF SECURE Center: New Products for 2026 (Compliance- Concurrent - Any) (Westbrook A)

• Amanda Humphrey, Northeastern University

• Irem Tekogul, Northeastern University

This session will provide a presentation by the PHD students who are working on the NSF SECURE Center's Northeast Region to present their recent research on travel registration and loaner device program trends, challenges and opportunities.

Federal Building Blocks: An NSF/NIH Grant Prep Workshop (Sponsor/Federal - Concurrent - Any/All) (Westbrook C)

• Aubri Drake, Smith College

• Kate Wallen, Smith College

Investigators and grant writers are invited to join us for a workshop focused on the common elements of NIH and NSF grants. We will review the purpose, required elements, and expectations of various proposal documents that can be completed or drafted in advance of a specific deadline (e.g., facilities and equipment, biosketches, current & pending support, resource sharing plan, data management plan; and human subjects-related documents, as needed). Links to federal guidance will be shared and requirements of each document will be reviewed.

Building Your Professional Network - A Guide to Crafting an Impactful LinkedIn Presence (Prof. Development/Management - Discussion - Intermediate) (Standard)

• Minessa Konecky, Minessa InK

Networking is critical to your professional development and growth. Many of us do this by attending events like NCURA, however, there are dozens of other opportunities for professional growth and career advancement that can come from expanding your network beyond NCURA. In this session we will go over the power of networking, how to leverage Linkedin, how to find and get involved in initiatives so you can create new relationships and opportunities for the future and how to find your RA super power to promote yourself!

Key Take aways:
The power of networking: Understand how to network effectively with the goal to give not get.
LinkedIn: Understand how to use this powerful professional platform to tell your story, build relationships and expand your network.
Branding: Get in touch with your professional superpower and leverage it to grow your network and differentiate yourself.
Community over competition: Understand how to see others in your field as powerful allies vs. competition.

Join us to transform your networking approach into a dynamic tool for professional success and personal brand enhancement.

Confessions of a PUI Sponsored Programs Director (PUI - Discussion- Any) (Executive)

• Stacy Riseman, College of the Holy Cross

• Saira Valley, Valley Consulting Group, LLC

In this moderator-led conversation, an experienced Sponsored Programs Director from a predominantly undergraduate institution (PUI) responds to candid, pointed questions about the realities of leading research administration in a lean environment. Framed around the theme of “what we wish we had known before taking the job,” the discussion will surface the parts of the role that rarely appear in job descriptions.

The Impact of AI in Grants Management PT 1 (AI/Data - Discussion - Any) (Chapman)

• Angela Lugo Alvarez, University of Miami

• Chanda Robe, Harvard University

Exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can streamline processes like proposal review, compliance checks, and data analysis.

Awards Luncheon (Royal Ballroom)

Leveraging the SuRE Resource Center to Strengthen NIH Proposals: Opportunities for New England Investigators (PUI-Concurrent-Any) (Grand Ballroom)

• Kris Monahan, Harvard University

This session will introduce the Sure Resource Center, a national research support hub funded by the National Institutes of Health and led by the University of Kentucky. The Sure Resource Center offers no-cost services designed to help investigators develop competitive, fundable research proposals, particularly for NIH submissions.

Salami Slicing: When Quantity Trumps Quality (AI/Data-Concurrent-Beginner) (Westbrook A)

• Wendy Bongjoh, Emmanuel College

• Emmanuelle Raymond, Emmanuel College

Salami slicing is often treated as an individual ethical problem, but it is more accurately a systemic response to the Research Industrial Complex, an ecosystem that rewards publication volume and impact metrics over meaningful scientific contribution.

Hot Issues in Grants Including the Uniform Guidance Revisions (Sponsor/Federal-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook C)

• Gil Tran, Attain Partners

2025 has been a wild ride year for research! Starting in February 2025, leading with the National Institute of Health, several other agencies (i.e., Department of Energy, National Sciences Foundation and Department of Defense) proposed to cap the indirect cost rate at 15% which would result in a severe loss of reimbursement to research institutes and cripple US research endeavors. Lawsuits have resulted in temporary pauses for their implementation. In the meantime, the Joint Associations Group (JAG) has worked with the grant community to propose a brand-new model for charging research costs – the FAIR model (Financial Accountability in Research). Congress has expressed its support for the FAIR model in several of the 2026 Appropriation bills. However, a clear outcome is still pending on Congressional and OMB final actions.

