Latest CARA Events

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:08 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction.

You have been asked to facilitate a researcher submitting a grant. Now what?
This presentation will provide a framework to use to review the first draft, prepare meaningful feedback and not feel quite so overwhelmed. Grant writing is quite methodical, but you need to know the methodology to be effective. The webinar will provide you with a strong foundation on which to build your grant writing experience.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Jamie is the Senior Research Grants coordinator working with researchers, their teams, industry and government to move technology along the technology readiness levels toward commercialization. After 12 years at the University of Calgary, Jamie joined the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as their Senior Grants Officer in 2018. Jamie is a successful grant writer; securing and/or then managing over $54.3M in scientific funding. Her work is focused on writing large and small-scale grant proposals. She supports their management to ensure the outcomes and reports are achieved on time and within budget. Jamie believes that supporting research requires flexibility, initiative and strong adaptability to take on the many roles that are required for a research project or program to be successful. She has a Master's degree in Policy, her PMP designation since 2014 and three technical and business writing certifications.

Grant Writing - Part 2: Intermediate

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:09 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 2: Intermediate.

So now you know how to write a grant, let's kick it up a notch. This webinar will cover selecting peer review members, how to critique your application and others, use of keywords, budget tips, drafting letters of support, working with collaborators, diverse dissemination, how to handle the team, HQP and methodology details. If you have been writing grants for a while and want to start to challenge yourself, this webinar will help you to critique your work and bring it to the next level.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Grant Writing - Part 3: Advanced

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:11 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 3: Advanced.

Even advanced grant writers can use reminders and tips to advance their submissions. As the volume of grants we write increases, we can get stuck in a rut and not see how our style might need a refresh. The grant field is getting more competitive and this webinar will bring a new shine to your tried and true tactics. We will cover strategic alignment, using images, tables and whitespace, a discussion on innovation and activity schedule content. Fresh ideas on how to express Benefits to Industry and Benefits to Canada, and some strategies to weave in EDI. All good grant writers have their own tips and tricks. We can all benefit by sharing our unique styles, tips and tricks. Participants will be encouraged to share their ideas via comments as the discussion goes along.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Grant Facilitators' Journal Club Series 2025-2026

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:12 GMT

Join us, every second Friday of the month, to share your reflections, experiences, and get advice from others as we discuss a journal article from our field of work.

The article chosen for discussion will be announced in the week prior to the meeting. To consult the list of past presentations: Journal Club Sessions.

Watch the CARA listserv or CARA website for more information on upcoming sessions and contact the organizers to suggest a future journal club article or to volunteer to host a session. Registering below will grant you access to all Journal Club sessions from April 2025 to March 2026.

As a way to continue our monthly conversations, we have started an on-line Grant Facilitators Community of Practice (CoP). Participants are mostly Journal Club Attendees. If you would like to join, please contact coordinator@cara-acaar.ca to be added to the list.

Next Session:

The next Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club is Friday, March 13, 2026.

Presenter
Eduardo Reyes-Serratos, Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Articles

Lingard et al. (2023) Will ChatGPT’s Free Language Editing Service Level the Playing Field in Science Communication?: Insights from a Collaborative Project with Non-native English Scholars. Perspectives on Medical Education 12(1):565-574.

Ingley, S. J., & Pack, A. (2023). Leveraging AI tools to develop the writer rather than the writing. Trends in ecology & evolution, 38(9), 785–787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.007

Upcoming Sessions:

March 13, 2026 2-3pm EST
April 10, 2026 2-3pm EDT
June 12, 2026 2-3pm EDT

Organizers:

Brandi Povitz

Research Grants Development Officer

Cumming School of Medicine | University of Calgary

brandi.povitz@ucalgary.ca

Gen Clark

Manager, Research Development and Graduate Affairs

College of Pharmacy and Nutrition | University of Saskatchewan

gen.clark@usask.ca

Ann-Marie Field

Research Facilitator

Faculty of Communication | Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

field.ann-marie@uqam.ca

A Talk with the President

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:13 GMT

All CARA members are invited to drop in and hear CARA news and updates from CARA President Rachel Brown, ask questions and give feedback about CARA membership, programs and services.

