Event Details

As Research Council funding becomes more competitive, alongside the research funding environment in general, organisations are continuing to diversify their research funding streams in order to develop a more balanced funding portfolio and to spread risk. In addition to this, research cost recovery is becoming a critical area of focus for higher education institutions.  This requires research managers to become more involved in planning and forecasting to support decision making around financial sustainability across project portfolios. The aim of this workshop is to provide delegates with a specific and practical understanding of the higher education research funding environment, along with post-award financial management and forecasting considerations, in the context of research portfolio financial sustainability.

Topics covered will include:-

• The research funding environment
• Research financial sustainability (cost recovery) in context
• Post-award considerations towards financial sustainability
• Research portfolio planning, budgeting and forecasting
• Research portfolio reporting

This interactive 3-hour workshop (with 30 minutes of breaks built in) will give attendees the opportunity to meet and discuss the above financial topics, in respect of research management with colleagues from across the sector.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe the research funding environment from a financial perspective
• Describe the key principles of managing project finance sustainably
• Assess how current political, environmental and social factors may influence development of a financially sustainable project portfolio
• Explain impacts to planning, budgeting and forecasting from a sustainability and balanced portfolio context
• Understand potential risk mitigations around research cost recovery identified during the forecasting process
• Understand the role of the research financial administrator regards the above topics

Target Audience This is a management level course particularly suitable for those who have between two to five years’ experience in a post-award research finance role.

Prior Knowledge Required Participants will be expected to have basic experience in university budgeting and forecasting processes, at least.

Benefits for Individuals

• Career Growth: Builds sector-relevant skills aligned with ARMA’s Professional Development Framework, and supports continuous development.
• Networking: Connect with peers across institutions, share experiences, and build professional relationships.
• Accessible & Inclusive: Affordable and designed for diverse learning needs.

Benefits For Institutions

• Workforce Development: Staff gain current knowledge in the research funding environment from a financial perspective.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Encourages dialogue and shared innovation through interactive group work and Q&A.
• Tailored Training: Addresses how current political, environmental and social factors may influence development of a financially sustainable project portfolio.

Professional development sessions are adapted based on member and delegate feedback.