Latest CARA Events

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:50:52 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction.

You have been asked to facilitate a researcher submitting a grant. Now what?
This presentation will provide a framework to use to review the first draft, prepare meaningful feedback and not feel quite so overwhelmed. Grant writing is quite methodical, but you need to know the methodology to be effective. The webinar will provide you with a strong foundation on which to build your grant writing experience.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Jamie is the Senior Research Grants coordinator working with researchers, their teams, industry and government to move technology along the technology readiness levels toward commercialization. After 12 years at the University of Calgary, Jamie joined the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as their Senior Grants Officer in 2018. Jamie is a successful grant writer; securing and/or then managing over $54.3M in scientific funding. Her work is focused on writing large and small-scale grant proposals. She supports their management to ensure the outcomes and reports are achieved on time and within budget. Jamie believes that supporting research requires flexibility, initiative and strong adaptability to take on the many roles that are required for a research project or program to be successful. She has a Master's degree in Policy, her PMP designation since 2014 and three technical and business writing certifications.

Grant Writing - Part 2: Intermediate

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:50:53 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 2: Intermediate.

So now you know how to write a grant, let's kick it up a notch. This webinar will cover selecting peer review members, how to critique your application and others, use of keywords, budget tips, drafting letters of support, working with collaborators, diverse dissemination, how to handle the team, HQP and methodology details. If you have been writing grants for a while and want to start to challenge yourself, this webinar will help you to critique your work and bring it to the next level.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Grant Writing - Part 3: Advanced

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:50:55 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 3: Advanced.

Even advanced grant writers can use reminders and tips to advance their submissions. As the volume of grants we write increases, we can get stuck in a rut and not see how our style might need a refresh. The grant field is getting more competitive and this webinar will bring a new shine to your tried and true tactics. We will cover strategic alignment, using images, tables and whitespace, a discussion on innovation and activity schedule content. Fresh ideas on how to express Benefits to Industry and Benefits to Canada, and some strategies to weave in EDI. All good grant writers have their own tips and tricks. We can all benefit by sharing our unique styles, tips and tricks. Participants will be encouraged to share their ideas via comments as the discussion goes along.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club Series 2026-27

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:50:56 GMT

The next Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club is Friday, September 11 at 2pm EDT.

Join us, every second Friday of the month, to share your reflections, experiences, and get advice from others as we discuss a journal article from our field of work.

The article chosen for discussion will be announced in the week prior to the meeting. To consult the list of past presentations: Journal Club Sessions. Watch the CARA listserv or CARA website for more information on upcoming sessions and contact the organizers to suggest a future journal club article or to volunteer to host a session.

Registering below will grant you access to all Journal Club sessions from April 2026 to March 2027.

NEXT SESSION:

The next Grant Facilitators Journal Club meeting is Friday, October 9, at 2 p.m. EDT. Rana Mustafa (University of Saskatchewan) will present:

Bauer, M.; Reeves, P. M; Roney, J.; Fiore, S. M. «Expanding the Roles for Research Administration and Research Development Professionals: A Team Science Coaching Program», Journal of Research Administration, vol. 56, N° 1, (Spring 2025): 7-27.

UPCOMING SESSIONS

Friday October 9, 2026, 2-3pm ET.
Friday, November 13, 2026, 2-3pm ET.

Organizers:

Brandi Povitz

Research Grants Development Officer

Cumming School of Medicine | University of Calgary

brandi.povitz@ucalgary.ca

Gen Clark

Manager, Research Development and Graduate Affairs

College of Pharmacy and Nutrition | University of Saskatchewan

gen.clark@usask.ca

Ann-Marie Field

Research Facilitator

Faculty of Communication | Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

field.ann-marie@uqam.ca

Let's Talk AI Club 2026-2027

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:50:57 GMT

Next meeting: November 18, 2026, 12-1PM EST.

Topic: The Machines are Watching: Surveillance through the expanding use of AI and over-granting of agency

Join our bi-monthly “Let’s Talk AI” Club sessions! As the field of generative AI rapidly evolves, research administrators face the challenge of staying informed. Our sessions feature expert speakers who delve into practical applications of generative AI tools. Learn how to harness this technology effectively in research administration. Engage in group discussions and get your questions answered during our Q & A period.

