Charting The Course: Navigating the Evolving Field of Research Management and Administration Research

Abstract

As we navigate the increasingly complex landscape of global research and innovation, the role of Research Management and Administration (RMA) professionals has become more critical than ever for enabling research excellence and ensuring the effective delivery of impactful research outcomes. Thus, this role has become not just increasingly visible but also to some extent even acknowledged by leading stakeholders (e.g. policy makers such as the European Commission).

RMA professionals are the individuals and teams who, behind the scenes, enable and enhance the entire research lifecycle, from grant applications to impact realization and everything in between, including science diplomacy, science communication, and research strategy development (Agostinho et al., 2020).

It is therefore both timely and essential to reflect on the status of research on RMA (RoRMA) itself – the scientific field dedicated to understanding, analysing, and improving the practices and policies that underpin this vital profession, and figure out what this research may do for the recognition of the profession and for every single RMA professional. Do we really need RoRMA? Do we understand its added value in conducting research for the future of the profession? Are we prepared to conduct or commit to this research?

This editorial aims to provide an overview of RMA as a scientific domain, tracing its historical roots, examining current academic outlets, and exploring the dynamics of publication within this burgeoning field. Furthermore, we will delve into the dominant research topics, identify emerging trends, and, crucially, suggest avenues for future inquiry to ensure RoRMA generates knowledge that directly contributes to enhancing the effectiveness and impact of the global research enterprise and strengthens the professional practices that underpin it.

In this spirit, this editorial also serves as a call to action, encouraging researchers presenting at events such as the upcoming International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) congress in partnership with European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) to consider developing their work for publication in JoRMA, thereby contributing to the growing body of rigorous RMA scholarship. We also emphasize the need for the field to embrace more rigorous and interdisciplinary research methodologies to further strengthen its impact and recognition. Finally, we invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to actively engage with the vibrant RoRMA initiative at EARMA to collectively advance this essential field.