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SRA International
Mission Statement:
The society is an international organization dedicated to the education and professional development of research administrators, as well as the enhancement of public understanding of the importance of research and its administration.
Our History:
Founded in 1967, the Society of Research Administrators International is a nonprofit association dedicated to the education and the professional development of research administrators, as well as the enhancement of public understanding of the importance of research and its administration. The Society shall fulfill its mission by means of the following purposes: The education of research administrators, professionals in related fields, and the public through the exchange of information, individual contacts, professional presentations, formal and informal meetings and publications and the improvement of communications among researchers, host institutions and organizations, the sponsors of research administrators, and the general public.
Through innovative programs and a wide variety of outreach programs, SRA International continuously seeks to broaden and diversify its membership base. With over 3,500 members around the world, the Society is the premier international organization for research administrators in all settings, on all levels, and in all fields.
SRA International's mission and objectives reflect the demands of a growing profession. Whether you work for a university, a business corporation, a health care facility, a government agency, or a not-for-profit organization, SRA International offers you everything you need to enhance professional growth, foster personal and professional connections, and explore the possibilities of the future.
SRA International is governed by a member-elected board of directors, which formulates the Society's policies, oversees its overall financial, organizational, and operational activities, and promotes its mission, goals and objectives. Through outreach initiatives and joint meetings with other national and international organizations, SRA International helps advance the public's understanding of the profession while strengthening its membership base with the international research administration community.
Professional Development:
SRA International's extensive network of sections, chapters, divisions and interest groups offers you the opportunity to explore current issues and developments affecting a wide range of occupational fields and geographical locations. Year-round educational and professional development seminars, meetings and workshops are held on local, regional, national, and international levels.
Members who volunteer for committees have an integral role in defining the direction of the Society. Through annual awards, SRA International celebrates its members' service, commitment, and achievement in the Society and in the field of research administration.
Resources:
SRA International's progressive publications such as the Journal of Research Administration and the SRA ENews focus on current trends, technological innovations, and provocative issues affecting the profession today.
Sections:
SRA International consists of five regional sections- Canadian, Midwest, Western, Northeast, Southern - and a growing number of state and local chapters. As a member, you can join any of these sections, regardless of where you work or live.
Divisions:
Members can also join one of the Society's four professional divisions, each of which serves a unique segment of the research administration community.
The Governmental Division serves members involved in research administration in federal, state, or local governments.
The Commercial Division promotes the interests of members working for corporations, partnerships, proprietorships, and other for-profit organizations.
The Non-Profit Division focuses on the issues concerning independent organizations and the not-for-profit sector.
The Educational Division focuses on the needs of members who work in all academic settings, including all public and private colleges and universities, university hospitals, and academic departments.
For more information on SRA International, please refer to their web site.