November's Let's Talk AI Club will be presented by Scott Baker.
Title: The Machines are Watching: Surveillance through the expanding use of AI and over-granting of agency

You might assume your data is only at risk when you deliberately send it somewhere. But what about the software already running quietly in the background, collecting telemetry, listening, recording, pattern matching — the browser extension you installed last year, the AI assistant embedded in your workflow, the app that asked for more permissions than it probably needed?

We'll take a close look at the growing surveillance risks inside tools that feel innocuous, and explain why the line is blurring between a tool that operates only on your device and one that reaches further beyond it than most people realize in the world altered by AI.

Held on: Nov 18, 2026, Jan 20, 2026

Organizers: Karen Mosier and Bonnie Zink

Karen E. Mosier

Research Coordinator

Department of Surgery/University of Saskatchewan

Bonnie Zink

Knowledge Mobilization and Community-Based Learning Specialist

bonnie@bonniezink.com

College Best Practices - Discussion Group

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:50:59 GMT

These interactive, bi-monthly meetings invite college research administrators to share information about the strengths and challenges of their research offices. Newer offices to seasoned setups that have changed and grown over the years – all are welcome to share best practices, pitfalls, cautions, and lessons learned in how to create a functional and successful applied research office within the broader institutional college setting.

Next meeting: Wednesday, September 16, 12-1pm ET

Registering below will grant you access to the following 2026 "College Best Practices – Discussion Group" sessions:

Wednesday, September 16, 12-1pm ET

Wednesday, November 25, 12-1pm ET

Wednesday, January 13, 12-1pm ET

Wednesday, March 17, 12-1pm ET

Facilitated by: Rachel Brown

Rachel is the Manager of Finance Operations and Compliance at Niagara College’s Research & Innovation division, and the current President of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA).

Welcome to CARA: CARA Members' Orientation

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

October 8, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

Welcome to the Canadian Association of Research Administration. This webinar is a free information session on how to maximize the value of your CARA membership, and will cover our many programs and volunteer opportunities. You will also have the opportunity to connect with other members, with time at the end to network and ask questions.

This session is open to anyone new to CARA, or curious about the value a CARA membership can bring. Please bring any and all questions you mayhave, and join our LinkedIn group too.

Presented by: Alison Prescott, CAE

Alison Prescott, CAE is the Manager, Programs and Services for the Canadian Association of Research Administrators, and is passionate about working and leading in the Association non-profit field. She holds a BA from Wilfred Laurier University, and obtained her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives in 2024. Alison was a delegate on the 2026 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference with 250 other emerging Canadian leaders, serving as co-chair for the Newfoundland and Labrador study group.

Beyond the Office: Strategic Visibility for Research Administrators and Building Professional Identity through Measurable Impact

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

November 4, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

Research administrators and facilitators create substantial value behind the scenes through coordination, judgment, relationship-building, problem-solving, risk management, and support for researchers and research teams. However, much of this work can remain unseen or difficult to explain. In this practical and interactive session, I would introduce the VISIBLE Impact Framework, a step-by-step approach to help help research professionals become more visible and ensure their work is recognized and valued.

The session includes reflection activities, practical examples relevant to research administrators, and a simple 30-day action plan that participants can use after the webinar.

Presented by: Rana Mustafa, PhD

Rana Mustafa, PhD, is a Research Facilitator with the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Engineering and an ICF-certified leadership and Positive Intelligence coach. Her research facilitation work includes Tri-Agency funding programs, industry partnerships, and international collaborations. She applies professional coaching methods in her day-to-day work with faculty, helping researchers clarify ideas, strengthen proposals, and move projects forward.

Beyond research facilitation, Dr. Mustafa supports displaced and immigrant scientists in moving beyond the “quiet expert” mindset. Through leadership development, Positive Intelligence, and personal branding, she helps scientists build confidence, resilience, and professional visibility so that their expertise can be recognized, valued, funded, and applied.

Her work on self-leadership and personal branding is featured in her chapter, “Trailblazing Through Adversity: The Power of Self-Leadership and Personal Branding for Displaced Women Scientists,” published in the 2024 book Evolution of Leadership in STEM: Women Catalyzing Change.

Her contributions have been recognized through the 2023 Newcomer Rising Leader Award (Toronto), the 2024 Immigrant Woman Resilience Award (Saskatoon), and the 2026 University of Saskatchewan Excellence in Research Administration Award.

