AUARMA network – interdisciplinary research support network

In a complex funding landscape, the sharing of knowledge and the exchange of experience is crucial between all AU’s funding support staff across disciplines and organisational affiliations. That is why an AUARMA network has been established, where funding support staff from all over AU come together three times a year for theme meetings organised by the Research Support Office. In addition, representatives from the five faculties meet for a number of working lunches throughout the year. 

Theme meetings, lunch meetings, Teams channel
At the theme meetings, themes and issues of relevance to all funding support staff are discussed, regardless of organisational affiliation and subject area. The most recent meeting focused on innovation in projects: how to identify innovation and how to collaborate on and promote innovation in a project application process.

“The interdisciplinary network at AU is an important forum for collaboration and knowledge sharing in the area of research support. By meeting in person to discuss topical issues, we get to stand stronger professionally. The faculties’ different approaches to research support underscore the need for us consultants to learn from each other and develop together – for the benefit of researchers across AU.” Anne Cathrine Sønderstgaard Thorup, Division Manager for Health Research Support.

In addition, members of the network are invited to join a Teams channel where materials, tools, presentations and other similar resources are shared. The Teams channel can also be used to discuss specific issues or ask questions of colleagues across AU, e.g. about guidelines or the requirements of specific foundations. The lunch meetings focus on faculty-specific issues.

New division of responsibilities – new collaborative interfaces
AUARMA was established following changes to the division of responsibilities between the Research Support Office and the faculties. A number of grants previously supported by the Research Support Office are now supported at the faculty and departmental levels, and it therefore makes sense to ensure systematic and ongoing contact between the different levels.

Next meeting
The next AUARMA network meeting will be held on 14 August 2025 and is open to all staff members who provide guidance on funding. The theme has not yet been decided, and if you have ideas for a broadly relevant theme, you are very welcome to send them to coordinator Ditte Habekost Rounborg by email: [email protected]

AUARMA = Aarhus University’s Association of Research Managers and Administrators