From Last-Minute Chaos to On‑Time Triumph: Crafting an Effective Proposal Deadline Policy (Grants Management-Concurrent-Any) (Standard)

• Abby Fellows, Dartmouth College

• Jill Mortali, Dartmouth College

As grant application requirements become increasingly complex and competition for funding grows, careful planning, development, and coordination of proposals are more important than ever. Submission deadline policies are critical to allow enough time to assist with preparing applications and for institutional review to ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines and timely submission.

In this session, we will share the process we established to update and implement our revised deadline policy. We will highlight the concrete changes that have led to a significant improvement in proposals being received early or on time for initial review.

Learning Objectives:

To provide an overview of the steps to develop and implement an updated proposal deadline policy, including:

Developing metrics to track policy adherence
Establishing a collaborative working group
Delineating departmental and central-office roles
Navigating institutional approvals
Designing and executing an implementation plan
Evaluating effectiveness post-implementation

Professional Development: Building your Own Board (Previous WGC) (PD/Management-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Amanda Humphrey, Northeastern University

Mentorship comes in many forms. This session will provide an overview of some of the key forms of mentorship and explain the value of each type of mentorship, with a focus on exploring mentorship as a community building activity. This approach of seeing mentorship as a board rather than an individual relationships opens up new opportunities to seek a more distributed and well-rounded group of mentors that can help build out various professional skills. Participants will discuss opportunities to build their own board and resources for getting started on developing a plan.

Building Resilience and Agility in Research Administration: Practical Strategies for Thriving in Change (PD/Management-Discussion-Intermediate) (Chapman)

• Kimberly Fiore, Yale University

• Sarah Corley, Yale University

Research administrators operate in an environment of constant change—budget constraints, technological advancements, and increasing complexity create stress and uncertainty. This session, aligned with the theme “Reimagining the Research Administration Community: Envision–Empower–Evolve,” explores how resilience and agility can empower professionals to thrive despite these challenges. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and interactive discussion, attendees will learn actionable steps to strengthen these essential human-centered skills and foster professional growth.

Reimagining the Art of Presenting (PD/Management-Concurrent-Beginner) (Grand Ballroom)

• Tricia Callahan, Emory University

It’s time to reimagine the standard presentation. In this session, we provide the blueprint to envision compelling content and evolve your delivery. From intriguing openers to strategic body structures, we focus on how to empowering your audience to take ownership of their learning. 

Grant Team: Building Effective Collaborations Across Pre and Post Award at a PUI (PUI-Concurrent-Intermediate) (Westbrook A)

• Dalila Alves, Providence College

• Jessica Gaudreau

Effective collaboration involves open communication, clear roles, and shared goals, enabling teams to work together efficiently and achieve better outcomes. It's about more than just working in the same space; it's about actively participating, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. Key elements include fostering a culture of trust, encouraging participation, and utilizing appropriate tools to facilitate communication and coordination.

Essential Tips for Research Administrators from a Federal Grant Peer Reviewer and a Senior Grants Associate at Dartmouth College (Sponsor/Federal-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook C)

• Allen Bieber, Dartmouth College

• Stephanie Morgan, Dartmouth College

The granting landscape has changed considerably in the past year, driven partly by changes in funding priorities from a new presidential administration but also by changes made at the NIH to improve grant review. With attention to both peer review and grants administration, we will discuss what these changes mean for grantsmanship and grant submission practices. Broad themes will include the rationale for changes to grant review priorities and practices, how agency review meetings are conducted and how recent changes are affecting them, lessons learned and best practices for research administrators. Specific items for discussion may include: the peer review process and scoring, changes to NIH grant review criteria, continued emphasis on rigor and reproducibility, final funding decisions, how to navigate new federal funding priorities, how the grant budget affects individual peer review and how the national budget is affecting all grant review, use of the Common Forms for biographical sketches, and best administrative practices regarding these and other issues.

Building High-Performing Post-Award Teams: Training Strategies for Research Administration Excellence (Grants Management-Concurrent-Intermediate) (Standard)

• Wayne Brown, Rutgers University

This session will explore key post-award concepts and practical training approaches that strengthen staff competency, compliance, and operational effectiveness. Presenter will share proven strategies for educating post-award professionals, drawing on institutional examples and real-world challenges.

