The NCURA Research Program is founded on the tenets of NCURA’s core values, with the goal of enhancing research and education programs that increase both public and private support for NCURA. The purpose is to create opportunities for NCURA members, faculty, and staff to innovate and pursue excellence in developing and sustaining critical partnerships in several strategic focus areas.  Some examples include supporting the data-driven needs of NCURA and the profession; identifying, developing and implementing innovative programs for research and education; and building resources for new partnership programs that support global efforts. Proposed research activities should include the collection/acquisition of new data and/or in-depth analysis of previously existing data and should be relevant and applicable to the broad research community (i.e., provide impact beyond an individual institution).  Projects should not duplicate existing NCURA educational programs.

Strategic Focus Areas

Support Research Administrators Throughout Their Career Journey

Projects that explore opportunities, challenges, and professional development experiences across all stages of a research administrator’s career. Topics might include career pathways, leadership development, mentorship, workforce dynamics, or the evolving competencies needed to thrive in the profession.

Enhance Entry into the Profession

Research examining how individuals enter the profession and what support, resources, or educational pathways best set them up for success. This could include onboarding models, internships, apprentice tracks, academic programs, or strategies to attract and retain new talent.

Providing Essential Guidance and Resources on the Changes Within Research Administration

Studies focused on emerging policies, regulatory shifts, compliance trends, and operational innovations that are shaping the future of the profession. We welcome proposals examining the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research administration—its opportunities, risks, practical applications, and the evolving skill sets RA professionals need to navigate and lead in an AIenabled environment.

Build Avenues for Collaboration—Locally and Globally

Projects that strengthen collaboration within and across institutions, regions, and countries. Proposals may explore shared services, global partnerships, cross-institutional workflows, or new models for communication and community-building across the profession.

Research Plan

The proposed research should contribute to the current body of knowledge in the field of research administration, be tied to one of the above four referenced strategic focus areas, and provide a sound approach that is novel to research administration. The research proposal should address a problem or an opportunity in the field of research administration and present a solution-based approach that may include an implementation strategy/phase. The proposal shall not be strictly implementation-based in nature and not limited to size or type of institution.

Read about previously-funded projects here!

Anticipated Award Funding

NCURA estimates up to $30,000 may be available for this solicitation and anticipates funding two (2) to four (4) projects. The number of projects funded will be determined based on the merit of proposals received in accordance with review criteria below and the amount of funding available at the time of the award.

Funding Period

One year with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026. The start date may be negotiable in extenuating circumstances and upon mutual agreement by NCURA and the awardee’s institution. A single no-cost extension may be requested in accordance with the NCURA Research Agreement Terms and Conditions.

Lead Proposer (“Principal Investigator” or “PI”) Eligibility

An NCURA member must be an integral part of the research project team, but does not have to be the Principal Investigator. If an NCURA member is not the lead PI, the proposal should be explicit in how the NCURA member is involved with the project.

Award Terms, Obligations and Reporting
RFP and Review Criteria
NCURA Research Program Funded Projects

Questions?

Contact 

Tracy Gatlin

tracy.gatlin@montana.edu

Research Program Chair