Subrecipient contracting and monitoring has always been an important element in Research Administration. With an increase in collaboration between institutions, staying on top of these elements has become even more important. In this session, we will explore the comprehensive life cycle of a subagreement, touching on the proposal, agreement process, risk assessment, monitoring, invoicing, and closeout. We will also provide uniform guidance updates affecting the subcontracting world. Attendees will gain practical insights and tools to effectively manage subawards, ensuring adherence to federal regulations and optimizing outcomes.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the lifecycle of a subaward, from setup to closeout.
2. Learn about recent regulatory updates affecting subcontracts.

Speakers: John Hedberg, Senior Associate, CRA, CPRA, Attain Partners; Justin Hull, Director, Sponsored Projects, Geisinger Health System; Milly Andreevska, Thomas Jefferson University

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Have you ever found yourself in this situation? The Principal Investigator (PI) assumes the Research Administrator (RA) is monitoring the grant budget and proactively processing salary paperwork. Meanwhile, the RA is waiting for the PI to provide salary specifics, knowing that budgets can shift. Months pass, and when effort reporting is due, the PI is surprised to find no salary charged to the grant. Each believes the other was responsible. Join us for a deep-dive discussion into real-world scenarios like this one. We'll explore how to navigate unclear roles, prevent communication breakdowns, and share best practices to avoid hard conversations before they happen.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Implement practical applications for effective communication.
2. Integrate new approaches to anticipate grant needs.

Speakers: Tamara Ginter, MBA, CFRA, Director of Finance, Eastern Washington University; Debbie Hoelscher, Research Administrator, University of California, Davis

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Universities spend a lot of resources managing intellectual property through their research administration, tech transfer, and legal resources. This session aims to illuminate appropriate intellectual property paradigms by agreement type. This will help attendees know what appropriate intellectual property rights are based on the nature of the relationship and when to escalate to legal/tech transfer. The agreement types we will review are corporate-sponsored research, federal contracts, federal grants, clinical trials (both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated), non-profit grants and subawards, service agreements (incoming/outgoing), confidential disclosure agreements, material use agreements, and data use agreements. For each agreement type we will look at solutions that include staying silent on intellectual property, assignment of ownership, non-exclusive/exclusive licenses including field limitation options, internal licenses, and options for commercial licenses. In looking at those options we will provide a matrix for the triggers for escalation to tech transfer/legal.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand appropriate intellectual property paradigms when relations are formed via corporate-sponsored research, federal contracts, federal grants, clinical trials (both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated), non-profit grants and subawards, service agreements (incoming/outgoing), confidential disclosure agreements, material use agreements, and data use agreements.
2. Understand when to engage with tech transfer and legal resources.

Speakers: Janette Hannam Hayes, Emory University; Istvan Fekete, Principal, Attain Partners

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

This presentation explores strategies for discussing new federal administration initiatives in a nonpartisan manner, an essential skill in the administration of research where collaboration, compliance, and clear communication are key. It addresses the challenges of navigating regulatory conversations without political bias, offering practical techniques to focus on facts, foster mutual respect, and avoid divisive language. By equipping research administrators with tools for civil discourse, this presentation enhances workplace harmony, supports adherence to legal guidelines, and ensures productive discussions around complex federal initiatives that impact research funding, compliance, and operations.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss federal initiatives and their impact on research in a non-partisan manner.
2. Effectively communicate strategies to address federal initiatives across teams, separating political bias and focusing on fact-based challenges and solutions.

Speakers: Matt Morgan, MBA, CFRA, Director of Sponsored Programs Accounting, University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute; Taps Wray, MBA, MEd, HRM, CPRA, Director of Sponsored Programs Administration - Award Management, University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

This session will focus on the importance of taking the proper steps toward a solid agreement negotiation Tool Kit. All negotiators will benefit from these three foundational steps toward a solid negotiation. By understanding the type of agreement to be negotiated, the regulations that govern the agreement, and the sponsor specific terms for the agreement, the negotiator will set themselves, and their institutions, up for success.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to develop a comprehensive negotiation tool kit that includes strategies and best practices for effective agreement negotiation.
2. Participants will be able to apply the three foundational steps towards a solid negotiation to real-world scenarios, enhancing their negotiation skills and success rates.

