20 research administrators graduate from School of Medicine Training Certificate Program

On May 22, research administrators graduated from the School of Medicine Research Administration Training Certificate Program. They are the first cohort of the new program, which builds skills and relationships among research administrators. Applications for the next cohort open in June.

The Research Administration Unit within the School of Medicine Office of Research  created this program to strengthen research administration knowledge, promote consistent practices and build community among research administrators across the medical school.

“Research administration plays a critical role in supporting the success of the research enterprise,” said Christopher Wang, director of the Research Administration Unit. “Our goal was to create a program that not only builds technical knowledge, but also fosters collaboration, consistency and a stronger sense of community among research administrators.”

The program provides a structured, group-based learning environment that supports both new and experienced research administrators through practical training, collaboration and professional development.

About the first Research Administration Training Certificate Program

The inaugural program consisted of nine bi-monthly, four-hour, in-person workshops held at Aggie Square. Participants attended mini lectures and watched short videos and took part in interactive group activities and discussions.

The workshops encouraged active participation and learning from other participants. They covered topics such as:

• Research compliance and integrity
• Grant proposal development and submission
• Project management and financial administration
• Pre- and post-award management
• Communication and collaboration

“Each workshop was designed to engage participants through interactive discussions, realistic scenarios and problem solving. The goal is to foster the participants’ long-term success as research administrators," explained Alyssa Bunn, research administrator and trainer within the School of Medicine Office of Research. Bunn facilitated the program’s workshops.

“I am so glad the School of Medicine is making the training of research administrators a priority. The more we know, the better we can assist with facilitating the research of the UC Davis Health System,” said Ryan Stee, research administrator at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of the graduates of the program. “What stood out to me the most was seeing just how different the responsibilities of each of the research administrators can be. Many members of this cohort are experts in our fields, but there are still some facets of the position we have never experienced. I now know how to address problems I may be unfamiliar with and have a cohort I can turn to when I need answers.”

The in-person program also provided opportunities for participants to collaborate and build relationships with fellow research administrators.

Samuel Bon, contracts and grants supervisor in the Department of Pathology, was also in this first class of graduates. He noted that the in-person program provided was particularly engaging.

“The immersive format fostered meaningful collaboration and hands-on learning while building connections with a diverse community of research professionals. More than simply earning a certification, this experience strengthened my professional network and transformed complex concepts into practical lasting skills,” Bon said.

Applications for the next cohort will open this June, with the program scheduled to begin a couple of months later, in August. Staff interested in participating are encouraged to discuss the opportunity with their supervisor. More information on the application process and a submission link will be shared when the application period opens.