This document discusses the importance of research administrators developing a basic understanding of the technical content and scientific concepts involved in the grants and contracts they process. It notes that gaining content knowledge can help administrators better analyze award requirements, advise principal investigators, communicate about projects to others, and build credibility. However, it also acknowledges there are hurdles to developing this understanding, such as workload demands, regulatory compliance responsibilities, and difficulties communicating with principal investigators. The document provides tips for research administrators to efficiently digest key parts of proposals like the budget justification and study protocol in order to obtain a high-level understanding of project goals and design.

1. Get the Gist: The Need for
Content Knowledge in Research
Administration
A Discussion Group Template
First presented at SRAI Allegheny Chapter Meeting 2018

2. Overview
Purpose:
• To explore the following ideas:
• Why is it important to dig (a little) deeper into the content of research for the
department level research administrator?
• What challenges and/or opportunities surround balancing the demands of
research administration duties while attempting to dig into content?
Take-a-ways:
• Establish a open dialogue on the necessity and challenges of content
knowledge.
• Identify ways to absorb basic content knowledge.

3. Discussion Question 1:
Name one advantage to understanding the
technical content of grants and contracts?

4. Advantages to Content Knowledge
1. Analyze what actions steps we need to take in order to process the
award (pre or post).
2. Advise Principal Investigators / research team on any compliance,
budgetary, unforeseen expenses, or other issues that may develop.
3. Articulate a layman’s version of the science to colleagues assisting with
the projects (external departments, internal central office, etc.).
4. Transfer of knowledge within our organization/group/team on research.
(Helps to transition grant portfolios amongst staff / new staff.)
Lastly – it will help you build creditability with your researchers.

5. Discussion Question 2:
Name one hurdle to understanding the
technical content of grants and contracts?

6. Hurdles to Processing
Content
Emails
Regulations
Personality
Types
PI
Demands
Difficulty
Communicating
Award
Deadlines
Reporting

7. Discussion Question 3:
What pieces of the grant/contract are critical to digest
technical content?

8. Three Key Pieces to Review
Budget / Budget
Justification
Funding
Announcement
Protocol /
Technical
Some sections to focus may be called:
• Introduction
• Background
• Study Aims
• Study Design

9. Summarizing Tips

10. Summarize Quickly
First Sentence Stand Outs
Assuming that the first or opening sentence of each
paragraph introduces the main point to be discussed
in that paragraph – read only the opening sentences
of each paragraph, chapter, or sub-section.
Look for any hints given by the author. These might
include:
• Underlining
• Bolding
• Italics
• Subheadings
• section breaks
$2
Challenge
If one word is worth $0.10, describe the
project only spending $2.00.
Ahas-
Huhs
Write down 1 or 2 “ahas” (something you
learned) and 1 or 2 “huhs” (things
you still have questions about).
Topic Gist
Write 20 phrases that describe the gist of
the material.
Classic
5W-H
Write down the Who, What, When,
Where, Why, and How of the project.

11. Now Document It!
Tip: staple this sheet to the front or inside of your paper file folder
Study Name
Principal Investigator(s)
Award Period
Total Dollar Amount
Budget Period
First Period Dollar Amount
Gist of Project
(in 20 words or less)
Sub-Accounts
Sub-Sites
Regulatory Data IRB Yes / No Animal Research Yes / No
Data Sharing Yes / No If so, what
Material Transfers Yes / No If so, what
Other Information