Research Management as a Sustainable Career Path: Perspectives of Practising Professionals from Around the World

Abstract

What is new?

Research management/adminstration is not recognized as a profession in many countries. In spite of this, many research managers and administrators (RMAs) choose this career and are willing to stay in it for a long term. This paper uses global survey data to highlight factors that RMAs use to make these long-term decisions.

What was the approach?

Three global surveys (Research Administrators As A Profession, RAAAP) were analysed for the question – Why have you stayed in the profession? Data for responses to various choices within this primary question such as if they enjoyed this career, if they liked spending time with researchers and academics, if it was due to job security or good salary and whether it was the work itself, were analysed. Additionally, a few India-based RMAs were interviewed regarding their perspectives of this career through a qualitative research approach.

What is the academic impact?

Findings from this paper will help research policy makers establish a professional path for this workforce at a national level. Additionally, institutional leaders can formulate ways to retain and strengthen this workforce in their research organizations.

What is the wider impact?

The survey results provide motivation and encouragement to new RMAs and may help those deciding to take research management/administration as a career.