Society of Research Administrators International honours OISE staff

October 25, 2011

Two staff members from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the  University of Toronto, Lara Cartmale (below right) and Denise Makovac-Badali (left), were among several people to receive top honours for excellence in research administration from the Society of Research Administrators (SRA) International at its annual conference and meeting in Montreal this week, where members from across the globe gathered to share best practices and honour their own.

Lara and Denise were selected to receive the prestigious SRA Excellence Award – Newcomer Level and Advanced Level respectively, in recognition of their knowledge and performance of research administration and continuous study and development of the field. Equally important, they were acknowledged for contributions to improving education and professional development through their peers of SRA International.

Lara Cartmale, who received her award specifically for developing administrative procedures within her department, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning (CTL) to support grant applications, a strategic plan for research support, a professional development plan for junior and senior faculty members, and mentoring junior research administration staff, said, “For myself, I am honoured by this award and for having colleagues at SRA appreciate local efforts of research support. I am deeply pleased that my contribution to supporting research administration is valued, both ‘at home’ in my department and at my institution, and internationally with SRA.”

OISE’s Associate Dean, Research, Normand Labrie, who also attended the annual meeting of the SRA and conference, commented on the significance of the recognition, "The research community at OISE appreciates the extraordinary work accomplished in research administration by Denise Makovac-Badali, and the same is also true for researchers in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, who have been so well supported by Lara Cartmale over the years. Interestingly enough, Denise and Lara have just recently started to play a leadership role in the Society of Research Administrators, and already their work is being acknowledged. This is a great recognition not only for their work, but also for their creativity and dynamism."

He and Denise were among the presenters at the conference, with a session titled Institutional Research Planning: Supporting a Culture of Research Excellence in a Time of Dynamic Change, in which the two examined the shifting realities of the research environment in the higher education context, focusing on concrete steps institutional research administrators can take to build cultures of research excellence. The session highlighted the need for planning that integrates academic visions and goals with administrative action plans to ensure sustainable, vibrant, well-funded research programs. Another feature of the OISE presence at the conference included a poster exhibit, Joining our Voices through O-PERA: A Community of Practice Fostering Research Excellence!

Jim Hanlon, president of SRA International, expanded on the importance of the Excellence Awards, saying, “The Excellence Awards recognize SRA members who have distinguished themselves in research administration, whether as a newcomer, mid-career professional, or advanced professional. The expanded categories in this award acknowledge that anyone with lofty ideas and energy to develop them can make a difference in SRA.”