TDR supports efforts to strengthen research management in low- and middle-income countries, recognizing its essential role in advancing science and innovation.
In 2016, the Southern Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) approved the first ever Professional Competency Framework (PCF) for Research Management. This landmark initiative, developed through participatory action-based research, involved SARIMA members, other regional research and innovation management associations and funding partners. In addition, the independent International Professional Recognition Council (IPRC) has established processes to grant professional accreditation to research management offices.
By supporting such initiatives and contributing to thought leadership in the field, TDR seeks to ensure that research management in LMICs is not only professionalized but also globally recognized as vital to ethical, impactful and sustainable science.
A recent paper entitled “Extending professionalization boundaries in research management and administration,” co-authored by Charmaine Williamson, Karin Dyason, Caz McNamara and Garry Aslanyan, was published in the Journal of Research Administration in 2024. The article argues that research management should not be confined by rigid boundaries or silo mentalities but rather understood as a “complex living ecology” characterized by humanness, responsiveness and agility.
The paper received the Rod Rose Award from the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), recognizing it as the most outstanding contribution to the Journal of Research Administration in 2024. The award was conferred at the SRAI Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr Charmaine Williamson of University of South Africa and SARIMA accepting the Rod Rose Award in October 2025. Credit: Society of Research Administrators International /Charmaine Williamson
The article concludes that there is an increased sensitization among those who fund research that the research management professional “plays a central role in successful outcomes from any science or research endeavour… The funders or governments have shared goals with universities and academia when it comes to achieving societal goals and should similarly have shared goals in seeing the importance of professional research management and administration.”
For more information, please contact Dr Garry Aslanyan.