Speakers: Andrea Deaton, Consulting Specialist, Distinguished Faculty, Attain Partners; Judy Bristow, VP, Grants and Compliance, Louisville Healthcare Council, CEOc; Emily Njus, Senior Consultant, JD, Attain Partners

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

This interactive session will explore and discuss key differences between research development and research administration to include important infrastructure considerations to support professional growth and development of research development staff and ensure their success within research institutions.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Define and recognize the differences between research development and research administration.
2. Describe strategies for integrating research development with existing infrastructure in the research enterprise to better coordinate research development efforts across an institution.

Speakers: Jose Alcaine, PhD, MBA, CRA, Director of Research Services/Affiliate Faculty, Virginia Commonwealth University

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

This session will examine the critical role of research project managers in maintaining federally funded research continuity during federal administration transitions, where shifts in leadership, funding priorities, and regulations create challenges. It will address how research project managers navigate evolving policies, sponsor expectations, and potential funding or compliance disruptions through proactive planning, strategic communication, and adaptive management. Using real-world examples, the session will highlight strategies for risk mitigation, sustaining project momentum, and fostering resilience, demonstrating the essential value research project managers bring to the administration of research in times of uncertainty.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify Key Risks and Challenges: Participants will learn to recognize the risks associated with federal transitions, including potential funding delays, policy changes, and shifting compliance expectations that impact research projects.
2. Develop Crisis Management Strategies: Participants will gain actionable strategies for risk mitigation, stakeholder communication, and project continuity planning to navigate uncertainty and support research teams effectively during periods of transition.

Speakers: Nicole Carleton, EMBA, PMP, CRA, Director, Program Management Office (Research), University of Colorado Boulder; Nicole Quartiero, RPM, Director, University of Notre Dame

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Curious how artificial intelligence can help streamline your day-to-day as a research administrator? This interactive session will showcase practical applications of AI tools to support core activities like drafting emails, reviewing contracts, and summarizing documents. We’ll walk through real-world examples using tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms to automate and enhance efficiency without sacrificing quality or compliance. Whether you're preparing communications for faculty, navigating dense agreement language, or sorting through pages of policy, AI can be a game-changer. We'll cover strategies for prompting effectively, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining professional tone—and we’ll also discuss limitations, ethical considerations, and data security concerns. Join us for a hands-on look at how AI can be your new favorite teammate in the evolving research administration landscape.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explore how AI tools can assist with common research administration tasks.
2. Learn prompt strategies to get accurate, context-aware outputs
   Identify risks, limitations, and compliance considerations.

Speakers: Anita Mills , Ed.D, MA, CRA, Founder, Ignita Consulting; Ailing Zhang, Sr. Grants Manager, Morgan State University, Poline Mirithu, Grants and Contracts Manager, Morgan State University

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Faculty come and go at universities usually taking their funded research projects with them. Grant transfers are a process that takes time and patience. With a detailed plan in place, this process can go smoothly for all stakeholders. Join us as we discuss the roles of the stakeholders (central and departmental) when transferring grants and some best practices that we have learned.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Discuss methods to communicate with all stakeholders (central office, Deans, other universities, etc.).
2. Review tools and tips used for smooth transitions.

Speakers: Kimberly McKoy, Assistant Director for Contracts and Grants, Ed.D., CRA, North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University; Tanisha Hodges, Associate Director - Finance, MBA, Wayne State University

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Day in and day out, a large number of the agreements the research administrator must deal with are those which involve transfer and sharing of research materials and data. Other agreements may involve the loan of research equipment, non-funded collaborations, and agreements concerning IP or publishing, students, and other diverse topics. This session is an overview of the legal issues commonly faced in drafting and negotiating these agreements with both other institutions and with Sponsors, sub-Awardees, and Vendor/subcontractors. Could cover international implications on export control updates.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand implications of common issues in these types of agreements and have a set of tools to address them.
2. Apply their knowledge to a set of facts to determine the appropriate agreement needed for the desired outcome.

