Office for Research Administration Strategy
The Office for Research Administration Strategy at the University of Michigan serves as a center of excellence for the U-M research administration community, overseeing strategic initiatives and leading-edge advancements.
Advancing excellence in research administration
The newly formed ORAS will continue to elevate research and innovation for all schools, colleges, offices, and campuses at U-M by providing a centralized support hub for the hundreds of research administrators throughout U-M who manage the business and compliance aspects of research and innovation.
Sustainable research administration strategy
Proactive management of growth and opportunities
Creative solutions through communication and partnership
700+
research administrators at U-M
400+
central administrators
>$2 billion
total research expenditures in FY25
How ORAS supports research
ORAS will provide the long-term strategic planning and comprehensive resources needed by the U-M research administration community to continue to support the innovative and exceptional research and scholarship pursued on the U-M campus now and into the future. Key focus areas for ORAS include:
Excellence in research administration
Supporting and advancing U-M’s 19 schools and colleges, top-ranked medical center, and campuses in Dearborn and Flint, by streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and promoting excellence through efforts such as the yearly RAxMI Research Administration Conference.
Continuous skill development
Bolstering training and skill development for new and existing research administration staff.
Strategic oversight and support
Establishing benchmarks and standards for forecasting and maintaining staffing levels across the U-M research ecosystem, advising teams during the development of large initiatives, and overseeing strategic initiatives, such as artificial intelligence in research administration.
Research administration talent development
Advancing pathways to develop research administration talent to ensure stability and continuity for a high-demand field. Promoting the recently launched Bachelor of Arts in Research Administration degree program at UM-Dearborn and leading the related internship program.
ORAS structure
ORAS, a unit within the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), will complement the University’s efforts to catalyze, support, and safeguard U-M research. ORAS will coordinate with existing efforts, such as the Research Administration Advisory Council and Navigate training, to create a comprehensive hub for the research administration community.
Meet the ORAS Associate Director
Dr. Tiffany Brutus will lead ORAS’ strategic initiatives as its Associate Director.
Dr. Brutus previously held the role of Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships in OVPR, where she supported high-priority institutional initiatives and developed strategic collaborations with higher education, industry, and non-profit partners.
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Brutus specializes in assessing complex situations and designing actionable strategies. Her scholarly work focuses on how leadership influences innovation and organizational performance.
She earned her B.S. and M.S. from James Madison University and holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development.
Questions?
Contact [email protected].