RAxMI Research Administration Conference

We have a common goal. We all work to support the research enterprise at the University of Michigan and specific principal investigators and their groundbreaking research. We are partners in the project lifecycle. But what really is the role of the Award Management Officers (AMOs) in ORSP post realignment? And why do they keep sending my Award Change Requests (ACRs) back? Our goal for this session is to provide the U-M research community with a clearer understanding of the AMO team’s responsibilities, processes and priorities in the post-realignment environment. We will outline the AMO role, highlight key updates, and share practical resources — including best practices and job aids — to help us work more effectively together in support of our shared mission.

Large-scale grant proposals bring unique complexities — from extended timelines and intricate budgets to the coordination of multiple internal and external stakeholders. In this panel discussion, experienced research administrators will share practical insights and lessons learned from preparing, submitting and managing large-scale proposals. Panelists will explore what truly distinguishes a large-scale grant, strategies for building strong communication pathways, and ways to effectively leverage institutional resources across the proposal and award life cycle. The conversation will also highlight best practices for developing comprehensive budgets — including cost share considerations — and navigating both pre-award and post-award phases to promote long-term project success.

Grant proposals can often feel extremely daunting, like climbing Mount Everest. They come with unclear guidelines and expectations for reaching the summit. From a project management lens, this presentation will help research administrators navigate the pre-award cycle by providing a framework on how to manage the lifecycle proposal process from solicitation to submission. In addition, this presentation will provide timelines/checklists, tips and tricks, and pitfall mitigation in order to help research administrators at all experience levels effectively manage this often complicated and unclear process.

Effective research administration is essential for supporting faculty productivity and advancing institutional research goals. At the University of Michigan and across higher education, faculty at different career stages have distinct needs and expectations in navigating the complexities of sponsored research. This presentation explores strategies for customizing research administrative support to align with career progression, fostering a more responsive and efficient partnership between administrators and faculty. The presentation will share best practices, case studies, and practical tools for adapting administrative services across academic ranks. Emphasizing a collaborative, faculty-centric approach ultimately enhances research outcomes and strengthens institutional competitiveness in securing external funding.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming research administration, offering powerful tools to reduce administrative burden and enhance the quality of sponsored program activities. As research offices face growing demands with limited resources, AI is emerging as a valuable ally, not to replace the expertise of research administrators, but to amplify it. AI is already making an impact across the research lifecycle. From scanning funding databases to surface relevant proposal calls, to reviewing draft proposals against sponsor guidelines for compliance gaps, to generating support letters and converting documents between formats. Tasks that once took hours can now be accomplished in minutes. AI can also summarize lengthy email threads into clear action items, keeping administrators focused on strategic work rather than inbox management. What does the future hold for AI in in research administration?

Navigate the adventure of research award management through an interactive journey through budgeting challenges, compliance quests and closeout complexities. Learn about cost transfers, effort reporting, cost sharing and financial reconciliations through real-world case studies using collaborative problem-solving and storytelling that brings the numbers to life in a friendly competitive game-like presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned administrator or new to the field, this session offers tools and insights to help you master the post-award landscape with confidence and creativity.

In today’s rapidly changing research landscape — shaped by evolving regulations, competing priorities and diverse teams — the ability to communicate with clarity, empathy and integrity is essential for guiding research administration units, supporting investigators and advancing institutional goals. This presentation explores how research administrators at all levels can intentionally build and sustain trust through purposeful communication. Drawing from real-world examples and leadership experiences, the presenters will highlight how transparency, compassion and consistency form the foundation for psychological safety, mutual respect and shared vision. Through case studies, reflective discussion, and peer engagement, attendees will gain actionable tools to enhance their communication effectiveness, strengthen collaboration, and expand their influence across organizational boundaries.

