DSI-SARIMA AWARDS

Application Form:

Organisational Excellence in Research Management

Definition of Research Management:Research management involves the capabilities that research-focused organisations harness so as to optimise and amplify the processes and impacts of their research activity and outcomes. Research management consists of, inter alia: research planning, strategy and policy development; research ethics and integrity researcher development; partnerships and collaboration; research funding; managing funded research; research data and research information management; research uptake and utilisation; organisation and delivery of a research management service. Research management also includes transversal areas such as societal and research values, innovation, utilisation of technologies, internationalisation, knowledge management as well as simultaneous mainstreaming for equity and equality.1 Research Management is described as a “third space between professional and academic domains” and which integrates research with that of multiple constituencies in order to maximise research impact. 2

Please note that the term Research Office (RO) is used below for convenience. However, this award applies to the section/department/company that is responsible for research management for the organisation.

Contact Person      Email Address      

1 Williamson, C (2016): adapted from SARIMA Professional Competency Framework, 2016 & Langley, D and Green, J. 2009. Professionalising Research Management. Research Global.pp 1-39.

2 Whitchurch, C., 2008. Shifting identities and blurring boundaries: The emergence of third space professionals in UK higher education. Higher Education Quarterly, 62(4), pp.377-396.

1 | P a g e

Work Number      Mobile Number      Name of RO      RO Website      Organisation      

2 | P a g e

1. RO Size and Scope

Describe the size of your RO and scope of operations. Include role, functions and activities covered by the RO.

      (Word limit 200)

2. RO Environment

Provide a brief history and context of your organisation and RO by describing, for example: The environment in which it operates (e.g. remote location, multiple distant campuses that are

served, a regional office, etc.); Key challenges faced; Progress that has been made in recent years (e.g. growth in team, initiatives, services, etc.).

      (Word limit 400)

3. Noteworthy achievements and Impact within your Organisation in 2019

Please indicate specific initiatives and interventions that the RO has developed and implemented within your organisation during 2019. This could be one significant initiative or several smaller ones in different areas. It should be noted that the award is not seeking to award outputs (e.g. research publications, research projects), but rather creative and impactful approaches that you have deployed to increase the RO’s impact (which would ultimately lead to more outputs per year). Such interventions may include awareness raising, interaction with faculty, research impact, research information management, research uptake, etc. Ensure that you emphasize the role of the RO and where possible quantify the impact using supporting metrics.

      (Word limit 400)

4. Other noteworthy achievements and Impact within your Organisation

Describe other interventions or initiatives undertaken by the RO over a period of time that have resulted in creating a significant tangible impact in building, encouraging and championing research development within your organisation.

      (Word limit 400)

5. Impact in Research Management beyond your own Organisation

Discuss ways in which your RO and/or staff have made a tangible impact in the research management community beyond your own institution. This should include sharing knowledge of best practices with the broader community.

      (Word limit 300)

3 | P a g e

6. Submission

Submit your fully completed application form in MSWord format to zimasa@sarima.co.za with Subject Line: Excellence Awards RM – ‘(name of organisation)’

4 | P a g e