Latest CARA Events

Coaching the first draft: A practical framework for early-stage grant development

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

October 1, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

Research administrators and facilitators often meet faculty members when they have a promising idea but no proposal draft. This session presents a practical process that combines coaching questions with a Grant Proposal Canvas to help principal investigators organize their ideas into a clear proposal framework in less than an hour. The coaching questions guide the conversation by helping faculty clarify the research problem, objectives, significance, methods, team, expected outcomes, and fit with the funding opportunity. As the PI responds, the research administrator captures the key points on the one-page Grant Proposal Canvas. This combined approach helps turn an early-stage conversation into a structured proposal outline while also identifying gaps that need further development.

Participants will see a demonstration of the process and practice using the coaching questions and canvas with a sample case. They will leave with a repeatable method they can use with both first-time and experienced applicants. No prior coaching experience is required.

Presented by: Rana Mustafa, PhDRana Mustafa, PhD, is a Research Facilitator with the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Engineering and an ICF-certified leadership and Positive Intelligence coach. Her research facilitation work includes Tri-Agency funding programs, industry partnerships, and international collaborations. She applies professional coaching methods in her day-to-day work with faculty, helping researchers clarify ideas, strengthen proposals, and move projects forward.

Beyond research facilitation, Dr. Mustafa supports displaced and immigrant scientists in moving beyond the “quiet expert” mindset. Through leadership development, Positive Intelligence, and personal branding, she helps scientists build confidence, resilience, and professional visibility so that their expertise can be recognized, valued, funded, and applied.

Her work on self-leadership and personal branding is featured in her chapter, “Trailblazing Through Adversity: The Power of Self-Leadership and Personal Branding for Displaced Women Scientists,” published in the 2024 book Evolution of Leadership in STEM: Women Catalyzing Change.

Her contributions have been recognized through the 2023 Newcomer Rising Leader Award (Toronto), the 2024 Immigrant Woman Resilience Award (Saskatoon), and the 2026 University of Saskatchewan Excellence in Research Administration Award.

Grant Writing - Part 1: Introduction

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:13:44 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, 29 Jul 2026 14:13:45 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, 29 Jul 2026 14:13:47 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, 29 Jul 2026 14:13:48 GMT

The next Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club is Friday, September 11 at 2pm 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, September 11, 2026.

Presenter: to be announced

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, 29 Jul 2026 14:13:49 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

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.

Research Administration and Research Management and Coordination Certificate Overview

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

August 31st, 2026. 12-1PM EDT.

Learn more about the fully online Research Administration Certificate and Research Management and Coordination Certificate at Mohawk College. This webinar will outline the similarities and differences between these programs , aimed at various career stages in research administration.

Led by industry professionals, courses are offered in a flexible, part-time, online and interactive format that may include face-to-face live video conferencing, allowing you to learn in an engaging environment without interrupting your current employment.

Presented by:

Alison Prescott, Keith Friedlander, and Heather Poechman

The AI Architect: Building Your Personal Research Admin Toolkit

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

September 21, 2026, 12-1:30pm EDT.

Ready to stop talking about AI and start using it? Building on the momentum and expert insights from the CARA 2026 conference, this high-octane workinar bridges the gap between abstract potential and your daily workflow. This is not a lecture; it is a lab. We will build upon the AI skills and concepts we learned at the CARA 2026 conference, but the real work happens when you bring your unique challenges to the table. Together, we will develop, refine, and stress-test custom prompts and agents live, in the moment. You will walk away with a personalized, professional-grade toolkit and the skills to keep building long after the session ends.

Please note this is a 90-minute session.

Presented by: Bonnie Zink

Bonnie Zink: Knowledge Mobilizer, AI Orchestrator, and Professional Jargon-Buster

Bonnie Zink is a Regina-based knowledge mobilizer, research communicator, and AI Coach who has spent over 20 years proving that complex data doesn't have to be dry. She bridges the gap between "knowing" and "doing" by turning dense academic insights into clear, actionable, and occasionally even witty stories.

In the AI arena, Bonnie isn’t just watching the revolution; she’s guiding the transformation. She specializes in helping nonprofits develop robust AI policies, skills, and comfort, ensuring organizations can use GenAI ethically and effectively without losing their human touch.

