Latest CARA Events

Resumes, Cover letters, and Interview Skills

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

July 15, 2026, 10-11am EDT.

This webinar will equip participants with practical tools to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Participants will learn how to craft compelling cover letters that clearly communicate their strengths and align with employer expectations, as well as how to develop impactful resumes that effectively highlight skills, experience, and accomplishments. The session will also cover key interview strategies, including preparation techniques, common questions, and tips for building confidence and making a strong impression. By the end of the webinar, attendees will have actionable guidance to enhance their job application materials and perform confidently in interviews.
Free for all current CARA members!

Presented by: Lauren Gogo

Lauren Gogo is an accomplished research management professional and the Director of Research Contracts & Grants at Hamilton Health Sciences, one of Canada’s leading research hospitals. A strong leader in the academic and health sectors, Lauren has extensive knowledge of clinical research agreements and various health policies related to clinical trials and other research, both in Canada and internationally. With over 14 years of experience working in non-profit, university, and hospital settings, Lauren has reviewed contracts, drafted and reviewed granting applications, negotiated commercialization terms and intellectual property agreements, and provided expert advice on clinical trial regulations and privacy considerations in accordance with PHIPA. Her wealth of experience ensures that research agreements and processes are managed efficiently and in compliance with relevant policies. In her current role, Lauren oversees a dedicated team of contracts and grants professionals, managing the review, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements and grant applications/awards. She also actively contributes to the development of research policies and plays a key role in strategic projects aimed at enhancing research capabilities. Lauren’s collaborative approach extends to participating in working groups to further strengthen research contracts and foster key partnerships. In addition to her managerial duties, Lauren has delivered numerous internal and external presentations on topics including the clinical trials process, clinical trial registration, privacy in research, and contracts & ethics, sharing her expertise with a wider audience to advance knowledge in these critical areas. With her strong leadership and commitment to healthcare research, Lauren continues to make a significant impact on the research landscape at Hamilton Health Sciences. Lauren has a Masters in Biomedical Technology (MBT) from the University of Calgary, and is currently Vice President of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA).

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:35:34 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

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:35:36 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

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:35:38 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

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:35:39 GMT

The next Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club is Friday, June 12.

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, June 12, 2026.

Presenter: Brandi Povitz, Research Grants Development Officer, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.

Article: Sims Gould J, Lasinsky AM, Mota A, et al. Threats to grant peer review: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2025;15:e091666. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091666

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

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:35:40 GMT

Held on: Apr 15 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

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

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.

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.

Welcome to CARA: CARA Members' Orientation

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

July 27, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

Welcome to the Canadian Association of Research Administration. This webinar is a free webinar on how to maximize the value of your CARA membership and will cover our many programs and volunteer opportunities. You will also have the opportunity to connect with your network and other members. Please bring any questions you have and join our LinkedIn group too.

Presented by: Alison Prescott

Manager, Programs and Services, Canadian Association of Research Administrators

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.

Writing A Research Proposal for Complete Beginners

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

August 5, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

Every successful research grant proposal must answer two deceptively simple questions: Why does this research matter, and why are you the right person to do it?

This session will take attendees through the stages of developing a proposal that can effectively answer these two questions, from pre-writing and strategizing through drafting, revision, submission, and re-submission, with principles that apply to funding opportunities across sponsors and disciplines. Participants will gain practical strategies for developing more competitive proposals and a reviewer-focused perspective on what separates a strong application from one that falls short.

Presented by: Jackie Cooney-Birch

Jackie Cooney-Birch is the Associate Director of Research Grants with the University of Manitoba Office of Research Services. She has been with UM ORS for over 15 years in various roles including supporting Canada Foundation for Innovation, Canada Research Chairs, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research programs, and has been leading the team responsible for all Tri-Agency and internal funding since 2022.

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.