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Virtual Training for Students

This 10-week, fully online course introduces undergraduate students to the field of research administration. Through a combination of live sessions, asynchronous modules, mentorship, and real-world observations, students will explore how research is developed, funded, and managed in academic settings. Key topics include the research lifecycle, proposal development, budgeting, compliance, submission systems, and career pathways in research administration. Students will gain practical insights and professional skills in research administraition through lectures, guided mentorship and practicum experiences.

Each year, five students will be selected to participate in the program. Participants will receive a $7,000 stipend upon full attendance and successful completion of all program requirements.

2027 Program Applications Are Now Open!

Deadline for application: Novemebr 9th, 2026
Announcement: Dec 15th, 2026
Dates: Jan 25th – April 2nd, 2027
Students from all majors are encouraged to apply!

Learn more about one of our 2025 student training cohort members, Catherine Wilson, in this spotlight video.

Program Format

Online live sessions
Asynchronous learning modules
Individual and group mentorship meetings

Observations of research administration meetings
Weekly assignments and a final group project
Expert-led sessions and opportunities for peer collaboration

Student Testimonial

“This summer, I’ve been interning with Ronald McDonald House New York and found a lot of my experiences relating to what I learned from STAIR. I made an effort to meet with colleagues across the organization to learn more about nonprofit administration. Some of my favorite conversations have been with the grants writing and development teams. Thanks to STAIR, I was able to follow discussions about RFPs, different types of funders, proposal development, and grant management, which made those conversations much more meaningful. It also confirmed for me how interested I am in the administrative side of grants, funding, and research.”

Abigail Brown
2026 Cohort Member
Cornell University, Major in Global Development, Minors in Health Policy and Business

Learning Objectives

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to demonstrate they have fulfilled the following learning objectives:

Understand the Research Project Lifecycle

Learners will be able to identify and describe the key phases of the research project lifecycle: from idea development and funding identification to project closeout, and explain how each phase connects within the broader context of research administration.

Interpret Funding Solicitations

Learners will be able to identify key components of funding opportunity announcements and extract critical requirements related to eligibility, scope, deadlines, and proposal formatting.

Develop a Statement of Work (SOW)

Learners will be able to critically analyze a clear and concise Statement of Work that outlines project goals, objectives, timelines, and deliverables in alignment with sponsor expectations.

Construct a Compliant Proposal Budget and budget justification

Learners will be able to build a basic project budget that includes appropriate cost categories and complies with cost principles. Learners will also be able to prepare a persuasive and accurate budget justification aligned with the project scope and explains the necessity of each budgeted item.

Understand the Proposal Development and Submission Process

Learners will gain familiarity with the technologies and tools used in research administration, including submission portals and research information systems, as well as the internal coordination required for successful proposal development and submission.

Explore Career Trajectories and Professional Organizations in Research Administration

Learners will be able to identify common career pathways within research administration, recognize the value of ongoing professional development, and describe the role of key professional organizations in supporting career growth and advancing the field.

Enhance Understanding through Mentorship and Practicum

Learners will strengthen their understanding of research administration by participating in professional mentorship and practicum experiences to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world research administration practice.

Curriculum Overview

Week 1: Orientation and Foundations of Research Administration
Week 2: Foundations of Research Administration
Week 3: Research Administration Careers
Week 4: Proposal Development
Week 5: Project Management in Research Administration
Week 6: Budgeting for Sponsored Proposals

Week 7: Research Integrity, Protection, Security, and Responsible Use of AI
Week 8: Contracting, Negotiation, and Funding Rules
Week 9: Human Skills and Professionalism for Research Administrators
Week 10: Final Presentations and Course Wrap-Up

Our Students

The STAIR student training program is bringing together students from a range of schools and academic disciplines. This group reflects a strong interest in the field and a shared commitment to building practical skills to support research activities across institutions.