May 21st, 2026

This week, I had the privilege of speaking at the inaugural Research Administration Intensive retreat, and what a remarkable event it was.

Research administrators from across the institution came together to learn about new regulations, changing processes, and emerging best practices in our field. But the most meaningful part was not the content, it was the people. After too much time apart, many of us had the opportunity to reconnect in person, share ideas, catch up on each other’s lives, and remind ourselves that we are more than a collection of offices. We are a community.

But we also need to face some hard truths together.

Federal funding is under real pressure right now, and the uncertainty is not going away. So let’s focus on what we can control. Submission quality, compliance, sponsor relationships, turnaround times; these are ours. In a difficult climate, excellence in these areas matters more than ever. Put your energy where you have influence.

This is also exactly the wrong time to pull back on investing in ourselves. Cross-training, professional development, certifications, and new skills strengthen not only individual careers, but the research enterprise as a whole. Institutions are strongest when their people continue to grow.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that sustainable work practices are not a luxury; they are necessary for strong teams and long-term success.

We are here because research matters. That has not changed. The work remains demanding, but this community continues to meet it with expertise, adaptability, and commitment. This is hard work, and we are good at hard work.

Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research