Call for Abstracts

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Thank you for your interest in the ARMS 2026 Conference!

The Call for Abstracts will open in mid-January 2026. This year’s program offers exciting opportunities for Research Management Professionals to share insights and collaborate through:

Pre-Conference Workshops
Oral Presentations
Poster Displays

Stay tuned for more details and start preparing your submissions!

CONFERENCE THEME

Connected Futures: Partnerships, Platforms, and People Powering Research

The 2026 ARMS Conference in Perth invites Research Management Professionals from across Australasia and beyond to explore how we can shape a connected future for research. In an era defined by digital transformation, global collaboration, and heightened expectations for integrity and accountability, the role of research management has never been more pivotal.

Our theme, Connected Futures: Partnerships, Platforms, and People Powering Research, reflects the dynamic forces driving our profession. We aim to explore how emerging technologies and AI-enabled systems are reshaping the way we design, manage, and support research. Let’s spotlight the power of partnerships with industry, government, community and Indigenous knowledge holders to maximise impact. We also seek to celebrate the skills, adaptability, and leadership of people at the heart of the research enterprise.

The 2026 conference will provide a platform to share insights, spark collaborations, and inspire the next generation of research management practice. It will bring together professionals to explore the trends, tools, and strategies shaping our connected futures. Through knowledge-sharing, debate, and collaboration, attendees will be encouraged to lead positive change, effectively harness technology, and strengthen partnerships, ensuring research delivers value for communities, nations, and the world.

We invite you to join us in Perth on the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people, to share your expertise, showcase new ideas, and connect with colleagues as together we chart the future of research management, one that values diverse perspectives and is strengthened by respectful engagement with Indigenous knowledge systems.

The Conference invites contributions aligned with the following subthemes:

Engagement, Co-Design, and Collaborative Partnerships for Research Impact
Digital Platforms and AI-Enabled Transformation in Research Management
Globalisation, Geopolitics, and Responsible Research in a Complex World
Professionalisation, Leadership, and the Evolving Research Management Workforce
Sustainable Research Ecosystems and Changing Funding Landscapes

The following unpacks each subtheme in more detail, offering guidance on their focus areas to inspire your abstract submissions.

Subtheme 1: Engagement, Co-Design, and Collaborative Partnerships for Research Impact

In a research ecosystem increasingly shaped by digital transformation, global collaboration, and community expectations, Research Management Professionals are central to enabling connection, facilitating collaboration and measuring impact. This subtheme explores how engagement, co-design, and consumer involvement can be strategically managed to ensure research is inclusive, relevant, and transformative nationally and internationally.

Research Management Professionals play a vital role in facilitating partnerships across disciplines, sectors, and borders, bridging the gap between researchers, communities, and end-users. By embedding engagement and collaboration into research design and delivery, administrators help drive translation, amplify impact, and build trust in research outcomes.

This subtheme invites abstract submissions that align with (but are not limited to) the following topics:

Research Translation and Impact

Advancing pathways from discovery to delivery; embedding impact planning; enabling evidence-informed policy and practice.

Co-Design and Engagement

Building capacity for inclusive research design; supporting meaningful consumer and community involvement; embedding engagement into governance and reporting.

Facilitating Collaboration

Managing multidisciplinary and international partnerships; navigating agreements, compliance, and Intellectual Property; enabling innovation through diverse, collaborative teams.

Global and National Networks

Strengthening research networks; supporting strategic collaborations; leveraging partnerships to enhance visibility and drive growth.

Equity and Representation

Promoting inclusive research practices; embedding equity in research management systems; supporting diverse leadership and participation.

Indigenous Engagement and Leadership

Supporting Indigenous-led research; embedding cultural safety and Indigenous governance; recognising and respecting Indigenous data sovereignty and knowledge systems.

Innovative Research Management

Embracing new tools, models, and mindsets; challenging traditional approaches; supporting bold ideas and adaptive practices.