From Bench to Bedside to Balance Sheet: Bridging Clinical Operations and Research Administration for Sustainable Impact (Hospital/Medical-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Kyle Iacovino, Mass General Brigham

This panel discussion will examine how research administrators can bridge the gap between clinical operations and research administration - serving as critical translators who align clinical care delivery with research goals. Panelists will discuss practical approaches to embedding research within clinical workflows, reducing tension between operational and academic priorities, and accelerating the translation of research into tangible outcomes. The session will explore how effective communication and dissemination - through publications, institutional storytelling, and strategic engagement with funders and health system leadership - can support long-term sustainability, including diversified funding models and potential pathways to reimbursement.

From Entry Level to Middle Grant Management, Career Tools and Lessons for Your Journey (PD/Management-Discussion-Any) (Chapman)

• Angelica Wilshire, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Join us for an engaging, practical discussion and presentation on navigating a career path in grant management—from entry-level positions to mid-level grant management* roles. We’ll highlight concrete tools, skill-building strategies, and real-world approaches to help you grow your experience, strengthen your professional confidence, and prepare for the next step in your career.

*Note: In this session, “mid-level grant management” refers to professional proficiency and ownership of work—not supervisory responsibility. Mid-level grant managers independently manage a portfolio, anticipate and resolve issues, are a point of contact, coordinate or escalate with stakeholders as needs or circumstances change, serve as a key liaison for communications with sponsors, and support compliance with sponsor and organizational policies. This is not “management” in the sense of having direct reports.

Indirect Cost Primer (Grants Management-Concurrent-Beginner) (Westbrook A)

• Ramzi El Fakhri, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

We will cover the concepts of direct and indirect costs, the process of determining an indirect cost rate, and the latest federal compliance requirements, including significant updates to the federal Uniform Guidance. After completing this primer, participants will be able to distinguish between direct and indirect costs, identify different types of indirect cost rates, apply the appropriate rate base for calculating indirect costs, and understand key updates to 2 CFR Part 200 and their effect on federal awards.

Navigating Institutional Training Grants (Hospital/Medical-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook C)

• Amy Weinberg, Boston Children’s Hospital

An overview of the purpose of an institutional national research service award, overall management strategies, stipend/salary during the appointment period, financial management across budget periods, and reporting.

Reimagining the Grant Lifecycle: How AI Agents Are Shaping the Future of Research Administration at MGB ((AI/Data-Concurrent-Any)

• David Waldron, Mass General Brigham

• Julianne Galaida, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

This presentation invites you to imagine a smarter, more intuitive grant lifecycle—one where AI agents quietly handle the complexity behind the scenes so researchers and administrators can focus on discovery, not paperwork. At Mass General Brigham, we are moving beyond simple automation to thoughtfully weave AI into the fabric of research administration, from proposal development through closeout. Along the way, we’ll explore how intelligent agents help anticipate needs, reduce friction, and bring clarity to an otherwise intricate process, all while preserving strong governance and trust. The result is a glimpse into an AI-enabled research ecosystem designed to work with people, not around them, and to make the grant journey feel just a little more human.

Executive Succession Planning (PD/Management-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Wayne Brown, Rutgers University

• Hernan Santana, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

• Amanda Humphrey, Northeastern University

• Raquel Espinosa, Dana Farber Cancer Insitute

Session description goes here

Effort Reporting Discussion Group for Research Administrators (Compliance-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Roseann Luongo, Huron Consulting

This discussion group is designed for research administrators who support, oversee, or manage effort reporting across the sponsored project lifecycle. The session will provide a space to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore practical approaches to administering compliant and efficient effort reporting processes.

Topics will include interpreting federal requirements under Uniform Guidance, coordinating pre- and post-certification reviews, managing effort changes and cost transfers, supporting timely certifications, and clarifying roles and responsibilities among PIs, departments, and central offices. The discussion will also address common audit findings and risk areas, with a focus on strategies research administrators use to strengthen internal controls and improve consistency across units.

This is an interactive, peer-based session intended to foster candid conversation, shared problem-solving, and the exchange of effective practices. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, scenarios, or examples from their own institutions.

