Special Interest Groups

The Australasian Research Management Society has a range of Special Interest Groups. These groups are based on particular topics and consist of members with common areas of training or interest within the general field of research management and research administration.

Establishment of New ARMS Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

The Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) supports a strong and connected research management profession through its Chapters, Networks, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Our Special Interest Groups provide dedicated communities of practice that bring members together to share expertise, explore emerging trends, and engage in informed discussion on specialist areas of research management.

SIGs play an important role in strengthening professional capability, fostering collaboration, and supporting innovation across the ARMS membership.

Proposing a New ARMS Special Interest Group

ARMS welcomes proposals from members seeking to establish new Special Interest Groups that address emerging needs or areas of shared professional interest. The establishment of a new SIG requires both active member participation and committed leadership through the appointment of Convenors or Co‑Convenors.

All proposals for new SIGs must align with ARMS governance requirements and follow the Establishment and Governance of Special Interest Groups – Guidelines and Application Process - download here

If you have an idea for a new ARMS Special Interest Group, or are interested in helping to lead a proposed SIG, please contact ARMS Chief Operating Officer, in the first instance to discuss your proposal. Email: ARMSCOO@researchmanagement.org.au

Your request to establish a new ARMS Special Interest Group must include:

The purpose and rationale for the proposed SIG
The proposed Convenor(s) or Co‑Convenor(s)
A membership engagement strategy outlining how the SIG will attract and involve members

All applications are considered in accordance with ARMS By‑Law 6.1 and are assessed through ARMS’s formal approval processes.

Artificial Intelligence in Research Management SIG

The Artificial Intelligence in Research Management SIG aims to foster collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing among Research Management Professionals on a broad range of topics.

Directors of Research SIG

The Directors of Research SIG is dedicated to supporting research directors and provides a forum for directors to discuss important strategic issues that affect the sector. At a minimum, the group meets twice a year, supplemented by occasional online group conversation on particular topics. Membership is restricted to Research Directors from across the ARMS community.

Note: Membership of this SIG is by invitation only and one representative is permitted per institution.

Ethics and Research Integrity SIG

Members joining the Ethics & Research Integrity SIG can take part in peer discussions, share resources and news items, and participate in benchmarking amongst institutions.

First Nations Research SIG

The First Nations Research SIG will facilitate networking between members of this emerging specialism within research management, while identifying learning and professional development needs.

Health and Medical Research SIG

The Health and Medical Research (HMR) SIG provides an international platform for healthcare/ biomedical research-related management professionals to influence and curate programs that better align with the specific interest and needs of this niche community in particular up to date policies, legislation changes and best research management practice.

International Research Collaborations SIG

The International Research Collaborations group facilitates information sharing through various means including a forum and other professional development activities.

Major Research Collaborations SIG

The Major Research Collaborations (MRC) Special Interest Group (SIG) aims to provide a dedicated forum for research management professionals involved in the strategic and operational delivery of complex, large-scale research initiatives.

Post-Award Research Management SIG

Post-Award Research Management, commencing with a successful grant outcome or agreement to enter into a contract, and including contract formation, sub-awards, financial management and reporting is crucial to the effective and efficient conduct of research. The need to connect and streamline post-award research management services has never been greater that it is in these times of growing complexity and expanding compliance obligations.

In light of this, a Post-Award Research Management Special Interest Group will be a platform for information sharing on best practice.

Note: Acceptance into this SIG is by application and restricted to no more than two (2) members from each organisation.

Research Development SIG

This SIG is divided into three (3) key streams of activities. These streams enable us to focus in depth on key aspects within the broad umbrella that is “research development”. The streams are:

Research strategy, planning and implementation
Researcher development
Grant development

Research Funders SIG

Funding organisations vary in size and objectives; but they all play a key part in the research and innovation landscape, and they encounter some unique research management challenges. The Research Funders’ SIG will be a platform to actively share information and practice learnings associated with developing and managing funding schemes. This might include sharing best practice investment models, governance approaches, program administration and other key issues.

Note: This SIG is for research funders.

Research Impact SIG

The Research Impact Special Interest Group (RI-SIG) has been set up to provide support for research management professionals involved in developing an impact culture, embedding impact strategies, engaging with end-users or playing any other role with an aim to assist researchers to maximise the impact of their research.

Research Information, Systems and Evaluation SIG

The Research Information, Systems and Evaluation SIG was formed to promote the dissemination and institutional collaboration for members working in this area and is defined by the common interest area of research information management, research performance indicators and reporting, and the systems that underpin these processes.

Special Interest Groups

Establishment of New ARMS Special Interest Groups (SIGs)