Bonnie’s eBook series, The Mobilized Mind, is a go-to resource for anyone looking to bridge the gap between ethical AI and practical knowledge mobilization.

When she isn’t busy "humanizing" the machine, Bonnie is:

The Architect of Impact: A recognized leader in her field, named a Top Knowledge Mobilizer in the KMb 100, with a track record of helping researchers secure high-stakes Tri-Council (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) grants.
A Community Connector: A Co-Founder of KM in the AM, she has spent over a decade building a community of practice that makes knowledge mobilization look easy.
A Literary Leader: Serving as the Event Planning Chair for the Creative NonFiction Collective of Canada (CNFC), where she recently organized their most successful writing festival to date (2025), and an active member of the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild (SWG).
A Master of Complexity: Bonnie is a Stitching Coach and Designer. Her philosophy? If she can successfully sort out a complicated lace knitting pattern, managing multi-stakeholder research grants is a walk in the park.
A Proven Communicator: From leading the "Literacy Changes Lives" campaign (which reached 24 million people in a single day) to serving on local advisory groups, Bonnie knows how to move people and policy.

Bonnie is here today to help us stop being discomforted by the future and start using AI as your most efficient, creative teammate.

Contract Negotiation: Moving from Protection to Enablement

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Sept 24, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

Identifying issues in a research contract is only the starting point. The real challenge, and opportunity, lies in discerning what truly matters and focusing your efforts where they have the greatest impact. How do we avoid over-negotiating while ensuring our institutions remain appropriately protected?

In this interactive panel discussion, experienced research contract professionals will share practical lessons learned from the field. What works, what doesn’t and when it’s time to let go. Moving beyond clause-by-clause analysis, our speakers will explore how to prioritize key risks, build trust within your institution and approach negotiations with context and purpose.

Designed for contract reviewers, negotiators and research administrators at all experience levels, this session emphasizes a shift from a purely protective mindset to one that enables research and collaboration. Join us for an open and welcoming conversation and bring your most pressing questions. This is your opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and gain insights you can immediately apply to your work.

Presented by:

Panelists

Delilah Ofosu-Barko, Director, Research Operations at Trillium Health Partners and

Kirstyn Dillon, Contracts Specialist, University of Calgary

Moderated by: Michelle Moldofsky, Founder, Moldofsky Professional Corporation

Research Contract Templates: Understanding the When, How, Why and Impact

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

October 6, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

Templates and master agreements are a great way to improve on contract review timelines. Many contract reviewers have questions about when to use a template, how to deal with entities that won’t use them, and how to engage in negotiating a template. This webinar will cover tips in using templates, how to implement them into the contract reviewer’s toolkit, what still needs to be reviewed when we receive a standardized template and what to consider when we’re at the table to develop a standardized template.

This webinar is aimed at administrators who manage a contracts office or process as well as front line contract negotiators.

Presented by: Delilah Ofosu-Barko and Michelle Moldofsky

Delilah Ofosu-Barko is Director, Research Operations at Trillium Health Partners, where she oversees operational and governance functions supporting research, innovation, and clinical research infrastructure. She brings more than 18 years of experience in research administration, research ethics, and academic health sciences operations, including leadership in research governance and research agreements management and is recognized for advancing accountable systems and responsible research practices. Delilah has held national leadership roles, including Past President of the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards (CAREB) and Co-Chair of the Ontario Hospital Association Research Community of Practice and is an active contributor to initiatives focused on responsible research, research security, and research governance.

Michelle Moldofsky is the founder of Moldofsky Professional Corporation, a law firm providing legal expertise to the not-for-profit, university, healthcare and small business sectors. She has a background in research administration and in the hospital sector in progressive in-house roles, including as General Counsel. Her experience includes providing enterprise-wide legal counsel, developing proactive policies and embedding best practices for leading Canadian healthcare and research institutions. She received her LL.M. in health law from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University and her law degree from Queen's University. Michelle speaks regularly about issues affecting researchers and research administrators; issues such as conflicts of interest, grants and contracts, procurement, privacy, participant consent, and research misconduct.