Understanding Financial Processes: From Pre-Award to Grant Closeout - Part One

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

November 9, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

Are you or your staff new to research administration and want to develop more knowledge on research finance and the research funding lifecycle? Join presenters from the University of Victoria for a three-part webinar series designed to build foundational knowledge in research administration.

This introductory series will guide participants through the full grant lifecycle with expertise from a finance expert lens. From the application phase to managing awarded funds and closing grants, attendees will gain an overview of the research administration process.

Session 1: Applying for the grant

Funding agencies
Application phase
Contracts
Indirect Costs
RSF
Ethics
Internal Research Grants
Course Releases

This series is designed to support research administrators who are supporting researchers for the first time, as well as those looking to strengthen their understanding of the research administration process.

Presented by: Melissa Joyce

Melissa Joyce has been the Director of Research Accounting at the University of Victoria for 9 years and has worked in other roles at the University for over 17 years. She has attended several CARA conferences and looks forward to hosting sessions again this year. She has her CPA designation and has been both a course facilitator and mentor for CPA students. Her main focus is providing excellent client service and creating efficiencies within her department at UVic. She is excited to share ideas with other institutions to help make research administration easier!

Understanding Financial Processes: From Pre-Award to Grant Closeout - Part Two

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

November 16, 2026 12-1pm ET.

Are you or your staff new to research administration and want to develop more knowledge on research finance and the research funding lifecycle?

Join presenters from the University of Victoria for a three-part webinar series designed to build foundational knowledge in research administration.

Session 2: Managing the grant

Release of fund
Interinstitutional agreements
Administration of overheads
Review of expenses
Internal charges
Financial reporting
Eligibility of expenses

Presented by: Melissa Joyce

Melissa Joyce has been the Director of Research Accounting at the University of Victoria for 9 years and has worked in other roles at the University for over 17 years, and is serving as treasurer for CARA. She has her CPA designation and has been both a course facilitator and mentor for CPA students. Her main focus is providing excellent client service and creating efficiencies within her department at UVic. She is excited to share ideas with other institutions to help make research administration easier!

Understanding Financial Processes: From Pre-Award to Grant Closeout - Part Three

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Are you or your staff new to research administration and want to develop more knowledge on research finance and the research funding lifecycle?

Join presenters from the University of Victoria for a three-part webinar series designed to build foundational knowledge in research administration.

Session 3: Closing the grant

Final financial report
In Kinds
Audits
Deficits/Remaining balances

Presented by: Melissa Joyce

Research Data Management in Unsettling Times

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

November 24, 2026, 12-1pm EST.

Research Data Management (RDM) has always been challenging given the competing demands of open sharing of data, long-term preservation of data, security of research, privacy of research subjects, efficiency of the research process, etc. The volatile global context has elevated these challenges. This talk will explore issues like government attacks on higher education, climate change, threats to Canadian sovereignty, vulnerabilities in cybersecurity, energy consumption, economic constraints and global health crises. The issues are diverse and daunting, and they all impact our RDM goals.

Presented by: Wayne Johnston

Wayne Johnston is a retired librarian. He spent 19 years as a librarian at the University of Guelph where his responsibilities included research data management and scholarly communication. Since 2022 he has been responsible for the RDM course as part of the CARA Research Management and Coordination certificate program. At the time of this writing he is about to undertake a trip to Belize where he has a volunteer assignment implementing a data discovery portal for the federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Demand - CARA Webinar Recordings

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:51:22 GMT

Missed a live CARA webinar? You may now purchase access to past live 60-90 minute webinars and panels, using this event purchase.

Please contact CARA Manager, Programs and Services Alison Prescott to request specific recordings.

Currently featuring:
Strategic Adoption of Generative AI in Research Administration: Pathways for 2026 and Beyond (recording)
AI All Over The Place - Part 1: An AI Foundations Certificate (recording)
Contract Negotiation: Moving from Protection to Enablement (recording)

CARA Webinar Recordings: 2026-2027 Membership Year

Coaching Approach in Research Administration - Developing coaching mindset

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

October 26, 2026, 12-1:15pm ET.

Participants who complete all four sessions will receive a “Coaching Approach in Research Administration” certificate. Develop a highly sought-after skill of coaching, advance your Research Administration career, and achieve professional excellence with greater clarity, purpose, and fulfilment.

