International Celebration of Research Management Professionals 2025 Competition

Submitted by: Dr Willie Koh - Nanyang Technological University

To mark Research Administrators’ Day, Cancer Council NSW hosted a morning tea featuring homemade treats and heartfelt appreciation for the behind-the-scenes heroes of cancer research. Staff from the Research, Strategy and Operations Division; the Daffodil Centre; and many others across the organisation gathered to celebrate the vital role that we administrators play in enabling the research we fund. It was a joyful event filled with connection, gratitude, and plenty of cake!

Submitted by: Jasmine Tomlinson - Cancer Council NSW

To kick off a series of celebrations for Research Administrators’ Day 2025, the Research Development and Support team for the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) gathered over a shared morning tea.

There was a lot of laughter as we worked together to create a memories board that is now proudly displayed in the office.

It’s not often that as a team we take the time to pause together (in person and virtually) and reflect on the work we do, the impact it has on the research community and collectively celebrate our successes and achievements.

We were also surprised by a visit from the FHMRI Director in the afternoon with an always appreciated tray of cookies!

We noted a few team members absences as they were off enjoying much deserved holidays, or participating in professional development workshops, but we look forward to finding more opportunities to celebrate each other throughout the year!

Submitted by: Brooke Williamson - Flinders University

Research Administrators Day 2025 for La Trobe University staff was about dedication, expertise, and the collaborative spirit that defines our Research and Industry Engagement Office staff. Across our teams- (Research Development, Grants and Transformation, Research and Industry Agreements, Research Performance, Graduate Research School, Ethics, Integrity, and Biosafety and Research Infrastructure and Industry Engagement) we came together to celebrate the vital role research administrators play in advancing La Trobe’s research strategy 2030.

This year’s celebration was marked by a deep sense of respect and inclusion, beginning with an Acknowledgement of Country that wherever you are in this place called Australia, you are on traditional Aboriginal country. When acknowledging country we’re acknowledging all that came before. The history, culture and practices and Elders. The sky, waterways, plants and animals. This set the tone for a celebration based in respect for history, culture, and the ongoing connections to our various communities that help us support innovation and discovery, through our people, and the values of inclusion and equity.

Professor Julie Andrews OAM, a descendant of the Yorta Yorta people and Academic Director (Indigenous Research) at the Gabra Biik Wurruwila Wutja Research Centre spoke about her research with the Australian Aboriginal community and Academics and how we need to ensure Indigenous research is being Indigenous lead. She urged us to help bridge any gaps in the importance of understanding this. Reminding us that community consultations are about partnerships between the Aboriginal community and the University and it can only serve to make our research the best it can be. Whether it be through applying for grants, or consulting on projects, or providing data. All touch points that our staff are involved with, throughout a researcher’s journey.

Professor Adam Bourne, Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society spoke to us about the Research expertise in social research, health, and wellbeing, particularly relating to LGBTIQ+ communities. He highlighted that every aspect of his research is part of a broader process, one that builds on the foundational work of Research Administrators in La Trobe’s Research Office, whose support enables him to thrive as a researcher. We shared food and recognised the efforts we all play in the administration work we do. It was a celebration, but also an affirmation of our shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and the advancement

Submitted by: Tricia Van Der-Kuyp - La Trobe University

At RMIT, we marked Research Administrators’ Day with a Footy Grand Final–themed morning tea – a light-hearted way to pause, connect, and recognise the vital contributions of our research administrators.

Colleagues came together in team colours to enjoy classic footy fare, including “half-time oranges,” party pies, and other match-day favourites. The celebration was rounded out with a well-deserved treat: desk massages for staff, offering a moment of relaxation and appreciation.

The event was a chance not only to share food and laughter but also to reflect on the skill, professionalism, and dedication that research administrators bring to their work every day. Often behind the scenes, their impact is felt across every successful grant application, project milestone, and student experience.

As one colleague put it, “Research at RMIT simply wouldn’t happen without them.”

Submitted by: Roberta Matai - RMIT University

The Research Support Team within the Faculty of Engineering (at the University of Sydney) organised an amazing and scrumptious morning tea (organised by Ralphs Café) on Thursday 25^th September in celebration of Research Administrators Day.

Submitted by: Vanessa Cochrane - The University of Sydney

At UNSW, more than 20 staff from several faculties across Sydney and Canberra campuses who are associated with the Faculty Research Office Community of Practice (FRO CoP) marked Research Administrators’ Day 2025 with lunches followed by a hybrid presentation by RMIT’s Melissa Glenister, Principal Advisor, Major Research Funding and Development. UNSW FRO CoP members reached out to Melissa after learning attending her presentation at the 2023 Sydney ARMS Conference. Melissa embraced cross-institutional collegiality by presenting on, ‘Building a successful research management career: a personal journey.

Submitted by: Karin Wiltshire - UNSW Sydney