UP in ARMS - Issue 105

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ARMS

February 2020 seems a lifetime ago, and also as if it has only just finished. So much has happened in these past two months. It sometimes feels as if the whole world has changed. In many ways it has.

 

In addition to the restrictions on travel and gatherings; most of us are working very differently to how we ever have before. Not only in terms of location and an even more pronounced reliance on technology, but also adopting new modes of communication, needing to rapidly change processes and procedures, and supporting researchers navigate an unprecedented and uncertain external environment. As I’ve said before, the stories I have heard from across the ARMS community of the ways in which we as a profession have navigated our way through these uncharted waters have been phenomenal. Everyone should take a moment to look back on all that you have achieved this year and feel rightly proud of all that has been accomplished.

 

To provide an opportunity for us to share these stories, ARMS will shortly be releasing details about the first of two additional events to be held across 2020. Running across a week in late May/ early June, a series of short, online, interactive sessions will be fora for discussion about how the community has reacted and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. I have already been fortunate to have conversations with many colleagues from across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore and have been reassured and inspired by each of them. Our hope is that by sharing our experiences, members will be able to implement new ideas into their daily practices and identify opportunities for further discussions and collaborations.

 

Importantly, these achievements have come whilst dealing with the myriad impacts of this crisis beyond the walls of work. The physical distances between work, education, family, have been reduced, whilst the distances between people have increased. So many of us have been challenged by this, each in their own way.

 

I have been heartened by the steps that many have taken to look out for their colleagues and to use professional and social networks to maintain and build connections during this potentially isolating situation. Acknowledging this element of the crisis has been high on ARMS’ agenda. In addition to some PD Sessions @ Zoom workshops focused on mental health and effective working from home practices, we have now established a wellbeing resource page on the website – including links to sources of support and videos from recent webinars.

Now more than ever, it is important to connect with peers and to continue to develop your knowledge, skills, and experience. ARMS is committed to delivering high quality services and supports – throughout the course of this pandemic we will continue to provide opportunities for you to connect, to learn, and to develop your professional expertise.

Until such point that we can meet again – best wishes and keep well.

Dr Ross McLennan
ARMS President

WHAT'S UP in ARMS? 

Update from the ARMS Board 

ARMS understands the importance of maintaining engagement with our peers in the research and research management communities, especially during periods of uncertainty such as that posed by this current pandemic.  As such, ARMS, like many organisations, is examining alternative methods of delivering our range of services, while ensuring that the quality of benefits is maintained.

 

We are working closely with a range of stakeholders and member volunteers to provide regular networking, education and training programs to all our members. Here is a snapshot of some initiatives we are implementing to ensure that we continue to provide learning and professional development opportunities for our members, your colleagues, through this difficult period:

 • ARMS Annual Conference – In the interests of public safety and wellbeing, and understanding the financial pressures that institutions are facing in 2020 in response to the impacts of the pandemic, the ARMS Board has taken the decision to cancel this year’s event. The Conference will instead be delivered in Perth in September 2021 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre with the same theme “Disrupting the status quo: challenging the research and innovation culture to advance the research enterprise” - which will be even more relevant in 2021 as it is now! We encourage you to attend and participate in this event.

• ARMS AEN Conference  – The AEN Advisory Committee have had lengthy discussions regarding the 2020 Conference delivery. In the interests of safety and wellbeing of our conference delegates and support staff, the committee has regrettably decided to postpone the 2020 Melbourne Conference for delivery in 2021 with dates to be confirmed. 

 

 • Virtual event available to all members - To ensure that members still have an opportunity to connect with others across the sector, the ARMS Board has given approval to deliver a virtual online professional development event (date to be confirmed) which may offer a blend of online and face to face Chapter-based networking options (pending further advice from authorities on public gatherings).  This is by no means intended to replace our flagship conference, but instead offers members an opportunity to stay connected and to celebrate our achievements and more importantly our resilience as a profession in making it through a very tough year. We will be providing more information about this event in the near future as timelines become clearer.

 

• PD Sessions @ Zoom - A popular offering last year and proving even more popular in this current climate.  Members will have access to a range of one-hour webinar offerings free of charge on a range of topics pertinent to the profession.  Refer to separate article in this newsletter for full details. 

 

• Delivery of Foundation Level Accreditation Program (FLAP) - While the FLAP has traditionally been delivered in a face to face workshop style, ARMS will be temporarily transitioning some of its workshops online via zoom to ensure that members continue to access the necessary training.  It is also important to note that ARMS has also invested heavily in online delivery of its FLAP program and will later this month launch its first online module on the National Research and Innovation System in Australia. Details will be provided to the ARMS community shortly.