Leveraging her “Leadership Coaching Certification” training from Essential Impact, Kakali Majumdar will be leading a four-part webinar series “Coaching Approach in Research Administration,” grounded in the International Coaching Foundation’s (ICF) four domains of core competencies.

Session 1: Developing coaching mindset

ICF domain #1 (Foundation) Definition: Develops and maintains a mindset that is open, curious, flexible and coachee centered

Acknowledge that individuals are responsible for their own choices
Engage yourself in ongoing learning and development as a coach
Develops an ongoing reflective practice to enhance coaching
Remains aware of and open to the influence of context and culture on self and others
Develops and maintains the ability to regulate one’s emotions (EI)
Mentally and emotionally prepares for sessions

Presented by: Kakali Majumdar, Research Facilitator Bio

Kakali Majumdar, MSc (Science), MSc (Botany) I am a Research Facilitator at Bow Valley College with over 16 years’ experience in leading research/grant development and management in multiple sectors, including Health, Engineering and Social Sciences. Throughout my career, I have coached and advised hundreds of faculties in ideation of research projects and achieving funding. My most recent success includes the achievement of two institutional grants, funded by NSERC and CFI in the amount of $1.5M.

My leadership in research development and management has expanded institutional research capacity, accomplished strategic priorities, and established diverse researcher-community partnerships in post-secondary institutions (e.g., Bow Valley College and University of Calgary) and national funding organization (e.g., Heart and Stroke). Additionally, I have contributed to operational excellence of research portfolios up to ~25M.

As a member of Bow Valley College’s EDI Strategic Committee (2023-24), I contributed to the development of the College’s institutional EDI plan which will promote a strong sense of belonging across the campus. I have also successfully led several institutional strategic priority initiatives, including, establishing an applied research training program for students, developing a Knowledge Mobilization framework and others.

Coaching Approach in Research Administration - Maintaining presence and creating trust

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

October 28, 2026, 12-1:15pm ET.

Participants who complete all four sessions will receive a “Coaching Approach in Research Administration” certificate. Develop a highly sought-after skill of coaching, advance your Research Administration career, and achieve professional excellence with greater clarity, purpose, and fulfilment.

Leveraging her “Leadership Coaching Certification” training from Essential Impact, Kakali Majumdar will be leading a four-part webinar series “Coaching Approach in Research Administration,” grounded in the International Coaching Foundation’s (ICF) four domains of core competencies.

Session 2: Maintaining presence & creating trust and safety in a coaching session

ICF domain #2: (Co-Creating the Relationship) Definition (maintaining presence): Is fully conscious and present with the coachee, employing a style that is open, flexible, grounded and confident.

1. Remains focused, observant, empathetic and responsive

2. Demonstrates curiosity during the coaching process and stay present

3. Demonstrates confidence in working with strong emotions during the process

4. Creates or allows space for silence, pause or reflection

Presented by: Kakali Majumdar, Research Facilitator Bio

Coaching Approach in Research Administration - Active listening

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

November 3, 2026, 12-1:15pm ET.

Leveraging her “Leadership Coaching Certification” training from Essential Impact, Kakali will be leading a four-part webinar series “Coaching Approach in Research Administration,” grounded in the International Coaching Foundation’s (ICF) four domains of core competencies.

ICF domain #3: (Communicate effectively) Definition: Focuses on what the individual is and is not saying to fully understand what is being communicated in the context of his/her systems and to support self-expression.

1. Consider individual’s context, identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs to enhance understanding of what he/she is communicating

2. Reflect or summarize and communicate back to ensure clarity and understanding (paraphrasing)

3. Recognizes and inquires when there is more to what is being said (Tell me more)

4. Notices, acknowledges and explores individual’s emotions, energy shifts, non-verbal cues or other behaviors

5. Notices trends in individual’s behaviors and emotions to discern themes and patterns

Presented by: Kakali Majumdar, Research Facilitator Bio

Coaching Approach in Research Administration - Facilitate Growth

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

November 5, 2026, 12-1:15pm ET.

Participants who complete all four sessions will receive a “Coaching Approach in Research Administration” certificate. Develop a highly sought-after skill of coaching, advance your Research Administration career, and achieve professional excellence with greater clarity, purpose, and fulfilment.

