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What is professional recognition and why is it important?
The IPRC promotes professional recognition as an option for the professionalisation of research administrators and managers. By submitting applications, candidates can be reviewed by their peers on the IPRC. Successful candidates will be awarded one of three possible professional designations, namely Research Administration Professional (RAP), Research Management Professional (RMP) or Senior Research Management Professional (SRMP). Professional recognition would confirm to employers, colleagues and others in the research management environment that the individual has committed to develop professionally and has demonstrated core and transferable (cross-cutting) competencies, and that they have contributed to significant achievements and impact in research management.
What are the professional recognition designations?
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATion PROFESSIONAL (RAP)
To recognise new entrants to the profession or those who have been in the profession for some time but who have not yet advanced professionally. In both cases, the purpose would be to instil a professional identity, and, depending on personal preference, either to be recognised as a RAP on a professional development trajectory towards becoming an RMP, or to maintain recognition as a RAP.
New entrants to the profession (between one and three years in a research administration or management role).
OR
An individual who has been in a research administration or management role for more than three years but who have not advanced professionally.
Research Management Professional (RMP)
To recognise mid- or advanced career research managers for their professional knowledge, on the basis of prior learning, experience, and functional and transferable expertise.
Mid- to advanced career research managers who hold an undergraduate qualification and who have been employed in a research management position for at least three years.
OR
Mid- to advanced career research managers who do not hold an undergraduate qualification but who have been employed in a research management position for at least five years.
Senior Research Management Professional (SRMP)
To recognise research managers in a leadership or strategic role for their professional knowledge, experience, and functional and transferable expertise.
Senior research managers who hold a postgraduate qualification at a masters level or beyond and who have been employed in a research management leadership or strategic role for at least five years.
Application and review process
Applicants will complete an online application form, upload all evidence and other supporting documents, and pay the fee online. All applications will follow the process below.
How do I maintain my professional designation?
Research ADMINISTRATion Professional (RAP)
The designation is valid for a period of five years. The following is required to renew this designation:
- Continued membership of a professional research management association
- Satisfactory progress as measured against the professional development plan
RAPs on a professional development trajectory towards becoming RMPs are encouraged to apply for RMP status as soon as they meet the requirements.
Research Management Professional (RMP)
The designation is valid for a period of five years. The following is required to renew this designation:
- Continued membership of a professional research management association
- Accumulation of 60 training points through continuing professional development training activities (e.g. workshops, webinars, courses). (It will not be immediate, but in time only training that has been reviewed and allocated training points by the IPRC will be considered.)
- Continued contributions to research management at a management level
RMPs may apply to become SRMPs at any time if the requirements for SRMP status are met.
Senior Research Management Professional (SRMP)
The designation is valid for a period of five years. The following is required to renew this designation:
- Continued membership of a professional research management association
- Demonstration of a continued role in research management leadership and continued contributions to the profession
Useful links:
Accredited Online Short Courses in Research Management (https://www.sarima.co.za/events/ )
Postgraduate Diploma in Research Management and Administration (http://www0.sun.ac.za/crest/news/post-graduate-diploma-in-research-management-and-administration/ )
Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) (www.sarima.co.za )
West African Research and Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) (https://warima.org/ )
Central African Research and Innovation Management Association (CARIMA)
East African Research and Innovation Management Association (EARIMA)
Northern African Research and Innovation Management Association (NARIMA) (https://www.facebook.com/narima.initiative/about/ )
Research Management Programme in Africa (ReMPro) (https://www.aasciences.africa/aesa/programmes/research-management-programme-africa-rempro-afric
Are you an experienced research manager and interested to serve on the IPRC?
Express your interest to serve on the IPRC by sending your CV and a motivation to the IPRC Secretariat at prenitha@sarima.co.za
International Professional Recognition council