Event Details
Palm Springs, CA
April 2 - 5, 2024
Join Attain Partners at the 2024 SRAI Western Midwest (WE/MW) Section Meeting. Our experts look forward to sharing their expertise with you in Palm Springs, CA. Learn more about the event here.
Are you attending? Add these informative speaking engagements to your meeting agenda—or meet one-on-one with our experts at Booth #1. We’d love to schedule a time to discuss solutions for any current issues your institution may be facing.
Workshops
WS1: Exploration and Education on Clinical Trials (EXPECT): Basics of Clinical Trials Administration
Tuesday, April 2 | 9a – 12:30p
This workshop stems from a well-received four-part series initially presented at the SRAI Annual 2023 Meeting and to key stakeholders at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Its purpose is to train participants in effectively conducting clinical research trials. Covering the complete spectrum of clinical research, the workshop focuses on essential elements like clinical trial budgets, coverage analysis, billing designations, budget reconciliation, milestone invoicing, patient care reconciliation, and compliance. The goal is to empower attendees with the skills required for successful and ethical management throughout the clinical research process.
Learning Objectives
- Explore strategies for patient care reconciliation within clinical trials, emphasizing compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines.
- Enhance communication and collaboration skills essential for effective teamwork among stakeholders involved in clinical trials.
Speakers
- Marilyn Marshall, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners
- Jennifer Harry, Interim Director, Center Business Operations, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
- Kristina Vucheva, Clinical Research Support Office Budget Analyst, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Sessions
W102: Navigating the Landscape: Best Practices in Conducting Clinical Research Trials
Wednesday, April 3 | 9:30a – 10:30a
This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of best practices and essential strategies in the realm of conducting clinical research trials. Delving into the multifaceted landscape of clinical trials, this session emphasizes key components, such as budget management, ethical considerations, risk mitigation, and effective collaboration. Participants will gain insights into optimizing trial processes, ensuring compliance, and maintaining high-quality standards throughout the research journey. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, this presentation aims to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of clinical research trials successfully.
Learning Objectives
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical elements involved in conducting clinical research trials, including budget management, ethical considerations, risk mitigation strategies, and the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders.
- Apply the acquired knowledge of best practices in their own clinical research settings, demonstrating an understanding of practical implementation and adaptation of these practices to improve the quality, efficiency, and compliance of their trial processes.
Speakers
- Marilyn Marshall, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners
- Jennifer Harry, Interim Director, Center Business Operations, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
- Kristina Vucheva, Clinical Research Support Office Budget Analyst, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
W205: Case Studies in Research Misconduct
Wednesday, April 3 | 11a – 12p
The past few years have seen some high-profile researchers, both in the US and abroad, who have fallen under scrutiny of scientific misconduct over plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication. Case studies will be used to illustrate each of these examples of research misconduct and the outcomes of investigations in to these allegations. The session will also touch on the emerging areas of research misconduct arising from the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and conflicts of interest and commitment.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the different types of misconduct
- Gain insights into potential consequences and outcomes of misconduct investigations
Speaker
- Susan Sedwick, PhD, CRA, CSM, Senior Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners
W403: Leading Through Change: Leveraging Your Director Position to Make an Impact
Wednesday, April 3 | 3p – 4p
When faced with organizational change, directors are critical in helping the senior leaders and project management teams make the transitions as smooth as possible. They are often tasked with bridging the gap between senior leadership and the stakeholders that will ultimately carry out the senior leadership’s vision or project. Because of the nature of their positions, directors build trust with stakeholders easily and will hear more positive feedback or about the obstacles staff are facing during the implementation of a change. These relationships make directors pivotal players in change initiatives.
In this session, learn from Prosci Certified Change Practitioners about what strategies directors should use to harness their influence to impact positive change in their workplaces and set their offices up for future success. Attendees will be prepared to use their positions to facilitate discussions between leadership and project management teams to identify obstacles and positives during the project, find solutions to problems, and prepare the impacted stakeholder community for change.
Learning Objectives
- Understand their role in the change process and why they must be the advocate for the change to lead employees through the change journey.
- Identify resistance to change and coach stakeholders through challenging times.
Speakers
- Kathleen Halley-Octa, MA, CRA, Manager, Attain Partners
- Ivonne Kalinski, Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, Senior Consultant, Attain Partners
- Theresa Couch, CRA, Research Administrator II, University of Michigan
T103: An Export Controls Primer
Thursday, April 4 | 9:30a – 10:30a
If you have heard the term but are not really sure what your role is in export controls compliance, this is a safe place to learn. The session will provide beginners with a basic understanding the export controls compliance and the role that research administrators—pre-award, post-award, and departmental—play in ensuring export control compliance requirements are met. Regulations covered at a very high level will be the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC).
Learning Objectives
- Identify the different export controls that can arise in sponsored research
- Recognize the role of the research administrator in export controls compliance
Speaker
- Susan Sedwick, PhD, CRA, CSM, Senior Consulting Specialist, Attain Partners
F202: Defining the Future: How to Create and Implement Strategic Plans for Research Administration
Friday, April 5 | 11a – 12p
In an era of unprecedented challenges and opportunities, effective strategic planning is crucial for pre- and post-award research offices to thrive and offer unparalleled service to stakeholders. This presentation offers an insightful exploration into the development and implementation of strategic plans tailored to the unique needs of research offices.
Attendees will delve into the intricacies of crafting strategic plans that align with institutional goals, foster innovation, and drive positive outcomes. Participants will gain practical strategies for identifying strengths, mitigating weaknesses, capitalizing on opportunities, and navigating potential threats within the ever-evolving landscape of academia and research.
Facilitated by seasoned experts in research administration and strategic planning, this session promises to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to develop robust strategic plans that unlock the potential of strategic planning as a catalyst for transformative research excellence and impact.
Learning Objectives
- Assessing Institutional Needs and Priorities: Understanding the specific objectives and aspirations of your institution to inform strategic planning initiatives.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Building consensus and garnering support from diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, and external partners.
- Leveraging Resources Effectively: Maximizing financial and infrastructural resources to advance goals and objectives as well as developing and strengthening human capital.
- Embracing Innovation and Emerging Trends: Incorporating emerging technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and collaborations into strategic planning frameworks.
- Monitoring and Adaptation: Establishing mechanisms for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of strategic plans over time.
Speakers
- Shacey Temperly, Principal, Attain Partners
- Kathleen Halley-Octa, MA, CRA, Manager, Attain Partners