The role of University Research Administrators in pre-award services and useful communication skills

This paper discusses the typical support provided by the URA in pre-award administration, focusing on major tasks such as drafting research proposals, gathering and sharing open calls for funding with prospective applicants, and planning research projects. It also addresses anticipated challenges and their solutions, along with specific examples of support at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of communication skills as a foundation for these tasks. The author introduces training programs to improve communication skills at OIST, showcasing the significance of communication skills in pre-award tasks from three perspectives: writing ability, understanding different viewpoints, and intercultural competence.