Volunteer & Speaker Key Panel Reception (Grand Ballroom)

• 5:00p-6:00p

Dinner Groups (Meet in lobby at 6:15p)

• 6:15p-8:30p

Hospitality Suite (Grand Ballroom)

• 8:30p-11:00p

Wellness Activity TBD

7:30a-5:00p (Westbrook Prefunction)

• Registration for All Attendees & Speakers (closed for lunch)

7:30a-9:00a (Royal Ballroom)

• Breakfast and Roundtable Discussions

7:30a-9:00a (Bill Hahn)

• Rest & Relaxation Room

Where the Wild Things Are… Animal Compliance Meets Sponsored Projects (Compliance-Concurrent-Beginner) (Westbrook A)

• Amy Santos, University of Vermont

• Laurie Lynch, University of Vermont

An introduction to animal research compliance; this session will outline the history, function, and importance of animal research protection while mapping meaningful links between animal research protocols, funding proposals and projects. Drawing from professional experience in research administration, animal research protections, lab management and field logistics. Presenters will share examples of successful collaboration between teams intended both to reinforce the compliance concepts introduced and to empower research administrators to own their pieces of this complex puzzle.

Research administration structures to support artificial intelligence (AI) development and implementation research within a large healthcare system (Hospital/Medical-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook C)

• Jennifer Pellowski, Hartford Hospital

• Emily Shearier, Hartford Healthcare

Artificial intelligence has substantial potential to benefit patients and providers within healthcare systems, however, there are substantial concerns related to patient safety and data security (e.g. PHI). In this session, we will discuss the pressures between innovation and research administration related to supporting AI based projects, concerning ethics, compliance, timelines, and rigor.  We will also provide real examples of structures established at Hartford HealthCare to accelerate AI research while maintaining high regard for patient safety and ethical compliance. We will end with a discussion of future outlooks and next steps.

On-The-Job Apprentice Training: A Two-Way Street (PD/Management-Concurrent-Advanced) (Standard)

• Zoya Davis-Hamilton, Tufts University

• Carla Abate, Bunker Hill Community College

• Adam Carlson, Tufts University

Tufts University in collaboration with Bunker Hill Community College conducted an NSF-funded pilot apprenticeship program in research administration and compliance. In this session we will share lessons learned about setting up a workforce development program, focusing on responsibility and accountability from both apprentices and the host organization. We will describe our approach and considerations related to resources, including financial, human, and time. The attendees will engage in discussion about ways to ensure strong employer - apprentice partnership. As a result of this session, attendees will enhance their ability to plan and design a workforce development program at their institutions.

International Subawards: Navigating the New Era with Levity and Logic (Grants Management-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Beth Kingsley, Yale University

• Jeff Cosier, University of New Hampshire

International research collaborations have entered a new era. With the NIH’s intensified focus on transparency and data access, research administrators now navigate a high-stakes balancing act of compliance, legal oversight, and financial stewardship. Join this morning roundtable to dive into the latest federal policies governing foreign subawards. We will explore the practical transition from nested subawards to independent, linked international projects, sharing strategies to support successful collaborations in an environment of heightened scrutiny.

The Impact of AI in Grants Management PT 2 (AI/Data-Discussion-Any) (Chapman)

• Angela Lugo Alvarez, University of Miami

• Chanda Robe, Harvard University

Description: Exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can streamline processes in post award efficiency, and adressing risks of plagiarism.

New Senior Executives Entering Research Administration (PD/Management-Discussion-Advanced) (Grand Ballroom)

• Rachelle Joseph, Boston University

• Chanda Robe, Harvard University

Session Description goes here.

Proposal Development 101 (Grants Management-Concurrent-Beginner) (Westbrook A)

• Julianne Galaida, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

• Alexis Bevilacqua

This session will focus on proposal development for research administrators at any level
-reviewing the RFA and understanding the instructions
-organizing information from the PI
-preparing the application and the required components
-working with a central office for review, approval and submission

COGR Update (Sponsor/Fedeal-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook C)

• Cindy Hope, COGR

• Krystal Toups, COGR

Join COGR for a session that explores the evolving federal regulatory landscape and its impact on research. This session will provide an overview of COGR’s role in shaping national policy by “Advancing Effective Research Policy.” Attendees will gain insight into recent and upcoming federal policy changes, COGR’s ongoing initiatives, and opportunities to engage in open discussion on key challenges. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers and contribute to the conversation on policies that shape the future of research.

