Welcome to beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico, and to the 2026 Financial Research Administration Conference! We are truly honored to serve as your Program Co-Chairs for this year’s meeting. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside our extraordinary Program Committee —an all-star team whose creativity, dedication, expertise and humor have brought this year’s dynamic program to life. Their collective effort and vision have resulted in an agenda filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and explore the evolving landscape of financial research administration.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to Kati Barber and Tracey King, our incredible NCURA personnel, whose steady guidance, insight, and behind-the-scenes brilliance have helped shape every step of this journey. Their partnership has been instrumental in turning ideas into experiences that will inform and inspire us all. Beyond this conference, NCURA as an organization has profoundly enriched our professional and personal lives—connecting us with colleagues who became mentors, mentors who became friends, and friends who still send us compliance memes at odd hours (you know who you are).
The network that NCURA has built over the years has been nothing short of a lifeline—offering a shoulder when challenges hit, perspective when things get complex, and a steady source of support that keeps us grounded and connected. It’s this spirit of the NCURA community that continues to inspire us to grow, lead, and give back.
Our theme this year, “Shaping the Future Together,” reflects both the moment we are in and the work ahead of us. The world of research administration never stops changing —from evolving compliance requirements and financial stewardship expectations to the integration of new technologies and data-driven decision-making, but if there’s one constant, it’s the strength and resilience of this community. This conference is an opportunity to pause and engage with one another, to share best practices, and to develop strategies that will define the next era of research administration. Together, we are not only responding to change—we are driving it.
And what better place to do that than San Juan—a city that embodies resilience, renewal, and joy. Puerto Rico’s rich history, vibrant culture, and community spirit remind us of the power of working together toward a shared future. Whether you’re strolling the colorful streets of Old San Juan, enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean breeze, or engaging in lively discussions with colleagues, we hope you find inspiration in both the setting and the sessions.
Thank you for joining us and for the work you do every day to strengthen and sustain the research enterprise. We invite you to dive into this week—connect with new faces, ask bold questions, laugh a little (or a lot), and leave inspired. Together, we are shaping the future of financial research administration—one conversation, one collaboration, and yes, one well-timed coffee break at a time.
With gratitude and excitement (and SPF 100 in hand),