 

• Advanced Level Accreditation Program (ALAP) – The ALAP provides research training which focuses on leadership and strategic thinking for mid to senior level research management professionals. This intensive, 8-month program is uniquely placed to deliver leadership, advanced management and strategic thinking skills in a research management context. While the ALAP has been designed as an in-house residential program, we are currently working with all our commissioned Service Providers to consider alternative delivery methods for the various elements that comprise the ALAP. Places are still available for our 2020 cohort.  For enquiries, please contact the ARMS Accreditation Program Administrator arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au 

 

 

• ARMS Winter School 2020 - ARMS will this year be delivering its annual Winter School as a webinar series, with a wide range of workshop topics on offer:

 

• Advanced Clinical Research Management; 
• Assessing the Societal Benefits of Research;
• Business Process Improvement in Research Management;
• Data Driven Research Improvement; 
• Development of Institutional Research Talent; 
• Securing International Research Funding; and 
• Managing Complex Strategic Partnerships.

 

Interested in attending? email arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au and visit the website for more details. 

 

Latest News 

Global research study into people's challenges and experiences whilst working from home, even on a part time basis, during COVID-19 

Researchers from Curtin University are conducting a global research study into people's challenges and experiences whilst working from home, even on a part time basis, during COVID-19.

 

The research involves a series of multiple surveys over the next several months, asking you about your work, your well-being, your productivity, and other related aspects.

 

This research is very important and will be used to develop practical guidelines to improve people's health, well-being, and productivity. Participation is entirely voluntary (with just some small taken of appreciation, such as a personalised feedback report after the third survey and a voucher after the fourth survey) and the research conforms to Curtin University's ethics process. More details about the survey are here:

 

https://www.transformativeworkdesign.com/working-from-home-survey

 

You can directly take the survey here 

 

MENTAL HEALTH IN A COVID-19 WORLD 

COVID-19 has changed the way we communicate, we work and we connect with one another on a daily basis.

ARMS has created a dedicated resource page as an additional support to members. This resource page provides examples of the many number of dedicated organisations there to support you through these unprecedented times.

Members are also invited to view the recent webinar on “Mental Health and Relational Safety in a COVID-19 World” presented by Professor Nicholas Procter, RN MBA PhD from UniSA.

 

PD Sessions @ ZOOM

2020 Schedule

- SAVE THE DATES -  

PD Sessions @ Zoom are scheduled between 12 pm and 1 pm AEST

(AEDT October to April) unless noted otherwise.

 

ARMAs and ARMFs - Note that these sessions will automatically accrue 1 hour of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

 

Information on each session, including registration and Zoom log-in details, will be sent to ARMS members prior to each event and posted as an event on the ARMS Events page.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) UPDATE!

Accredited Research Managers (Foundation) or ARMFS and Accredited Research Managers (Advanced) or ARMAs, PLEASE NOTE: 

 

CPD has a brand new look, name, and a number of considered changes. 

 

Accredited members (ARMFs and ARMAs) can expect to receive an email next week which will detail the ways CPD is now managed and recorded in the new portal. Here are some of the key changes to expect: 

 

• ARMS will now automatically approve CPD that has accrued from your registration and attendance to a PD Sessions @ Zoom or attendance at an ARMS in-house event, such as the annual ARMS conference. The number of CPD hours accrued for these events will be listed on the event registration page and will automatically accrue to your CPD Diary. 

 

• All completed modules will now be listed in the CPD Diary.  Those individuals who are not Accredited will see these entries in the diary with "0" hours of CPD.  Those Accredited members that have completed additional modules over and above the minimum modules required for accreditation will see the relevant hours accrued in their CPD Diary.

 

• There have been some data migration issues experienced during the transition period which we are trying to rectify.  Over the coming weeks,   older CPD entries will be approved again to ensure that these entries correctly transition into the verified section of our member's CPD Diaries. Thank you for your patience while we transition through this process.

 

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding CPD please contact the ARMS Accreditation Program Administrator email arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au

 

 

Chapter and SIG Updates/Events

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chapter and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) have been instructed to consider alternative ways to deliver local events.  Some of these events now form part of the PD Sessions @ Zoom series, enabling all ARMS members access to much needed content during this period.  

 

SA Chapter

From the SA Chapter Committee 

 

SA Chapter members will have recently received an invitation to complete a survey to ascertain the types of activities members will prefer while working from home.  If you have not had the opportunity to complete the survey, we encourage you to do so!

 

 

 

Accreditation, Professional Development and Training 

ARMS Foundation Level Accreditation 2020 Program

 

 

 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions affecting the face to face delivery of Foundation Level modules, ARMS has made the decision to move some of the Foundation Level modules to online learning platforms.  Modules scheduled prior to July 1st, 2020 will now be delivered via Zoom. Some modules have been successfully delivered via the Zoom Meeting platform with feedback being sought from the participants.

 

ARMS is pleased to announce that more modules will be delivered over the next several months via Zoom. Please see the list below for those modules which we are currently confirming as Zoom Meetings. Registrations for these modules should be opening, or reopening, over the next few weeks. In order to maintain a reasonable number of participants in each meeting, registrations will be capped at 16 members per module. 

