The Rhode Island Research Administration Collaborative consists of Roger Williams University, Rhode Island College, Rhode Island School of Design, Salve Regina University, and Providence College, all primarily undergraduate institutions working together to strengthen their sponsored-research offices, broaden the pipeline of future professionals, and develop projects addressing statewide needs.
RIRAC also provides professional development for small non-profits, facilitates the ability to bring academic research to the market, and has established a research administration learning community that shares evidence-based practices and resources. We also seek to identify collaborative research proposals among the partner institutions.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award Nos. OIA-2420136, OIA-2420137, OIA-2420138, and OIA-2420139. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
NSF Granted
The NSF GRANTED program supports innovation in research administration that in turn strengthens the research enterprise across the U.S. The program funds efforts to create new knowledge that can be shared across organizations and increase competitiveness. GRANTED recognizes the value of the individuals in research administration and empowers them to create new ways to contribute to the innovation ecosystem. GRANTED has a broad view of the research administration field ranging from research development, pre-award and post-award administration, research compliance and training, technology transfer, communication, policy, and leadership.
Participating Institutions
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University is the lead applicant in a five-university collaborative research project funded by the National Science Foundation. The project involves re-visioning research administration for these emerging research institutions.
Primary Contact
Peter Y. Wong, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Sponsored Programs
pwong@rwu.edu
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College hosts the Rhode Island Research Administration Collaborative internship program. Thus far, seven students have completed industry recognized micro-credentials in research administration. The current cohort includes rising juniors and seniors with interests in business and technology. One student from last year’s cohort has since been hired in the college’s grants accounting office where they interned.
Primary Contact
Dalila Alves
Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
dalves@ric.edu
Salve Regina University
Salve’s role in RIRAC is to develop learning community programs that address the unique challenges faced by grant administrators at emerging research institutions (ERI). This work brings together pre-award and post-award staff to break down silos and promote a culture of shared leadership in research administration. Salve also partners with Providence College to identify and provide access to seminars, workshops, and virtual learning opportunities for ERIs that showcase best practices in the field.
Primary Contact
Joyce Botelho
Senior Research Development Officer
joyce.botelho@salve.edu
Providence College
Founded in 1917 by the Dominican Friars, Providence College (PC) is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education located in Providence, Rhode Island. As the only college or university in the United States founded and conducted by the Dominican Friars, PC provides a unique education that encompasses the mind, body, and soul. PC aims to be a nationally recognized leader in liberal arts education, distinguished by its commitment to transformative learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom, including service learning, research, and global engagement.
PC’s contributes to RIRAC by collaborating with Salve Regina University on planning the Research Administration Learning Community events and leading the creation and maintenance of the RIRAC research profile database.
Primary Contact
Irene Inouye
Project Coordinator – Center for Innovation and Interdisciplinary Studies
iinouye@providence.edu
Rhode Island School of Design
Among the group of five RIRAC institutions, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) uniquely emphasizes fine art, design, and critical & creative inquiry in teaching, learning and research. As one of the world’s premier art and design colleges, RISD’s participation in the RIRAC consortium brings experience with collaboration across creative disciplines and the possibilities presented by STEM and arts integration in research and discovery. Throughout the grant period, RISD will collaborate with RIRAC partners to develop faculty expertise in the research enterprise, expand the research administration community of practice in RI, and promote the resulting interdisciplinary work.
Primary Contact
Margot Mcllwain Nishimura
Assistant Provost for Academic Engagement
mnishimu@risd.edu | 401-454-7909
For any general RIRAC questions or concerns, reach out to Peter Wong at pwong@rwu.edu.