Speakers: Marlena Maniecka, Senior Contract Analyst, University of North Texas; Steven Tudor, Director, Technology Transfer, JD, University of California, Davis

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

US Federal regulations covering data and cybersecurity are changing rapidly and impacting what your organization must do to comply, or risk losing federal funding. There are existing and proposed new rules for the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) related to protecting federal controlled unclassified information (CUI) and federal contract information (FCI). There are now updated rules from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Justice (DOJ) on sensitive data. There are confusing new federal agency rules on cybersecurity as a result of the final Office of Science and Technology (OSTP) final guidance on National Security Presidential Memo 33 (NSPM-33). If you have any federal funding, either directly or via a prime, you will be impacted. This session will cover how to prepare with practical strategies and advice from two certified cybersecurity professionals with decades of experience working with higher ed and research institutions.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explain the specific timeline and requirements for FAR, NIH, DOJ, NSPM compliance and potential certifications to your organization's leadership.
2. Recognize the strategies and approaches best suited for your organization to successfully meet the requirements.

Speakers: Mike Cullen, CISA, CISSP, CIPP/US, CCP/CCA, Principal, Baker Tilly; Matt Gilbert, Principal, Baker Tilly

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Successful collaborations are essential in research administration. This presentation addresses the critical connection for successful partnerships between department and central administration. We will discuss fostering and promoting strong relationships, clarifying expectations, building trust, engaging in productive efficiencies, and sharing knowledge. Join us as we unlock how to enhance team performance, drive efficiencies, and achieve greater success in collaborative research administration endeavors.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand collaboration needs between department and central administration.
2. Foster and promote strong relationships, build trust, and identify efficiencies across administrative areas.

Speakers: Stephanie Laurent, MBA, CPRAM, Director of Sponsored Projects, Financial Reporting & Asset Management, LSU Health Sciences Center; Carly Pigg, CRA, CPRA, Research Fiscal Analyst, LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

With AI tools now capable of reviewing and redlining contracts, can they outperform human contract negotiators? This session will showcase a head-to-head comparison between AI-powered contract review tools and experienced contract negotiators, analyzing their speed, accuracy, and effectiveness in handling complex research agreements.

Content level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives: 

1. Evaluate the capabilities and limitations of AI tools in research contract negotiation.
2. Identify best practices for integrating AI-assisted contract review into institutional workflows, Discuss ethical and legal concerns surrounding AI-driven contract analysis.

Speakers: Avril Liu, Contracts & Negotiations Manager, Sponsored Research, University of Illinois Chicago; Sam Mombou, Director of Sponsored Programs, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Description Coming Soon

This session, "Mastering Time Management for Proactive Fund Management," offers attendees a comprehensive, actionable approach to balancing immediate responsibilities with long-term goals in portfolio and award management. Through a combination of real-world examples, evidence-based strategies, and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to apply time management principles to improve their productivity, enhance their decision-making, and ultimately elevate their role as proactive, strategic fund managers.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Develop a customized time management toolkit and strategic practices to shift from reactive to proactive fund management, improving outcomes and reducing stress.
2. Understand how to select and use tools that align with their time management and fund management needs.

Speakers: Nubia Andrade, Senior Contracts and Grants administrator, University of California; Cecilia Canadas, Pre-Award Research Administrator, University of California, Los Angeles

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Description Coming Soon

During this session we will share key considerations when negotiating OTA terms and conditions, challenges and outcomes. We will provide examples of effective strategies (and less effective ones) to reach an agreement on terms and foster a collaborative approach to finding contracting solutions. The goal is for participants to walk away with improved tools and strategies to negotiate OTAs.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will have improved tools to resolve contractual challenges during negotiations of OTAs.
2. Participants will gain new /different strategies to set the stage for a collaborate approach to negotiating OTAs with DARPA.

Speakers: Jessica Fernandez, Associate Director of Contracting, The University of Texas at Austin; Shawn Rhodes, Senior Contract Officer, The University of Texas at Austin

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

As soon as the Trump Administration began issuing Executive Orders, a plethora of federal court litigation challenges emerged--on behalf of research institutions and many other recipients of federal funding. In this session, two federal court litigation attorneys will offer background on some confusing and thorny issues of federal court practice, explain what it means to “enjoin” an Executive Order, provide updates on the status of some of the most pertinent cases impacting research institutions, and discuss legal strategy for when litigation is an appropriate avenue for your institution to consider.

Content level: Basic

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand important terminology relating to federal court litigation and the issues impacting research institutions.
2. Determine whether federal court litigation is an appropriate avenue for their research institution to consider, when facing issues such as grant terminations or cuts to the indirect cost rate.

Speakers: Mindy Pava, J.D., Partner, Feldesman LLP

Individual Registration Fees - Member: $99 | Nonmember: $165

Description Coming Soon