About STAIR
Our Goals
The overarching goal of the Skilled Training in Administration and Institutional Research (STAIR) is to provide essential research infrastructure and strengthen the research ecosystem to advance national scientific progress by:
- Providing a modular and inclusive pathway to professionalization by expanding and diversifying the Penn State ACES curriculum;
- Developing a comprehensive, specialized Team-Based Consulting framework.
We will do this through:
Increased efficiency, accuracy, and compliance of RA support
Advancing pathways to professionalization in RA
Enhanced expansion of RA through partnerships
Our Objectives
Objective 1: Expand the ACES curriculum
Leveraging Penn State’s ACES (ACOR Certification and Education Series) program, STAIR is creating a modular, open-access curriculum designed to meet the needs of a broader audience. This curriculum will support professional development in research administration, enhance skills, and foster collaboration among research administrators and faculty.
Watch a 1-minute video about CARES.
CARES Curriculum Trailer Transcript
Welcome to CARES, the Collaborative Administration for Research Excellence Series.
CARES goes beyond the basics, building the knowledge and confidence research professionals need for real world research administration.
Eight focused modules show how proposal work actually happens, shaped by experts for research administrators and faculty across career stages. You’ll receive a certificate for each module you complete.
You’ll learn through concise, focused instruction that breaks down key concepts clearly.
You’ll engage with realistic research administration scenarios, involving judgment and ethics.
You’ll use knowledge checks and reflections to build confidence.
CARES helps you do your work with greater clarity and confidence; within the research ecosystem you support every day.
Learn. Lead. Excel. Enroll in the CARES course and get certified today!
Objective 2: Develop a Team-Based Consulting Framework
STAIR maintains a community of professionals who provide tailored consulting support for research proposals. Our multidisciplinary teams include subject matter experts, graphic designers, and funding specialists to help early-career researchers succeed.
