Latest CARA Events

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:37:47 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction.

You have been asked to facilitate a researcher submitting a grant. Now what?
This presentation will provide a framework to use to review the first draft, prepare meaningful feedback and not feel quite so overwhelmed. Grant writing is quite methodical, but you need to know the methodology to be effective. The webinar will provide you with a strong foundation on which to build your grant writing experience.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Jamie is the Senior Research Grants coordinator working with researchers, their teams, industry and government to move technology along the technology readiness levels toward commercialization. After 12 years at the University of Calgary, Jamie joined the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as their Senior Grants Officer in 2018. Jamie is a successful grant writer; securing and/or then managing over $54.3M in scientific funding. Her work is focused on writing large and small-scale grant proposals. She supports their management to ensure the outcomes and reports are achieved on time and within budget. Jamie believes that supporting research requires flexibility, initiative and strong adaptability to take on the many roles that are required for a research project or program to be successful. She has a Master's degree in Policy, her PMP designation since 2014 and three technical and business writing certifications.

Grant Writing - Part 2: Intermediate

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:37:48 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 2: Intermediate.

So now you know how to write a grant, let's kick it up a notch. This webinar will cover selecting peer review members, how to critique your application and others, use of keywords, budget tips, drafting letters of support, working with collaborators, diverse dissemination, how to handle the team, HQP and methodology details. If you have been writing grants for a while and want to start to challenge yourself, this webinar will help you to critique your work and bring it to the next level.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Grant Writing - Part 3: Advanced

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:37:49 GMT

Grant Writing - Part 3: Advanced.

Even advanced grant writers can use reminders and tips to advance their submissions. As the volume of grants we write increases, we can get stuck in a rut and not see how our style might need a refresh. The grant field is getting more competitive and this webinar will bring a new shine to your tried and true tactics. We will cover strategic alignment, using images, tables and whitespace, a discussion on innovation and activity schedule content. Fresh ideas on how to express Benefits to Industry and Benefits to Canada, and some strategies to weave in EDI. All good grant writers have their own tips and tricks. We can all benefit by sharing our unique styles, tips and tricks. Participants will be encouraged to share their ideas via comments as the discussion goes along.

Presented by: Jamie McInnis

Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club Series 2026-27

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:37:51 GMT

April 10, 2026, 2-3pm EDT.

Join us, every second Friday of the month, to share your reflections, experiences, and get advice from others as we discuss a journal article from our field of work.

The article chosen for discussion will be announced in the week prior to the meeting. To consult the list of past presentations: Journal Club Sessions.

Watch the CARA listserv or CARA website for more information on upcoming sessions and contact the organizers to suggest a future journal club article or to volunteer to host a session. Registering below will grant you access to all Journal Club sessions from April 2026 to March 2027.

As a way to continue our monthly conversations, we have started an on-line Grant Facilitators Community of Practice (CoP). Participants are mostly Journal Club Attendees. If you would like to join, please contact coordinator@cara-acaar.ca to be added to the list.

Next Session:

The next Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club is Friday, April 10, 2026.

Presenter: David Bruce, St. Francis Xavier University

Article: Jennings Mathis, K., Herbell, K., Ali Muhammad Ali Charania, N., Williams, K., Mechling, B., Ngosa Mumba, M., Paun, O., & Willis, D. G. (2024). Lessons From the Field: Strategies for Success in Obtaining Grant Funding. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 30(3), 677–682. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783903221124158

Organizers:

Brandi Povitz

Research Grants Development Officer

Cumming School of Medicine | University of Calgary

brandi.povitz@ucalgary.ca

Gen Clark

Manager, Research Development and Graduate Affairs

College of Pharmacy and Nutrition | University of Saskatchewan

gen.clark@usask.ca

Ann-Marie Field

Research Facilitator

Faculty of Communication | Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

field.ann-marie@uqam.ca

Let's Talk AI Club 2026-2027

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:37:52 GMT

Held on: Apr 15 2026, Jun 17, 2026, Sept 9, 2026, Nov 18, 2026, Jan 20, 2026

Join our bi-monthly “Let’s Talk AI” Club sessions! As the field of generative AI rapidly evolves, research administrators face the challenge of staying informed. Our sessions feature expert speakers who delve into practical applications of generative AI tools. Learn how to harness this technology effectively in research administration. Engage in group discussions and get your questions answered during our Q & A period.

Organizers: Karen Mosier and Bonnie Zink

Karen E. Mosier

Research Coordinator

Department of Surgery/University of Saskatchewan

Bonnie Zink

Knowledge Mobilization and Community-Based Learning Specialist

SK-NEIHR

bonnie@bonniezink.com

Developing Funding Proposals Expert Panel

Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

May 28, 2026, 12-1:30 PM EDT.

In this 90 minute session we will have CARA colleagues from across Canada share their expertise and insights into developing a funding proposal.

