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Exploring the Culture of Innovation at the Canadian Conference on Research Administration 2023
Reflections on the CARA National Conference
BY TANIA MASSA, PHD.
ON THE RUGGED AND ROCKY SHORES OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC, EMERGING AND SEASONED PROFESSIONALS FROM HUMBER’S OFFICE OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART AT THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION 2023 LED BY THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATORS (CARA).
The 2023 National Conference, which took place on May 14-17 in St. John’s, NL, was organized under the theme of “Charting Successful Pathways in Research.”
While I attended the CARA regional conferences in the past, this was my first CARA National Conference with Humber College. I was impressed by the number and quality of the concurrent sessions. There was such a great blend of sessions on topics ranging from research administration, research finance, and EDI to commercialization, knowledge mobilization and leadership that it was often difficult to choose a session. The workshops on inclusive research, supporting Indigenous research and engagement and accessibility factors in research were particularly beneficial for my personal and professional development. The networking during and after the conference was also valuable. I connected with new and old colleagues from across Canada and internationally including a delegate from Malaysia.
In addition to attending the sessions and networking, Namrata Barai, PhD., Director, Applied Research, Seneca College; Tanya Perdikoulias, BA, Associate Director of Operations, Humber College and I led a panel presentation and discussion on the topic of “Colleges Building a Culture of Innovation.” We shared best practices for building a culture of innovation within the college environment and increasing research capacity. The panel provided examples from each of our institutions that include social innovation, sustainability, student training, and employee-driven innovation. We also described the co-creation of a series of research training modules and the joint implementation of Gender-Smart Entrepreneurship Education Training Plus in our entrepreneurship centres. I was happy that some delegates from other institutions wanted to discuss how they could implement these practices at their colleges.
I just wish people would realize that anything is possible if you try, dreams are made if people try.
—TERRY FOX
As the conference came to a close, I had some time for reflection as I was surrounded by the fresh ocean wind and the welcoming people of St. John’s, NL. I visited the Terry Fox Monument since Terry Fox started his cross-Canada fundraising journey here. It is inscribed with a quote that aligns with the core principles of research and innovation: “I just wish people would realize that anything is possible if you try, dreams are made if people try.” I feel incredibly lucky that the work that we do at Humber College in collaboration with our industry and community partners, faculty members, students and departments is all about dreaming and trying new things to solve the toughest real-world challenges.
Interested in learning more about the world of research administration? Read on for the interview of Sarah Lampson, Executive Director of CARA!