Subtheme 2: Digital Platforms and AI-Enabled Transformation in Research Management

As AI and digital technologies rapidly evolve, Research Management Professionals are navigating a period of profound transformation that is reshaping the way institutions design, support, and steward research. This subtheme examines how emerging tools, integrated platforms, AI, and data-driven practices are enhancing research management processes.

This subtheme explores the strategic and operational opportunities for Research Management Professionals improving efficiency, enabling better decision-making, strengthening governance, and supporting researchers in a complex and fast-moving digital environment. It also considers how teams adapt, build capability, and embed responsible and ethical approaches to technology use across the research lifecycle.

Contributors are encouraged to highlight practical applications, institutional experiences, and forward-looking strategies for using AI and digital tools to strengthen research management and support high-quality, impactful research.

This subtheme invites abstract submissions that align with (although not limited to) the following possible topics:

AI-enabled transformation in research management

Exploring practical, research office–focused applications of AI and automation across research workflows, from grant development to compliance, reporting and analytics.

Data-informed decision-making in research strategy and oversight

Using dashboards, analytics, and institutional data to guide planning, assess risk, forecast workload, and support evidence-based resourcing and benchmarking.

Strengthening governance and integrity in a digital research environment

Addressing how technology supports research integrity, ethics, compliance, auditability, and trusted record-keeping across the research lifecycle.

Capability building and change management for digital adoption

Developing the skills, organisational readiness, and leadership needed for Research Management Professionals to confidently and responsibly use emerging technologies.

Enhancing researcher experience through technology-enabled support

Improving processes, reducing administrative burden, and supporting researchers through integrated tools, self-service portals, and clearer digital workflows.

Responsible and ethical use of AI in research

Identifying risks, establishing guardrails, and embedding transparent and values-aligned approaches to AI use within research and research support functions.

Future-ready research infrastructure and platforms

Designing secure, interoperable, and scalable systems that support collaboration, open science, high-performance computing, and emerging digital capabilities.

Subtheme 3: Globalisation, Geopolitics, and Responsible Research in a Complex World

In an era defined by shifting geopolitical landscapes, global collaboration in research brings both extraordinary opportunity and unprecedented challenge. This subtheme explores the intersections of globalisation, research security, and foreign interference, and examines how Research Management Professionals can navigate complex international relationships while upholding integrity, compliance, and ethical responsibility. Discussions will focus on frameworks for governance and risk management that enable open, secure, and trustworthy research, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains both globally connected and responsibly protected.

This subtheme invites abstract submissions that align with (although not limited to) the following possible topics:

Research security, foreign interference, and global partnerships

Examining how institutions can safeguard research from foreign interference while fostering trusted and productive international collaborations.

Governance and compliance frameworks for international research

Exploring effective systems, policies, and oversight mechanisms that uphold ethical standards and compliance in global research engagement.

Balancing openness and protection in global research collaboration

Considering strategies to maintain open scientific exchange while protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and national interests.

Managing geopolitical risk in research strategy and policy

Investigating how institutions and governments anticipate, assess, and mitigate geopolitical risks that impact research priorities and partnerships.

Research integrity, ethics, and responsibility in complex global contexts

Focusing on upholding integrity and ethical standards across diverse international, cultural, and regulatory environments.

Institutional responses to emerging international research challenges

Highlighting how organisations adapt structures, policies, and training to address evolving global research threats and emerging opportunities.

Building resilient and trusted research systems across borders

Showcasing strategies to strengthen institutional resilience, enhance transparency, and build trust in cross-border research collaboration.

Research management is undergoing significant transformation as institutions navigate increasing complexity, rising expectations for impact, and the continued professionalisation of the field. This subtheme explores how Research Management Professionals are shaping and redefining their profession by building sustainable career pathways, strengthening leadership capability, and driving purposeful change across the research ecosystem.