Presented by: Pierre-Jean Alarco, Shelley Brown, Frances Chandler, Michael Johnny, Heidi Smithson

Pierre-Jean Alarco

Pierre-Jean (him/he) holds a Masters in Organic Chemistry. Since 2011, Pierre-Jean contributed within Polytechnique’s Grant Office, as Grant facilitator to strategic and targeted initiatives. In 2013, he took on the stewardship of the NSERC-CREATE program, which he managed successfully, with CREATE-OPSIDIAN a training program entirely focused on Power Skills acquisition being one such grant awarded. As Knowledge Mobilization Officer, since 2018 he is structuring societal impact and knowledge mobilization strategies at Polytechnique Montreal. Grant proposals big and small all have to tell us about goals (outcomes) and objectives (how to get there) but answering why do we start writing a grant and how do we make it stand out are the not so visible steps he will discuss.

Shelley Brown

Shelley Brown received her PhD in Pharmacology and Therapeutics from McGill University in 2008. She subsequently moved into a research administration position with the University Health Network in Toronto, supporting the development of strategic initiatives and large-scale funding applications. In 2012, Shelley relocated to Halifax, NS and, after providing consulting services for a few years, joined Dalhousie’s Office of Research Services in 2015. In 2022, Shelley became the Director, Strategic Initiatives & Programs. She has developed a wealth of experience in working with researchers and research teams on large scale and complex funding opportunities. Shelley will discuss strategies, supports and points for consideration in the development of large-scale funding opportunities.

Frances Chandler

Prior to Dr. Frances Chandler's retirement, she was the Director of Ch’nook Indigenous Business Education, Research Support Services, and the Sauder Social Entrepreneurship-Kenya program at the Sauder School of Business, UBC. She was also President of CARA, an instructor with the Mohawk Certificate program in research administration, and a mentor. Prior to working at UBC she was Brock University's Associate Director of Research, an Assistant Editor of a journal, a PhD student, and President of the board for a non-profit agency in Niagara. Dr. Chandler holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies majoring in Urban and Regional planning, a Master’s degree in Social Welfare Policy, a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a PhD majoring in educational leadership. She has lived and worked in Northern and Southern Ontario, Ghana, China, Kenya, and Vancouver. This presentation will focus on the impact that an expertise in grant writing can have on one's career both within and outside of academia.

Michael Johnny

Michael Johnny is the Manager of Knowledge Mobilization at York University, working in this role since 2006. Michael's work focuses on brokering and supporting research partnerships, building the capacity of knowledge mobilization at York, and helping community engage with research to effectively address real world challenges. Michael will discuss the importance of relationships for successful knowledge mobilization planning, along with the key considerations in crafting a KMb/KT plan.

Heidi Smithson

Heidi Smithson has more than 25 years of experience as a grant writer, editor, research administrator, and research facilitator. She began her career in grant writing while completing her Master of Arts degree in English at the University of Regina. She also holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Psychology. Heidi has worked as a grant writer, editor, and communications specialist for the Faculty of Engineering at URegina and for the Petroleum Technology Research Centre. She has also taught engineering communications to first year and graduate engineering students. After serving for a time as Research Finance Officer for health research at URegina, in 2015, she became the Research Facilitator in the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. Most recently, Heidi has taken on the role of Senior Research Specialist in the USask office for Strategic and Institutional Research Initiatives, which provides pre- and post-award support to major institutional grants at USask. Heidi will speak about the importance of meeting expectations in grant writing.

Deconstructing the Art of Grantsmanship

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

June 16, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

Faculty need funding to carry out their research. The art of writing a grant has become the lynch pin to having a successful research program. Academics who write more grants typically receive more funding. Contrary to popular belief, grantsmanship involves much more than having someone do a quick proofread and goes well beyond just having a second pair of eyes to look at the final draft.

Presented by: Karen Mosier

Karen has been a CARA member since 2010. Karen completed her Certificate in Research Administration through ARMA in 2017. She is a member of Mohawk College’s Research Administration Program Advisory Committee. Karen is also a co-chair of CARA’s Professional Development committee and serves on the CARA Executive. She is also an instructor at Mohawk College for the Certification in Research Administration program and has taught the Funding Proposal Development course for the last 3 years.

Karen was the recipient of the Dan Chase Distinguished Service Award – Priority Initiatives in 2018, the Community Builder Award in 2019, the Spirit of Kindness Award in 2020, and the Research Management Excellence Award in 2021. Karen appreciates all the professional development opportunities available through CARA and cherishes all the wonderful relationships she has made through her volunteer activities with CARA.

Going Beyond "Does It All Add Up" - Expert Budget Tips for Research Administrators

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

June 25, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

Budgets and budget justifications are key components of almost every funding application, but many times they do not get the same level of attention as other core modules. This webinar will suggest some practical ways that Research Administrators can add value in the budget review/development process, discuss factors to watch out for that signal complex budgets, and provide real-world examples of how to craft high-quality budget justifications.

