The Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) is the Australasian association of research management professionals.

Since its founding in 1999, the ARMS network has grown to involve more than 3500 members from universities, independent research institutions, government and health and research organisations from across the Australasian region including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

ARMS is also a proud member of the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS). Read more on the INORMS Network here, or visit the

INORMS 2023 Congress website

Our Mission:

ARMS is dedicated to the development of research management professionals; the promotion of the profession of research management; and the advancement of the research enterprise. The Society fulfills its mission through:

  • A strong, agile and resilient network of research management professionals at all levels and in a variety of settings through personal relationships and professional collaborations, presentations, formal and informal meetings and publications;
  • Development and promotion of international best practice for research management in Australasia and Singapore that is responsive to the changing factors that influence the research environment ; and
  • Enhancement of the interface between researchers and research management professionals.

We value:

  • Equity and diversity in the profession of research management;
  • A strong, vibrant profession;
  • High standards of research governance including the uncompromising protection of the integrity and the ethics of research; and
  • The profession of research management as integral to the research enterprise.

We Provide:

  • High-quality, targeted professional training and development;
  • Access to an annual conference with a reduced registration rate for members;
  • Access to an accreditation program which recognises research management as a profession;
  • Knowledge exchange through state-wide chapters and special interest groups;
  • Access to awards and scholarships; and
  • Member resources and advocacy services.

Our History:

The Australasian Research Management Society was founded in 1999. It was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act (Vic) 2012 and is a non-profit organisation governed by an approved  ARMS constitution and operationalised by a set of By-Laws. The ARMS Board is the governing body of the Society, responsible for controlling and directing the affairs of the Society including its committees and publications. It is also responsible for the promotion of the Society, establishment and review of policies, strategic planning and other methods of evaluation which contribute towards achievement of its mission and goals. 

Read more about ARMS history and our previous Office Bearers and Committee Members.

Strategic Plan:

The ARMS Strategic Plan - Towards 2025 was launched at the ARMS Conference in Hobart on the 19th of September 2018. The new Strategic Plan guides culture and provides direction to decision making and actions towards 2025 to ensure the delivery of ARMS' mission for its members. 

Click here to download a copy of the Strategic Plan.

Report to Members:

The ARMS Report to Members provides a comprehensive overview of our achievements as a professional society, including the progress of our Accreditation Programs and a range of initiatives that have been instrumental in helping us to deliver our strategic priorities.

View our annual reports