"Becoming international" is clearly stated in NCURA's strategic plan.
What strides we've made! Last year, NCURA created an International Region. This year, NCURA's international outreach and focus continues to build on that strategic goal. This commitment is becoming increasingly tangible: NCURA will co-sponsor the first North American meeting of the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) to be held April 2014 in Washington, DC (see attached photo) Collaborative planning is underway and enthusiasm is building among the many research societies across the globe, such as the Australasian Research Managers Society (ARMS), the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA), the Canadian Association of University Research Administrators (CAURA), and the South African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA).
Last month, I was privileged to join other NCURA representatives in Dublin for EARMA (see attached photo). It was for me, in many ways, the experience of a lifetime. Personally, as a dry-land Montana wheat farmer's daughter, travel "across the pond" to Ireland was a fabulous experience. On the professional side, talking with European research administrators confirms the adage that, "It's a small world after all." While differences certainly exist, we share more commonalities: challenges with sponsors, communication to - and with - researchers and faculty, regulations, and balancing rules and regulations with the day-to-day support of those dedicated to advancing our respective institutional research endeavors. While many sessions resonated with me, one entitled "Breaking Down Silos: The Role of Research Offices in Stimulating Collaborations" really hit home. I left with several new wrenches in my toolbox to help my researchers learn more about campus activity.
As with NCURA venues, I found the professional development opportunities greatly enhanced by relationship building. I'm keeping in touch with a few of our European colleagues ... I may need advice when planning another trip!
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Judy Fredenberg
Director, Research And Sponsored Programs
University of Montana
Missoula MT
406-243-6670
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