There is a heightened awareness at the federal level, including research funding agencies, and Congress, of the potential for undue foreign influence in U.S.-funded research. The resulting increased scrutiny, regulations and other requirements have had a significant impact on institutions of higher education, their faculty and research administrators. This session will provide an overview of the recent history of research security (i.e., how we got here); the legislative/regulatory framework that underpins current practices; and the UM-specific systems, policies and processes in place to respond to these requirements.

Behind every successful sponsored project lies a tapestry of careful preparation and coordination — much of it woven through the PAF Pre-Award process. Yet the intricacies driving this vital stage are often overlooked, remaining “behind the curtain.” In this session, panelists will share real-world stories and lessons learned, demystifying the essential steps and common bottlenecks in ORSP Pre-Award workflows. Discussion topics will include navigating evolving compliance requirements, optimizing communication between stakeholders and leveraging technology for process improvements. Through candid dialogue and frequently asked questions, attendees will gain new insights into the human and technical factors shaping successful PAF outcomes. Whether you’re new to pre-award management or a seasoned professional, join us as we pull back the curtain — and empower your journey through the PAF odyssey.

Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine is the executive director of Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), an alliance of Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. As one of the nation’s top university innovation clusters, RU4M is a leading engine for innovation in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Prior to RU4M, Britany was the talent director for Ann Arbor SPARK, and a senior research associate for the Metropolitan Policy Program of the Brookings Institution on the Great Lakes Economic Initiative. Britany has served as a director on the Michigan Strategic Fund board since 2019. She earned her Ph.D. in higher education policy from the University of Michigan (2008), a M.Ed. in secondary education from Wright State University (1999), and a BA in political science from Wittenberg University (1996).

For many research administrators, a signed agreement can feel like a “black box” — a complex legal document that dictates daily operations but remains difficult to decipher. However, understanding the nuances of a contract is not just for lawyers; it is a critical skill for ensuring compliance, managing budgets and supporting faculty successfully. In this session, learn about the anatomy of an agreement and leave empowered to identify the administrative “drivers” that impact reporting, post award changes and financial management. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your contractual literacy, this session offers the tools to translate complex terms into actionable administrative success.

This session will provide an overview of effective strategies and best practices for managing effort on sponsored projects. Topics will include U-Year effort vs. 12-Month effort and effort reporting. The presentation will also cover common challenges with compliance-related topics such as E-Verify procedures and citizenship requirements for grant appointments. Finally, we will discuss managing reductions in force. Attendees will gain practical insights to managing effort and appointments in research environments.

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of research administration, uncertainty is a constant companion — whether navigating shifting sponsor guidelines, managing complex collaborations or mentoring a team through change. This session offers a refreshing pause and a practical toolkit for research administrators at all career stages. This interactive session explores how intentional practices can help professionals manage stress, foster resilience and lead with clarity. Participants will be provided with techniques to support themselves and others through ambiguity and explore how awareness can enhance focus, emotional regulation and decision-making.

Want to know what ORSP is looking for in an Award Change Request (ACR) for Uniform Guidance changes to budget items? Why does ORSP ask for so many details? What is the department’s role vs. ORSP’s role? This session should help with tips and tricks for things that work and don’t work for these requests.

Research projects don’t always follow the forecast. Lack of funding, expensive experimental facilities and services, complicated data collection and handling requirements, and specialized training needs can all create delays and risk. In this 40‑minute moderated panel, ISR Director Kate Cagney introduces the Institute for Social Research as shared infrastructure that supports research across the University of Michigan. Panelists will highlight three areas: Data & Lab Services, Pilot Funding & Education, and Grant & Research Resources. Attendees will leave with practical “where can I find this” guidance (and an actual umbrella!), because when research gets stormy, ISR has you covered. 

The inaugural year of the RAxMI conference seeks to renew and unify the University of Michigan research administration community to ready them for further years of embracing a leadership role in the field. A critical aspect of this goal is creating a vision of how various nodes of the research administration ecosystem can collaborate and communicate more effectively. The discussion will focus on developing an understanding of where some of the current roadblocks lie in inter-university collaboration between research administration offices and how we can develop a common understanding to clear the lanes.