Presented by: Karen Mosier

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Research

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

July 23, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are increasingly critical factors in the success of grant applications. Funding agencies are prioritizing support for projects that present comprehensive, meaningful, and actionable EDI plans. This session is designed for individuals new to research administration who seek an introductory understanding of EDI concepts and frameworks. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for integrating EDI into research projects and learn effective strategies for articulating these elements in grant applications.

Presented by: Tera Ebach

Tera Ebach is a Research Analyst at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She has worked at the University for 7 years in various finance and research administration roles. Tera holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master’s in Regenerative Sustainability where her research was directed to equity, diversity and inclusion in conservation organizations. In her research administration work, she has reviewed hundreds of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) plans in grant applications and assisted researchers with incorporating EDI principles and plans in to their research projects and communicating these plans in their grant applications.

Tera has given multiple presentations on EDI and how to incorporate it into research projects and grant applications. She also presented at CARA’s 19th annual conference “Compliance Dressed Up as a Service” and was part of the Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion working group for close to 3 years.

Strategic Adoption of Generative AI in Research Administration: Pathways for 2026 and Beyond

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

July 30, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

Generative AI is no longer just a tool for drafting text. Its role in research administration is rapidly evolving across the entire lifecycle, from building research partnerships and developing proposals to supporting compliance, negotiating agreements, managing data, and mobilizing knowledge. Beyond streamlining workflows and enhancing strategic decision-making, it also has the potential to redefine team roles and influence organizational structures. This session will provide an up-to-date environmental scan of how generative AI is being applied in research administration, spotlight emerging trends, and showcase global examples of AI integration. We will also explore the risks, limitations, and ethical considerations related to AI implementation, including data security, privacy concerns, accuracy, equity, evolving funder guidance, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. The session will conclude with a discussion of possible next steps for our research administration community, including guideline development, training priorities, and pilot initiatives. Whether you are already using AI extensively or just beginning to explore its possibilities, this presentation will offer practical insights and a balanced perspective to support informed, responsible adoption.

Presented by Dr. Leila Tang:

Dr. Leila Tang is an International Research Specialist in the International Office at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). She brings extensive experience in facilitating international research collaborations, advising on global funding schemes and application strategies, and enhancing the quality and compliance of international research proposals.

Leila is passionate about exploring emerging trends in AI technology and developing strategies to integrate generative AI into research administration in an effective and responsible way. She has delivered several presentations and talks on these topics within USask, receiving positive feedback from participants.

Leila earned her PhD degree in Communication Studies, focusing on the paradigm shift in organizational communication during the Web 2.0 era. Prior to moving to Canada, Leila worked for more than a decade in the higher education sector in Hong Kong and China and served as a faculty member in Communication Studies at a leading Chinese university.

Research Administration: The Big Stuff, the Little Stuff and the Stuff In Between

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

August 13, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

This presentation will discuss the big stuff, the little stuff, and the stuff in between that is involved in doing one’s job better, making more money and planning to get that ultimate dream job. These three themes will be woven throughout the talk. The “Big Stuff” topics discussed include developing good relationships, designing a work plan, getting organized, the power of networking, growing your own strategic plan, developing your leadership skills, upgrading your skill set, and working towards your dream job. The “Little Stuff” topics outlined will include kindness, acknowledging others, stop comparing yourself to others, and learn from going through tough times. The “Stuff In Between” topics will examine how to keep your focus on your work and keep track of your accomplishments. The talk will wrap up with a thought-provoking discussion to help you reflect on your “dream job”. Participants will gain useful insights from an experienced administrator on how to excel in their chosen career, plan for career advancement, and enjoy their “career” journey.

Presented by: Karen Mosier

Karen E. Mosier is a Research Coordinator/Navigator for the Department of Surgery in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Karen has her BA in Psychology and MSc in Pharmacy. Karen has over eighteen years’ experience in research administration. Karen is also the author of the self-help book entitled Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office. Karen has been a CARA member since 2010. Karen completed her Certificate in Research Administration through ARMA in 2017. She is a member of Mohawk College’s Research Administration Program Advisory Committee. Karen is also a co-chair of CARA’s Professional Development committee and serves on the CARA Executive. She is also an instructor at Mohawk College for the Certification in Research Administration program and has taught the Funding Proposal Development course for the last 3 years. Karen was the recipient of the Dan Chase Distinguished Service Award – Priority Initiatives in 2018, the Community Builder Award in 2019, the Spirit of Kindness Award in 2020, and the Research Management Excellence Award in 2021. Karen appreciates all the professional development opportunities available through CARA and cherishes all the wonderful relationships she has made through her volunteer activities with CARA.