Research management (RM) and Innovation/Technology Transfer management (IM) are relatively new roles within research organisations, and there are no clearly defined or documented standards as to what specific competencies/skill sets are required to perform in these disciplines. There is also a need for defining career stages, as well as what career progression looks like in each discipline. For these reasons, SARIMA, with the funding support of the South African Department of Science and Technology and the World Health Organisation’s TDR-ESSENCE programme, amongst other partners, embarked on the development of a competency framework for RM as well as IM.  Such frameworks can be adapted and implemented to guide the professional development of RM and IM practitioners, at various levels of their career.

The ultimate goal is for each practitioner to achieve professional recognition status. Having achieved such status means that you are accredited and recognised by your peers locally and internationally as an experienced practitioner/professional in the disciplines, with a proven track record. SARIMA has partnered with international peer organisations to provide accreditation in both disciplines.