Policy to Practice: A Regulatory Road Trip (Compliance-Concurrent-Any) (Standard)

• Robert Prentiss, Yale University

• Jessica Randall, Yale University

Are you ready to map your institution’s route through the maze of federal research compliance? This session will provide a broad overview of the layers of policies, procedures, and practices that govern federally sponsored research. Research administrators are constantly navigating these layers, and they are critical in ensuring compliance and efficiency. After a review of how federal policy is structured, we will discuss best practices for crafting institutional policies and procedures, and then look at the systems and tools we use to maintain their currency, accuracy and clarity. Whether you're a seasoned traveler from a large established research university or navigating a new environment at a smaller college or hospital, this session will equip you with practical knowledge of federal regulation structures and how they flow down to institutional policies.

The Human Side of Research Support: Strategies for Engagement in a Shifting Political Climate (PUI-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Alexandra Bothos, Sacred Heart University

This session will explore how intentional, trust-based relationships between research administrators and faculty can enhance research support at institutions of any size or structure. Drawing on practical strategies and positive outcomes from Sacred Heart University, participants will learn approaches to build stronger communication, engagement, and human-centered services that foster collaboration and efficiency. The session will also address broader considerations, including improving internal processes, supporting faculty at different career stages, leveraging technology thoughtfully, and strengthening cross-campus partnerships. In today’s political climate, where colleges and universities face increasing scrutiny and pressure to demonstrate impact, these strategies are critical for building a resilient and empowered research community.

How to Train your Dragon - er - PI (Grants Management-Discussion-Advanced) (Chapman)

• Sara Powell, University of Vermont

• Stephanie Glock, University of Vermont

Sponsored projects offices and research administrators know that mandatory and comprehensive training for our PIs would make our jobs easier and improve financial and compliance success. But let’s face it: resources are limited, and one-size-fits-all training isn’t realistic or sustainable. PIs need timely, efficient, and targeted pre and post award training. We want to hear about successful programs and processes for PI training. What works? What doesn’t? We also want to discuss various aspects of a training program that ensure success and feasibility: How to get strategic backing of necessary stakeholders, what are effective modalities of delivery, and how can we deliver just in time topics. The goal is to build a sustainable infrastructure for PI training. We want ideas, not complaints. Our institutions will be more successful as we work together.

Lunch (Royal Ballroom)

NCURA Region I Business Meeting (Royal Ballroom)

Generational Strengths: Celebrating Diverse Contributions in Research Administration (PD/Management-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook A)

• Casteila Mercer, Boston Children’s Hospital

• Ryan Sheehan, University of Vermont

This will be an insightful panel discussion that brings together Research Administrators from multiple generations to celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives each age group brings to the field. This strengths-based conversation will explore how diverse generational insights foster innovation and collaboration in research administration. Attendees will discover new approaches to enhance team dynamics, discuss best practices, and harness the power of generational diversity. This panel is a reframing of generational diversity- too often we see generations other than our own framed as anything but helpful and valued. Panelists and attendees will not only be asked to reflect on their experiences and perspectives, but what unique skills and perspectives -other- generations bring to the field.

NSF Granted (Sponsor/Federal-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook C)

• Sarah O’Brien, National Science Foundation

• Krystal Toups, National Science Foundation

The presentation will provide an overview of GRANTED, investments made so far, and advice for preparing a GRANTED proposal.

Prompt Engineering for Administrative Efficiency (AI/Data-Concurrent-Beginner) (Standard)

• Tricia Callahan, Emory University

• Raquel Espinosa, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Research Administrators are increasingly turning to AI to help manage their workload. However, the quality of an AI’s output is only as good as the prompt provided. This session moves beyond basic "chatting" with AI to focus on Strategic Prompt Engineering, specifically tailored for the research administrator.