It highlights the emergence and evolution of the ‘third space’ in which Research Management Professionals operate as translators, strategists, and enablers who bridge academic, professional, and industry environments. Sessions will focus on the skills, structures, and behaviours required to lead through change, support evolving career trajectories, and foster resilient, high performing teams.

Contributors are invited to share insights, case studies, and approaches that advance the discipline, strengthen leadership capacity, and position research management as a recognised and valued profession that is essential to modern research success.

This subtheme invites abstract submissions that align with (although not limited to) the following possible topics:

Building sustainable and clearly defined career pathways in research management

Examining models for progression, role clarity, competency frameworks, and attraction/retention strategies that support a thriving workforce.

Developing leadership capability for complex, high stakes research environments

Exploring strategic, operational, and people-focused leadership skills required to guide teams through uncertainty, drive innovation, and model professional excellence.

Leading and managing organisational change within research environments

Sharing effective approaches to implementing new systems, structures, and cultures across research offices, schools/faculties, and interdisciplinary centres.

Navigating and strengthening the ‘third space’ between academia, industry, and professional practice

Investigating how Research Management Professionals build credibility, influence, and strategic relationships across boundaries to support institutional priorities and research outcomes.

Strategies for professional identity, recognition, and workforce development

Considering how the profession defines itself, articulates its value, and strengthens recognition through accreditation, professional standards, and community building.

Creating high performing and resilient research management teams

Showcasing strategies for fostering wellbeing, adaptability, collaboration, and psychological safety in complex and high-stakes research settings.

Models for mentoring, training, and capability building

Highlighting programs and initiatives designed to strengthen skills, foster career development, and grow the next generation of research management leaders.

Case studies on leading organisational transformation in research management contexts

Presenting practical lessons learnt from implementing structural reforms, digital transformation, fostering cultural change, or new innovative operating models across the research ecosystem.

Subtheme 4: Professionalisation, Leadership, and the Evolving Research Management Workforce

Subtheme 5: Sustainable Research Ecosystems and Changing Funding Landscapes

As the global research funding landscape undergoes significant shifts, the research community faces both challenges and opportunities within the ecosystem that supports them. This subtheme explores approaches on building and maintaining sustainable research ecosystems amidst evolving funding environments. Topics for discussion could include:

How Research Management Professionals, institutions, and funders adapt in the face of changing government priorities, investments, increasing competition, and the rise of philanthropic and mission-driven funding.
Innovative funding partnerships and capacity building.
Strategies for aligning values and amplifying impact.
Collaborative approaches that enhance resource sharing and efficiency.

Shaping a sustainable future for research management that balances economic realities with the pursuit of knowledge and societal benefit is imperative to ensure the continued vitality of the Australasian research ecosystem.

This subtheme invites abstract submissions that align with (although not limited to) the following possible topics:

Diversifying research income through philanthropy, industry, and alternative funding sources

Exploring innovative approaches to broaden the funding base for research, reduce reliance on single sources, and build resilient financial ecosystems that support long-term research goals.

Building sustainable research cultures and infrastructure

Fostering research environments, practices, and systems that promote integrity, champion inclusivity, support wellbeing, and build enduring institutional capacity.

Managing transitions in government and institutional funding priorities

Examining strategies for adapting to shifts in policy, investment focus, and funding mechanisms while safeguarding research excellence and continuity.

Partnerships and collaborations that drive long-term impact

Highlighting cross-sector and interdisciplinary collaborations that create sustained benefits for communities, economies, and advance the research enterprise.

Capacity building and workforce sustainability in research management

Developing the skills, leadership, and organisational capability needed to support a strong, adaptive, and future-ready research workforce.

Measuring and communicating the impact of philanthropic investments

Evaluating and demonstrating the impact of how philanthropic funding contributes to research outcomes, societal benefits, and institutional missions.

Equity, ethics, and governance in changing funding ecosystems

Examining the ethical, equitable, and governance challenges that emerge as funding landscapes diversify and new actors that shape research priorities.