Session 4: Bring it all together - Facilitates Coachee’s Growth

ICF domain #4 Cultivating Learning and Growth Definition: Partners with the coachee to transform learning and insight into action. Promotes coachee autonomy in the coaching process. Classification: General

1. Work with the coachee to integrate new awareness, insight or learning into their worldview and behaviors

2. Partner with the coachee to design goals, actions and accountability measures that integrate and expand new learning.

3. Acknowledge and supports client autonomy in the design of goals, actions and methods of accountability

4. Invite the coachee to consider how to move forward, including resources, support and potential barriers

5. Partner with the coachee to summarize learning and insight within or between sessions

6. Celebrate progress and successes

Presented by: Kakali Majumdar, Research Facilitator Bio

Too Much to Do, Not Enough Time: Managing Workload in Research Administration

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMT

November 26, 2026, 12-1:30pm EDT (90-minute webinar)

Research administrators are navigating increasingly complex demands, rising compliance requirements, expanding responsibilities, and persistent staffing shortages, all within the same finite hours of the day. This session takes a candid look at the realities of heavy workloads in research administration and their impact on productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction.

Participants will explore practical strategies for prioritizing work, managing competing demands, and improving workflow efficiency, while also learning how to set boundaries, say no when necessary, avoid overcommitting, and focus their time and energy on the activities that create the greatest value. The discussion will examine how individuals can advocate for realistic expectations, manage workload pressures, and identify opportunities to work more strategically rather than simply working harder.

Beyond individual approaches, the session will explore broader organizational considerations, including workload distribution, capacity planning, administrative burden reduction, and sustainable staffing practices. Participants will gain practical ideas for influencing positive change within their teams and institutions, helping move the conversation beyond "doing more with less" toward more realistic, sustainable, and effective ways of working.

Presented by: Kelly-Anne Maddox, Pierre-Jean Alarco, Karen E. Mosier

Kelly-Anne Maddox

Kelly-Anne Maddox has over 20 years of experience in research development. In 2013, she joined the University of Ottawa as the Senior Research Advisor in the Faculty of Arts, where she works in pre-award services, award submission, and international initiatives. She holds a PhD in French literature and was previously an Associate Professor at Thompson Rivers University. She has been a member of the CARA board since 2024.

Pierre-Jean Alarco

Pierre-Jean (him/he) holds a Masters in Organic Chemistry. Since 2011, Pierre-Jean contributed within Polytechnique’s Grant Office, as Grant facilitator to strategic and targeted initiatives. In 2013, he took on the stewardship of the NSERC-CREATE program, which he managed successfully, with CREATE-OPSIDIAN a training program entirely focused on Power Skills acquisition being one such grant awarded. As Knowledge Mobilization Officer, since 2018 he is structuring societal impact and knowledge mobilization strategies at Polytechnique Montreal. Grant proposals big and small all have to tell us about goals (outcomes) and objectives (how to get there) but answering why do we start writing a grant and how do we make it stand out are the not so visible steps he will discuss.

Karen Mosier

Karen E. Mosier is a Research Coordinator/Navigator for the Department of Surgery in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Karen has her BA in Psychology and MSc in Pharmacy. Karen has over eighteen years’ experience in research administration. Karen is also the author of the self-help book entitled Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office.

Karen has been a CARA member since 2010. Karen completed her Certificate in Research Administration through ARMA in 2017. She is a member of Mohawk College’s Research Administration Program Advisory Committee. Karen is also a co-chair of CARA’s Professional Development committee and serves on the CARA Executive. She is also an instructor at Mohawk College for the Certification in Research Administration program and has taught the Funding Proposal Development course for the last 3 years.

Karen was the recipient of the Dan Chase Distinguished Service Award – Priority Initiatives in 2018, the Community Builder Award in 2019, the Spirit of Kindness Award in 2020, and the Research Management Excellence Award in 2021. Karen appreciates all the professional development opportunities available through CARA and cherishes all the wonderful relationships she has made through her volunteer activities with CARA.

The Pulse of Research Administration Series is presented by:

Karen E. Mosier

Research Coordinator/Navigator

University of Saskatchewan

Pierre-Jean Alarco

Knowledge Mobilization & Community Engagement Officer

Polytechnique Montreal