Research administration is an integral part of research and recent research demonstrates the recognition of research administration as a profession (see Kerridge & Scott, 2018, p.2). Through the Research Administration as A Profession (RAAAP) international project, of which CARA is a member, the following definition of a research administrator has emerged:
A research administrator (research manager in some countries) is defined as someone whose role (or a significant part of it) is devoted to support some part of the research lifecycle, including, but not limited to: identifying funding sources and customers, preparing proposals, costing, pricing and submitting funding proposals, drafting, negotiating and accepting contracts, dealing with project finance, employing staff on research contracts, reporting to funders, advising on research impact, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, supporting short courses, postgraduate research student administration, research strategy and policy, research assessment, ethics and governance, information systems, audit, statutory returns, and research office management” (RAAAP Website)
CARA’s strategic priorities guide the board’s decision-making and actions on behalf of CARA members. The priorities shape the programmes CARA delivers, the services CARA provides and the management of its business and finances. These priorities allow the board to set appropriate operational targets, manage the executive office and ensure value for CARA members.