FAS Research Administration Services has compiled information on training and networking opportunities available to faculty, researchers and administrative staff.
Jump to:
› For Research Administrators
› For Researchers
Onboarding New Research Administrators
A number of introductory training opportunities are offered for those new to research administration at Harvard. RAS also provides direct mentoring and support to research administrators new to FAS.
Meetings, Discussion Forums, & Networking Events,
RAS hosts networking meetings and forums for departmental sponsored award administrators and managers.
- RAS Fridays is a forum for discussing issues in research administration, highlighting new policies and procedures, and disseminating research administration best practices. These meetings are open to all Harvard administrators and registration is not required.
- FAS Coffee Club is a monthly discussion forum to address a variety of new and/or detailed research topics in a round table discussion group setting. Subject matter experts (SME) will be invited and discussions will be facilitated by a non-SME. These meetings are open to all FAS administrators but space is limited so registration is required.
- The Research Administration Networking Group (RANG) offers social outings two to three times a year.
University-wide Classes, Workshops and Certificate Program
FAS RAS personnel are actively involved in creating, teaching, and sustaining university-wide research administration educational opportunities. The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) training page has information about educational resources, courses, events, and programs for research administrators across the University. This page contains information on workshops, online, and a certificate program developed by the University Research Administration Training Team (URATT).
FAS Classes and Workshops
FAS-specific research administration classes and workshops are offered as needed and are added to the above university-wide trainings. If you are new to the university or to research administration, please also check out our Onboarding Page.
User Guides and Resources
RAS has developed helpful resources that serve as "how-to" manuals for those who would like to learn about systems and processes frequently encountered by research administrators.
General Financial Learning Resources
The FAS Finance office houses the ASAP (the Administrative Systems Assistance) program which can help with non-sponsored financial support and training.
See all upcoming programs and workshops offered by RAS for administrators
IACUC Protocol Writing Sessions
Human Subjects (CUHS/IRB Training)
Harvard policies require that all individuals who are involved in human subjects research complete training in the ethical conduct of research. This includes investigators and all study team members who have contact with human subjects or their identifiable data. Faculty sponsors of non-exempt research must also complete the training.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) In-Person and Online Classes
The in-person Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course is open to all Harvard-affiliated individuals and offered in Cambridge two times a year-- January, and August. RCR is a highly recommended “best practices” course for those desiring to deepen their knowledge of ethical research and responsible conduct. This particular course is not mandatory but it does fulfill the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) requirements for formal RCR instruction. Online training in RCR is also available.
New Investigators - Planning Your Research Program (FAS Science Division Website)
This resource for new investigators provides answers to frequently asked questions about navigating Harvard's institutional culture and planning a research program.
Financial Oversight of Sponsored Funding: What Researchers Need to Know. This course offered by the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is recommended for faculty and researchers who receive sponsored funds, as well as the staff whose work supports sponsored projects. The course discusses aspects of compliance related to spending sponsored funds, and highlights areas of oversight that can be challenging for researchers.
See all upcoming programs and workshops offered by RAS for researchers