Research Administration
Research administration at Northwestern is a partnership. Principal Investigators (PIs) set the scientific direction of their work, while Research Administrators (RAs) provide expertise in proposal development, compliance, budgeting, and post-award management. School and unit leadership—including deans and research deans—help shape priorities, allocate resources, and support an environment where research can thrive.
Working together, these roles ensure projects move smoothly from proposal to closeout—allowing faculty to focus on discovery, teaching, and mentorship.
Offices That Support Your Research
Northwestern’s research administration structure is designed to clarify roles and streamline support. Specialized offices handle different parts of the research lifecycle, from proposal submission to award management and compliance. This coordinated approach helps ensure efficiency, accountability, and adherence to sponsor and University requirements.
| Office | Primary Function | Research Lifecycle Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Office for Research (OR) | Central steward; provides administrative oversight for the entire research enterprise; ensures compliance, integrity, and safety. | All Phases |
| Sponsored Research (SR) | Authorized Organizational Representative; manages pre-award proposal submission & agreements; handles non-financial post-award matters. | Pre-Award & Post-Award |
| Accounting Services for Research and Sponsored Programs (ASRSP) | Financial management; invoices, collects revenue, processes transactions, and handles financial reporting & audits. | Post-Award & Closeout |
| Institutional Review Board (IRB) | Protects the rights and welfare of human research participants. | All Phases |
| Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) | Protects the rights and welfare of human research participants. | All Phases |
| Research Integrity | Fosters responsible conduct of research; manages training and misconduct reviews. | All Phases |
Training and Professional Development
Northwestern offers a variety of training and professional development opportunities to support its research administration workforce.
| Program/Course | Content Focus | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Study Sessions | Broad research administration knowledge, including legal, financial, and general management topics. | RAs seeking career advancement and professional recognition. |
| Sponsored Project Online Training (SPOT) | Sponsored projects and the research lifecycle. | Research administrators and staff involved in sponsored projects. |
| Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training | Research ethics and integrity. | Faculty, staff, and students involved in research. |
| Good Clinical Practice (GCP) | International, ethical, and scientific standards for human subject trials. | Investigators and study personnel in human research. |
| ASRSP Training | Post-award financial management, including grant management, reporting, and closeout. | RAs and departmental staff responsible for post-award financial oversight. |