 

Modules to be Delivered via Zoom Meeting

 

1.1-Aus: National Research and Innovation System in Australia

1.2-Aus: Legislation as it affects research in Australia

1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers

2.1: Pre-Award Grants Processes

2.2: Post-Award Processes

4.2: Research Integrity

6.1: Working with Industry

 

Please note that when the pandemic was declared, all modules that were open for registration were temporarily closed until further notification.  These modules are currently listed as 'Sold Out' but are actually closed and no longer taking registrations. Once the modules are confirmed as Zoom Meetings, the delivery details will be modified and registrations will reopen. Members who registered for modules prior to them closing, will retain their registration booking and be offered positions in the new modules scheduled to be delivered via Zoom.

 

 

The availability of programs and dates indicated below are subject to change and confirmation. Should current restrictions be lifted, ARMS will endeavor to confirm the following module offerings as face to face deliveries.

Australian Capital Territory Chapter

30-Jul-20              1.2-Aus: Legislation as it affects research in Australia - TBC
30-Jul-20              5.1: Research Information and Analytics - TBC
29-Oct-20             1.1-Aus: The National Research and Innovation System in Australia - TBC
29-Oct-20             2.3: Research Finance - TBC

 

New South Wales Chapter

02-Jul-20             1.1-Aus: The National Research and Innovation System in Australia - TBC
02-Jul-20             6.1: Working with Industry- TBC
27-Aug-20           1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers- TBC
27-Aug-20           5.1: Research Information and Analytics- TBC

 

New Zealand Chapter

02-Jul-20             1.2-NZ: Legislation as it affects research in New Zealand - TBC
02-Jul-20             2.2: Post-Award Processes - TBC
URONZ               1.1-NZ: The National Research and Innovation System in New Zealand - TBC
URONZ               2.1: Pre-Award Grants Processes - TBC

 

Queensland/Northern Territory Chapter

06-Aug-20          1.1-Aus: The National Research and Innovation System in Australia - TBC
06-Aug-20          5.1: Research Information and Analytics - TBC
10-Sep-20          1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers - TBC
10-Sep-20          2.3: Research Finance - TBC

 

South Australia Chapter

20-Jul-20           1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers - TBC
20-Jul-20           5.1: Research Information and Analytics - TBC
21-Jul-20           1.1-Aus: The National Research and Innovation System in Australia - TBC

 

Singapore Chapter

04-Nov-20         1.1-Sing: The National Research and Innovation System in Singapore - TBC
04-Nov-20         1.2-Sing: Legislation as it affects research in Singapore - TBC
05-Nov-20         1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers - TBC
03-Dec-20         4.2: Research Integrity - TBC
03-Dec-20         5.1: Research Information and Analytics - TBC

 

Tasmania Chapter

09-Jul-20          1.2-Aus: Legislation as it affects research in Australia - TBC
23-Jul-20          4.2: Research Integrity - TBC
20-Aug-20        6.1: Working with Industry - TBC
06-Aug-20        1.3: Understanding Research and Researchers - TBC

 

Victoria Chapter

23-Jul-20         1.2-Aus: Legislation as it affects research in Australia - TBC
23-Jul-20         5.1: Research Information and Analytics - TBC

 

Western Australia Chapter

12-Nov-20      1.1-Aus: The National Research and Innovation System in Australia - TBC
12-Nov-20      1.2-Aus: Legislation as it affects research in Australia - TBC

 

2020 ARMS WINTER SCHOOL 

The ARMS Winter School is a popular feature in the Society's annual professional development calendar. This year’s program offers seven (7) new and or enhanced electives for research management professionals who wish to develop a deeper understanding of a particular topic and its application to research management.

To enable easier accessibility, electives will be delivered in a flexible format via the online Zoom platform. This delivery approach will involve structured, shorter meetings with the presenter(s), and breakout rooms for participants to collaborate. The sum of the shorter online meetings will equate to a full day workshop. During the workshops, participants will develop knowledge and skills in a specialised, relevant area, network with other participants and have an enjoyable time!

 

Interested participants can enrol in one, two or more electives as stand-alone professional development programs. The electives can count as credit towards future participation in the ARMS Advanced Level Accreditation Program (conditions apply) or as CPD for ARMFs and ARMAs.  Details are available on the ARMS website. 

Job Board

For details of the below positions, visit the ARMS Job Opportunities webpage.

Corporate members can post available positions on the site at no charge by contacting the ARMS Executive Office.

 

From the ARMS Executive Office

ARMS acknowledges the generous support of our corporate partners:

ARMS Executive Office Contacts 

Newsletter Content and Release Dates for 2020

           See below dates for the submission of content and distribution of the e-newsletter for 2020.

Australasian Research Management Society
e: arms.adminofficer@flinders.edu.au
Copyright 2020 ARMS All rights reserved. 

 

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