Introduction

In the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, effective Academic Research Management and Supervision are indispensable for fostering a thriving research ecosystem within any educational or research institution. This specialized area involves the strategic oversight of research initiatives, from conceptualization and funding acquisition to project execution, dissemination, and ethical compliance. Critically, it also encompasses the nuanced art of supervising researchers, particularly at the postgraduate level, ensuring their intellectual growth, timely progress, and successful completion of high-quality scholarly work. Without robust management frameworks and skilled supervision, institutions risk research inefficiencies, compromised ethical standards, and underperforming research output, ultimately hindering their contribution to global knowledge. This essential training course focuses on equipping educational professionals with the expertise to master Academic Research Management and Supervision.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower university administrators, research office staff, faculty members, aspiring supervisors, and seasoned academics with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to excel in managing and supervising academic research. Participants will gain a deep understanding of research governance, explore best practices in research proposal development and grant management, learn about fostering responsible research conduct, and acquire effective strategies for mentoring and guiding postgraduate students. The course will delve into topics such as research ethics and integrity, intellectual property management, interdisciplinary research collaboration, managing research budgets, supporting researcher well-being, navigating publication processes, and preparing researchers for diverse career paths. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Academic Research Management and Supervision, participants will be prepared to cultivate vibrant research environments, empower the next generation of scholars, and enhance their institution's impact on the global research landscape.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• University and College Research Directors and Managers
• Heads of Academic Departments and Research Centers
• Faculty Members currently supervising or aspiring to supervise postgraduate students (Master's, PhD)
• Research Office Staff and Administrators
• Grant Writers and Research Development Officers
• Ethics Committee Members
• Postdoctoral Researchers and Early Career Academics
• Librarians and Information Specialists supporting research
• Quality Assurance Professionals in Higher Education
• Aspiring Leaders in Research Administration

Objectives

• Understand the principles of effective academic research management and governance.
• Learn about best practices in research proposal development, funding acquisition, and grant management.
• Acquire skills in supervising and mentoring postgraduate research students effectively.
• Comprehend the ethical considerations and principles of research integrity.
• Explore methodologies for managing research projects and budgets efficiently.
• Understand the importance of intellectual property and research commercialization.
• Gain insights into fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and researcher well-being.
• Develop a comprehensive action plan for enhancing research management and supervision in their institution.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Academic Research Management

• The role of research in higher education and its societal impact.
• Organizational structures for research management (e.g., Research Offices, Ethics Committees).
• Developing a research strategy aligned with institutional goals.
• Key policies and procedures governing research activities.
• The evolving landscape of research funding and collaboration.

Module 2: Research Proposal Development and Grant Management

• Identifying funding opportunities and understanding funder requirements.
• Crafting compelling research proposals: structure, content, and common pitfalls.
• Developing realistic research budgets and justification.
• Principles of effective grant management, reporting, and compliance.
• Post-award management: financial oversight and project monitoring.

Module 3: Best Practices in Research Supervision

• Roles and responsibilities of a research supervisor and a research student.
• Establishing clear expectations and fostering a positive supervisory relationship.
• Effective communication strategies in supervision (e.g., feedback, active listening).
• Managing the stages of a research project: from proposal to thesis defense.
• Addressing common challenges in supervision (e.g., motivation, time management, conflict).

Module 4: Research Ethics and Integrity

• Core principles of research ethics (e.g., informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence).
• Understanding and preventing research misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, fabrication, falsification).
• The role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and ethics committees.
• Responsible conduct of research (RCR) training for researchers.
• Navigating ethical dilemmas in research practice.

Module 5: Research Project Management and Data Handling

• Principles of project management applied to academic research.
• Planning research timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Best practices in research data management: collection, storage, security, sharing.
• Utilizing research management software and tools.
• Monitoring research progress and identifying risks.

Module 6: Intellectual Property (IP) and Commercialization

• Understanding intellectual property rights in academic research (patents, copyrights, trademarks).
• Policies and procedures for IP disclosure and ownership.
• Strategies for research commercialization and technology transfer.
• Navigating industry partnerships and collaborative agreements.
• Balancing academic freedom with commercialization potential.

Module 7: Fostering Researcher Well-being and Professional Development

• Recognizing and addressing mental health challenges among researchers.
• Promoting a supportive and inclusive research environment.
• Strategies for work-life balance and stress management for researchers.
• Career development pathways for postgraduate students and early career researchers.
• Mentoring beyond the research project: networking, publishing, and presenting.

Module 8: Leading a Research-Intensive Environment

• Developing a culture of research excellence and innovation within the institution.
• Promoting interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives.
• Advocating for research funding and policy support.
• Measuring research impact and demonstrating value.
• Strategic planning for the growth and sustainability of the research enterprise.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training