The event provided a valuable opportunity for us to expand our knowledge and expertise. We look forward to continuing our efforts to foster a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and skill development among research administrators.
More than 330 research administration officials from 25 organizations, including POSTECH, KAIST, GIST, DGIST, Korea University, IBS, Chonnam National University, and the Commercialization Promotion Agency for R&D Outcomes (COMPA), gathered at the Research Administrator Annual Meeting in UNIST held at UNIST from June 18 to 19, 2024.
More than 330 research administration officials from 25 organizations attended the event.
The event was designed as a comprehensive platform for skill development and professional growth among research administrators, featuring 18 different lecture topics covering various aspects of research management administration with a strong emphasis on professional development, knowledge exchange, and networking. Over the course of two days and one night, participants engaged in comprehensive lectures and networking opportunities with peers from other organizations. The event also featured external experts, discussing the significance and future directions of research administration, case studies of successful departments, UNIST’s initiatives to promote research administration, and practical know-how. This comprehensive platform was designed to facilitate the exchange of expertise, share best practices, and provision of expert insights to enhance the knowledge and skills of attendees.
President Yong Hoon Lee delivered a congratulatory speech at the Research Administrator Annual Meeting in UNIST.
In his congratulatory speech, UNIST President Yong Hoon Lee expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “This meaningful event, voluntarily prepared and promoted by our research administration team, is a milestone in our efforts to secure and advance research administration expertise across domestic universities beyond UNIST.” He further noted, “We look forward to continuing our efforts to foster a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and skill development among research administrators.”
The Research Administrator Annual Meeting in UNIST was designed with the idea of an annual conference of the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), the premier global research management society that develops and promotes best practices in research administration, knowledge transfer, and growth of the profession. The purpose is not to unilaterally disseminate information, but to introduce and expand a new educational method in which experts with extensive practical experience share their knowledge. Indeed, at this annual meeting of SRAI, working-level officials from various organizations gather to present and exchange knowledge on various topics.
Dean Sung Youb Kim of College of Engineering is delivering a keynote speech at the Research Administrator Annual Meeting in UNIST.
In particular, five teams consisting of research support personnel at UNIST stood out. These are research administrators who closely contact the researchers and perform administrative tasks related to research tasks. In the process, they suggested what is needed for the research site so that researchers can immerse themselves in research, as well as sharing various knowledge and experiences accumulated through practical work.
One of the highlight lectures was delivered by Mi Ae Kim, a researcher at the Department of Civil Urban Earth and Environmental Engineering at UNIST, who shared her insights on large task management and mentoring results. She noted, “Drawing from my own experiences as a researcher, I aimed to provide guidance that would be valuable to others who are new to research administration,” and added, “I am grateful for the important role in charge of research administration and the good opportunity to develop my capabilities.”
Team Celeb, a study group consisting of research support personnel delivered a lecture at the Research Administrator Annual Meeting in UNIST.
The meeting also included ‘Super Research Administrator Award Ceremony,’ a special event recognizing the contributions of senior research administrators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in their fields for more than 30 years. This award went to GwangSook Lee, who has been working on research management at KAIST for 41 years, and GyongAe Kang, who has been in charge of research administration at POSTECH for more than 30 years.
GwangSook Lee from KAIST and GyongAe Kang from POSTECH, recipients of the Super Research Administrator Award, are taking and answering questions from their junior colleagues.
GwangSook Lee from KAIST said, “I am proud to have had the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with younger generations, believing that if I paved the way, they will sow quality seeds in the ground and reap great results.” GyongAe Kang from POSTECH shared, “I have spent over 30 years working on research administration at POSTECH, striving to be a standard role model for my junior colleagues.” She further noted, “I have always encouraged them to work with confidence, reminding them that with clear goals, even challenging tasks become achievable.”
On the evening of the 18th, a variety of programs, including musical performances and networking opportunities, were also prepared at the “Research Administrators’ Night.”
Jin Young Kim, Dean of Research Affairs and Academic-Industry at UNIST, stated, “To cultivate field-specific experts needed in various research environments, we propose a four-stage development plan: motivating research administrators at research sites, training experts, introducing an expert certification system, and utilizing expertise.” He further noted, “The event represents a significant step towards achieving these goals and fostering collaboration among research administrators across institutions.”
A scene from the musical performances at the “Research Administrators’ Night” was showcased.
As part of these measures, “Research Administrator Annual Meeting in UNIST” was designed to bring together various organizations under the common theme of knowledge festival on research administration. Next year, POSTECH and UNIST will jointly host an event titled “Research Administration Knowledge Festival in POSTECH.”
