Global Collaboration

As an organization, SRAI strives to foster and elevate global advances in research, serving as the premier international resource for excellence in research management.

Connecting Research Administrators Worldwide

SRAI has been at the forefront of advancing global research administration since 1985, when a delegation of research administrators traveled to Northern and Eastern Europe as part of a People to People International Citizen Ambassador Program.

In 1998, the Society formally added “International” to its name, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution and reaffirming its commitment to a truly global research administration community.

In 2001, SRAI was a member of the founding group that conceived and launched the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS). This vision was realized at SRAI’s Annual Meeting in Vancouver, where leaders from national societies came together to create what is now a thriving global network representing professionals in over 45 countries.

Global Programs and Initiatives

SRAI continues to serve as a global convener through its international conferences, training workshops, and collaborative programs:

Global Research Management Summit in Dubai

SRAI will host the Global Research Management Summit in Dubai in 2026, bringing together research management leaders from around the world to explore emerging trends, share innovations, and build global capacity. The Summit builds on SRAI’s long-standing commitment to convening thought leaders and advancing the profession across borders.

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VICRA: Virtual International Conference on Research Administration

Launched in 2021, VICRA was the first international virtual conference focused exclusively on research administration. VICRA connected research professionals across continents through multilingual sessions, interactive panels, and networking opportunities—delivering accessible, global programming regardless of location.

In-Person Training and Global Participation

SRAI regularly delivers targeted international training programs to support regional capacity-building. Recent offerings include:

  • Research Administration and Management Training Intensive Workshop
  • Research Law Certificate Workshop
  • Practice of Research Administration and Management (PRAM) Training Intensive

Finally, SRAI’s Annual Meeting also serves as a global gathering point, welcoming delegates from South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Each year, international attendees contribute diverse perspectives and enrich the professional dialogue—underscoring SRAI’s role as a truly global convener in the research administration field.

View Upcoming Events & Training Opportunities

Meet Our Sections

With six unique Sections, including International and Canada Sections, SRAI brings together research administrators cross-regionally to help build connections and support professional development through programming and community initiatives.

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Sister Society Engagement

Through the Sister Society Engagement Program, SRAI partners with peer organizations around the world to support:

  • Collaborative training and professional development
  • Knowledge exchange and shared resources
  • Advancement of global standards in research administration

These partnerships reinforce SRAI’s mission to foster a strong, interconnected global community of research managers and administrators.

  • SRAI’s global collaboration is not just a series of initiatives—it is a defining feature of who we are. From regional training intensives and virtual global conferences to strategic partnerships and international summits, our commitment to advancing research administration worldwide is deeply embedded in the Society’s work.

  • You see this reflected in the diversity of our leadership, the strength of our International Section, and the voices of our members from every corner of the world. At SRAI, global engagement isn’t an extension of our mission—it’s at the heart of it.

    Questions?

    Find out more about our global initiatives by reaching out to SRAI HQ.


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