Building Bridges: Tools and Strategies for Authentic Partnerships Between Research Administrators and Principal Investigators (Grants Management-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Saira Valley, Valley Consulting Group, LLC

• Carolyn Bell, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Research administrators often navigate complex dynamics with Principal Investigators and their teams. These relationships can range from collaborative to challenging, and while we all want research to succeed and run smoothly, sometimes the there can be tension during the operationalization of achieving those goals. This discussion group invites a candid conversation about how we can approach our partnerships with PIs and their staff in a new way. We will explore practical tools and strategies, reflect on what has worked and what has not, and examine the cultural and structural barriers that get in the way of authentic connection. We will kick things off with a few scenarios and ideas to get the conversation started, but the real value of this session lies in the perspectives everyone brings. Come ready to share, listen, and co-create new ways of building trust, transparency, and shared purpose in our work with investigators.

Mastering the Maze; Strategies for Efficient Clinical Trial Budget Management (Hospital/Medical-Discussion-Any) (Chapman)

• Michael Jones, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

• Maria Crenshaw, Boston Children’s Hospital

This presentation discussion explores comprehensive strategies for constructing and managing a clinical trial budget that prioritizes personnel effort within the per-patient model. We will move beyond simple procedure-based costing to a “total effort” approach, quantifying the specific hours required for patient recruitment, informed consent, data entry, and adverse event management.

When Pressure Sparks Innovation: Transforming Grant Management Through Creative Support Models (Hospital/Medical-Concurrent-Advanced) (Westbrook A)

• David Waldron, Mass General Brigham

The future of research depends on the strength of the teams who power it—and when those teams are stretched thin, deadlines slip, burnout rises, and opportunities are lost. But what if a staffing crisis could become the catalyst for something smarter, stronger, and totally transformative? possible when innovation meets necessity. Whether you’re a seasoned research administrator or a leader looking to refine and modernize your operations, this session offers practical strategies, sophisticated case insights, and a forward-looking perspective on how institutions can maintain excellence—even under significant operational strain. This session will challenge the status quo—and inspire you to think bigger about the future of grant management.

So You Want to Be a Purple Sheep? (PD/Management-Concurrent-Any) (Westbrook C)

• Rashonda Harris, Purple Sheep Consulting

• Geraldine Pierre, Boston Children’s Hospital

In a field that thrives on structure, policy, and compliance, what happens when you dare to color outside the lines? So You Want to Be a Purple Sheep? invites research administrators, consultants, and emerging leaders to explore what it means to stand out, lead authentically, and build a career rooted in both purpose and expertise. Dr. Rashonda Harris, an experienced research administration leader turned consultant, author, and speaker, will guide participants through her journey from campus corridors to consulting contracts—unpacking lessons on leadership, visibility, and voice. Attendees will learn practical strategies for navigating professional reinvention, personal branding, and thought leadership in a changing research administration landscape. This session challenges attendees to embrace their individuality as their greatest professional asset—and to transform what makes them “different” into their advantage.

Building Technology Transfer Capacity at Small and Emerging Research Institutions: Practical Models that Work (PUI-Concurrent-Any) (Standard)

• Julie Nagel, Tremonti

• Theresa Bishop, Bates College

Small and emerging research institutions often face growing expectations for innovation, commercialization, and industry engagement, yet lack the staffing and infrastructure of large research universities. This session presents a practical approach to building technology transfer capacity through scalable partnerships and resource development. Using a collaborative case example between Bates College and TreMonti Consulting, presenters will discuss how institutions can establish foundational commercialization support, develop researcher-facing resources, and implement sustainable processes aligned with institutional scale and priorities. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and adaptable models for strengthening technology transfer and research innovation programs within constrained environments.

A Guide to SciENcv (Compliance-Discussion-Any) (Executive)

• Julianne Galaida, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

• Alexis Bevilacqua

SciENcv (Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae) is a free, web-based tool used to create and manage professional common forms in formats required by funders, including NIH and NSF. This session provides a practical, step-by-step introduction to SciENcv for research administrators who need to build compliant, up-to-date common forms efficiently.

Post-Award Is a Team Sport: Strengthening Post-Award & Fiscal Collaboration (Grants Management-Discussion-Intermediate) (Chapman)

• Leanne Crawley, University of Maine

• Matthew Currier, University of Maine

Session description goes here.

Partners in Progress Reception (Grand Ballroom)

• 5:30p-6:30p

Banquet & Entertainment (Royal Ballroom)

• 6:30p-10:00p