Current Webinars

College Best Practices – Discussion Group

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:14:45 GMT

These interactive, bi-monthly meetings invite college research administrators to share information about the strengths and challenges of their research offices. Newer offices to seasoned setups that have changed and grown over the years – all are welcome to share best practices, pitfalls, cautions, and lessons learned in how to create a functional and successful applied research office within the broader institutional college setting.

Registering below will grant you access to the following "College Best Practices – Discussion Group" sessions:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 12-1pm ET
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 12-1pm ET
Wednesday, January 21, 12-1pm ET
Wednesday, March 18, 12-1pm ET

Facilitated by: Rachel Brown

Rachel is the Manager of Finance Operations and Compliance at Niagara College’s Research & Innovation division, and the current President of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA).

Grant Facilitators’ Journal Club Series 2026-27

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:14:46 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

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:14:48 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

From Strong Ideas to Fundable Proposals: Helping Researchers Craft Winning Grant Applications

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

April 27, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

Although researchers possess deep expertise in scholarly writing, many continue to face challenges when translating that expertise into competitive grant applications—an area in which research advisors play a critical role. This webinar, intended for new research advisors or those who would like a refresher, will provide a structured overview of the core elements that characterize a fundable proposal, along with strategies for guiding applicants in strengthening the coherence, persuasiveness, and feasibility of their submissions. It will also highlight key tools, supports, and best practices to enhance researcher preparedness and improve overall application quality. While the SSHRC Insight program will serve as the primary example, the principles and approaches discussed will be broadly applicable across Tri-Council funding opportunities and relevant to diverse granting contexts.

Presented by: Kelly-Anne Maddox

Kelly-Anne Maddox has over 20 years of experience in research development. In 2013, she joined the University of Ottawa as the Senior Research Advisor in the Faculty of Arts, where she works in pre-award services, award submission, and international initiatives. She holds a PhD in French literature and was previously an Associate Professor at Thompson Rivers University. She has been a member of the CARA board since 2024.

Safeguarding the Lab: Navigating Research Security and Insider Threats in 2026

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

April 28, 2026, 12-1PM EDT.

In today’s hyper-connected global landscape, innovation is both a premier asset and a primary target. As research becomes increasingly collaborative, the risk of unauthorized access, foreign interference, and the theft of intellectual property (IP) has reached unprecedented levels. Research security is no longer just an administrative requirement; it is a critical pillar for protecting an institution’s reputation, its competitive edge, and Canada’s national interests.

This webinar provides a masterclass in identifying and mitigating threats to the research lifecycle—from protecting sensitive inputs and proprietary data to securing final scientific outputs. We will explore the architecture of a robust Research Security Program tailored for Canadian institutions, with a deep dive into the complexities of Insider Threats.

Drawing on real-world case studies from a leader who has commanded security intelligence operations within Canada’s most sensitive federal organizations, attendees will gain actionable insights into:

• The Anatomy of Insider Risk: Understanding behavioral indicators and the "why" behind internal breaches.

• Proactive Defense: Implementing the eight core security controls to mitigate operational and strategic risks.

• Compliance & Strategy: Aligning institutional protocols with evolving national security guidelines and funding requirements.

Presented by: Meagan Keaney Senior Security Project Manager, OnPar Solutions

Meagan Keaney is a distinguished security and intelligence executive with over 22 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across the Canadian government, Crown corporations, and NGOs. Throughout her career, she has been a strategic architect for high-stakes initiatives, including national security policy renewals, cybersecurity governance, and identity management frameworks.Meagan’s extensive leadership background includes serving as a Manager and Intelligence Officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), where she oversaw external reviews and complex international operations. She further diversified her expertise as the Senior Manager of Security Intelligence Operations at the Bank of Canada, where she led the institution's first insider threat investigations and executed enterprise-wide cybersecurity programs. Most recently, she served as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) for the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS), where she envisioned and built the Corporate Security Sector from the ground up.

Currently a Senior Security Project Manager with OnPar Solutions, Meagan brings a "front-line" intelligence perspective to the private sector. She holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Mass Communication from Carleton University. Her unique ability to translate complex security intelligence into operational success makes her a sought-after speaker on institutional resilience and the protection of national innovation.

A Talk with the President

Tue, 05 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

May 5, 2026, 12-1pm EDT.

All CARA members are invited to drop in and hear CARA news and updates from CARA President Rachel Brown, ask questions and give feedback about CARA membership, programs and services.

Presented by: Rachel Brown, CARA President

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.