Registering below will grant you access to the following "A Talk with the President" sessions:

Thursday July 17th, 12-1pm EST.
Thursday October 16th, 12-1pm EST.

Presented by: Rachel Brown, CARA President

College Best Practices – Discussion Group

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:15 GMT

These interactive, bi-monthly meetings invite college research administrators to share information about the strengths and challenges of their research offices. Newer offices to seasoned setups that have changed and grown over the years – all are welcome to share best practices, pitfalls, cautions, and lessons learned in how to create a functional and successful applied research office within the broader institutional college setting.

Registering below will grant you access to the following "College Best Practices – Discussion Group" sessions:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 12-1pm ET
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 12-1pm ET
Wednesday, January 21, 12-1pm ET
Wednesday, March 18, 12-1pm ET

Facilitated by: Rachel Brown

Rachel is the Manager of Finance Operations and Compliance at Niagara College’s Research & Innovation division, and the current President of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA).

Conversational French Practice

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:16 GMT

January 13, February 17, March 31

Immediate Past President Dominique Michaud hosts a French conversation session for CARA members once per month. Please drop in to practice French and learn about free resources. This is open to all members, regardless of fluency, including absolute beginners interested in hearing others.

Registering below will grant you access to all sessions from January to March.

Facilitated by: CARA Past-President Dominique Michaud

Let's Talk AI Club - Series

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:59:17 GMT

Join our monthly “Let’s Talk AI” Club sessions! As the field of generative AI rapidly evolves, research administrators face the challenge of staying informed. Our sessions feature expert speakers who delve into practical applications of generative AI tools. Learn how to harness this technology effectively in research administration. Engage in group discussions and get your questions answered during our Q & A period.

March's AI Club discussion: Strategic Adoption of Generative AI in Research Administration: Pathways for 2026 and Beyond

Generative AI is no longer just a tool for drafting text. Its role in research administration is rapidly evolving across the entire lifecycle, from building research partnerships and developing proposals to supporting compliance, negotiating agreements, managing data, and mobilizing knowledge. Beyond streamlining workflows and enhancing strategic decision-making, it also has the potential to redefine team roles and influence organizational structures.

This session will provide an up-to-date environmental scan of how generative AI is being applied in research administration, spotlight emerging trends, and showcase global examples of AI integration. We will also explore the risks, limitations, and ethical considerations related to AI implementation, including data security, privacy concerns, accuracy, equity, evolving funder guidance, and more.
Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. The session will conclude with a discussion of possible next steps for our research administration community, including guideline development, training priorities, and pilot initiatives.
Whether you are already using AI extensively or just beginning to explore its possibilities, this presentation will offer practical insights and a balanced perspective to support informed, responsible adoption.

Future Meeting dates:
March 11, 2026, 12-1pm EST.
April 15, 2026, 12-1pm EST.

*registering for this event will enroll you in all Let's Talk AI Club Meetings until March 31, 2026*

Organizers: Karen Mosier and Bonnie Zink

Karen E. Mosier

Research Coordinator

Department of Surgery/University of Saskatchewan

Bonnie Zink

Knowledge Mobilization and Community-Based Learning Specialist

SK-NEIHR

bonnie@bonniezink.com

March Presentation: Dr. Leila Tang

Dr. Leila Tang is an International Research Specialist in the International Office at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). She brings extensive experience in facilitating international research collaborations, advising on global funding schemes and application strategies, and enhancing the quality and compliance of international research proposals.

Leila is passionate about exploring emerging trends in AI technology and developing strategies to integrate generative AI into research administration in an effective and responsible way. She has delivered several presentations and talks on these topics within USask, receiving positive feedback from participants.

Leila earned her PhD degree in Communication Studies, focusing on the paradigm shift in organizational communication during the Web 2.0 era. Prior to moving to Canada, Leila worked for more than a decade in the higher education sector in Hong Kong and China and served as a faculty member in Communication Studies at a leading Chinese university.

2026 National Conference

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The 2026 national conference will be held in Richmond, British Columbia May 10-13.