Transforming Research Administration: The Faculty Appointed Research Administrator's Role in Academic Medical Centers

The Evolutionary Path of Research Administration: Advocating for the Faculty-Appointed Research Administrator FARA in Academic Medical Centers

As the landscape of academic research undergoes a transformative shift, there is an imperative need to redefine the role of research administration within institutions. Integrating the position of Faculty-Appointed Research Administrators FARAs, who combine responsibilities of grant writing and scientific writing with the traditional duties of research administration, represents the next pivotal step in this evolving field. This dual role is essential for enhancing both academic productivity and rigor, positioning academic medical centers at the forefront of global research innovation.

The Role of Faculty-Appointed Research Administrators

FARAs are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between administrative roles and academia. Their expertise in navigating complex grant applications and mastering scientific writing significantly boosts researchers' capabilities. This integration is not merely a convenience for administrators; it is a strategic enhancement that leverages institutional resources effectively, fostering an environment where researchers can focus more on their scientific inquiries than on administrative hurdles.

Benefits of Faculty Appointment

The faculty appointment system offers significant advantages to research administrators, fundamentally transforming their roles and contributions within academic medical centers. It recognizes their expertise with professional prestige, elevating their credibility and enhancing their standing in the professional community. This recognition not only ds in attracting and retning top talent but also opens doors to structured career advancement through access to programs for faculty development, mentorship, and skill enhancement.

Access to Institution Resources

With faculty appointments, research administrators gn broader access to institutional resources that are typically reserved for academic staff. These include opportunities for research funding, professional development grants, and attance at conferences that promote knowledge exchange among scientists worldwide. The integration of FARAs as full-fledged faculty members fosters greater collaboration with researchers, leading to a more robust research environment and the promotion of interdisciplinary initiatives. Moreover, faculty status enables higher job satisfaction and retention rates due to the career opportunities it provides.

Additional Teaching Responsibilities

Beyond grant writing and scientific communication skills, FARAs can take on additional teaching responsibilities that benefit both the researchers and the academic community at large. Courses such as ethics in research ensure adherence to high standards of scientific conduct and regulatory requirements. These courses are crucial for mntning the integrity of research while complying with applicable regulations. By teaching best practices in data management and analysis, FARAs contribute to research reproducibility, a critical aspect of scientific credibility.

Project Management Skills

In addition to ethical considerations, courses on project management for research offer invaluable tools for managing research projects effectively. This includes planning, execution, evaluation, and the financial aspects of running projects, which are essential skills that enhance research sustnability and efficiency. Teaching scientific communication helps researchers to articulate their findings clearly across various audiences, from policymakers to academic peers, thereby broadening the impact of their work.

Impact on Research and Education

FARAs significantly improve both the quality of research and educational outcomes by enhancing grant writing capabilities and streamlining administrative processes. Their role fosters a collaborative research culture that strengthens institutions globally. By supporting researchers through comprehensive assistance in areas like project management, ethics, data analysis, and communication, FARAs lead to more significant discoveries and advancements in their fields.

The Evolutionary Path of Research Administration

Research administration has matured into a recognized profession with formal educational pathways, certification programs, professional associations, and peer-reviewed publications. For research administrators to continue advancing on this evolutionary path, they must be formally recognized through faculty appointments within academic institutions. This approach is essential for several reasons:

• Enhanced Career Path: Formal recognition as faculty members provides a structured career trajectory that increases job satisfaction and retention among researchers.

• Competitive Edge: By securing the competitive advantage of FARAs, institutions can differentiate themselves in the global research landscape through their ability to support cutting-edge research effectively.

The integration of FARAs within academic medical centers not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a culture that values both administrative excellence and scholarly pursuit. This approach supports the development of researchers who are adept at navigating complex regulatory environments while contributing meaningfully to scientific advancements.

Acknowledgments:

This work was supported by a CTSA grant from NCATS awarded to the University of Kansas for Frontiers: University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Science Institute # UL1TR002366. The contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or NCATS.

Authored by: Holly Zink, PhD, MSA, Research Medical Writer, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine; KL2 and TL1 Project Director, Frontiers Clinical Translational Science Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center

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