Professional Development Opportunities and Organizations for Research Administration
Several University of Michigan-sponsored events and external organizations offer professional development opportunities for the research administration profession. Learn about ways to improve skills, learn best practices and network with colleagues.
RAxMI: Research Administration Conference
The U-M Research Administration Conference is a one-day event for everyone who plays a role in research administration — research administrators, faculty, research staff and central office staff — across U-M campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint. Learn more about the inaugural event that took place April 28, 2026: RAxMI: Renewed. United. Ready!
Research Administrators’ Network meetings
Research Administrators’ Network (RAN) meetings are held three times a year to provide continuing education on U-M research administration topics and to hear from unit administrators and leaders in central administration. RAN meetings are hosted by the Research Administration Advisory Council. Learn more about RAN meetings on the Events page.
Navigate training
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects and Finance-Sponsored Programs have partnered to provide a collection of training opportunities and professional development resources for research administrators covering the entire project lifecycle. Find instructor-led courses, eLearning modules and more in the Search All Training section.
Professional organizations
National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)
NCURA, founded in 1959, is a nonprofit professional society dedicated to advancing the profession of research administration. The organization offers conferences and meetings, workshops, peer advisory services and more. NCURA also has regional membership opportunities, including NCURA Region IV, which includes research administrators in Michigan and surrounding states.
National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP)
NORDP is a nonprofit established in 2010 to build a community of research development professionals driven to enhance the research enterprise at their institutions. NORDP hosts an annual conference and other events and also provides resources for research development professionals.
Research Administration Certification Council (RACC)
RACC formed in 1993 as an independent nonprofit organization that offers certifications for research administration professionals, including the Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).
Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI)
SRAI is a nonprofit that offers professional development, networking and resources to research administrator professionals to enhance their expertise and drive impactful research. The organization hosts an annual meeting and other conferences focused on research administration topics.
aiM Higher Study Group on Hold
The aiM Higher CRA Preparation Program was led by a group of U-M research administrators who helped colleagues prepare for the certified research administrator (CRA) exam conducted by the Research Administration Certification Council. This program has been paused due to personnel changes. For other research administration training, visit the Search All Training page.
Certified Research Administrator Contact Hours Resource
The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential means that an individual has demonstrated a certain level of knowledge of research administration. Certification is obtained by qualifying for and taking the CRA exam, which is administered by the Research Administrators Certification Council. Once an individual obtains certification, they must acquire a certain number of contact hours for recertificationIndividuals can use this CRA Contact Hours Resource to help track hours.