Presenter: Gordon Laurie

Gordon Laurie will describe a research journey that began with the 2017 renovation of the third floor of Pinn Hall, which resulted in the relocation of his laboratory to the Aurbach Building. A chance hallway encounter with a member of Kenneth Brayman's laboratory led to the discovery that lacritin, previously known for its presence in tears and role in eye health, is also found in the bloodstream where it contributes to the health of insulin-secreting islets.

His presentation will highlight the key discoveries, translational research efforts, and commercialization pathway that ultimately led to the creation of IsletRegen, LLC.

Presenter: Richard Chylla

Richard Chylla will examine the management of intellectual property within sponsored research agreements, where questions of IP ownership and licensing rights frequently become central negotiation points.

He will discuss common intellectual property issues in research contracts and explain how UVA's Licensing and Ventures Group supports commercialization through licensing and venture creation.

Presenter: Rob Jones

Rob Jones will discuss significant recent changes in federal research security requirements being implemented across funding agencies.

Topics will include risk analysis matrices, risk mitigation plans, due diligence requirements, export controls, and the impacts on research administration and sponsored programs at UVA.

Presenter: Bryan Berger

Whether it is the food we eat, the water we drink or the environment we live in, we face increasing exposure throughout our daily lives to substances such as PFAS, microplastics or pesticides that are increasingly linked to adverse health effects. In this talk, I will share examples from my laboratory of how we use biotechnology to develop solutions to address these challenges, and how these solutions are translated to market. I’ll also highlight the broad range of community partners, such as growers, food producers and water treatment facilities, that we work with in identifying and developing effective solutions.

Presenter: Claire Ziegler

Leadership isn't defined by a title - it's built through intentional growth. Explore how UVA's Learning & Development programs, Learning Tracks, and stretch opportunities can help you develop the skills needed to lead teams, projects, and change. Whether leadership is your next career goal or you're looking to expand your influence where you are, you'll leave with practical strategies for continued growth.

Presenter: Kim Wood

Your career doesn't have to happen by chance. Learn how to intentionally navigate your professional journey at UVA by exploring career development resources, building meaningful connections, and having productive career conversations with managers and mentors. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, explore new opportunities, or simply take the next step, this session will provide practical strategies to help you chart your path.

Presenter: Olga Weider

Fiscal stewardship is more than following policies and checking boxes, it’s about making thoughtful decisions, asking the right questions, and taking shared responsibility for the resources entrusted to us. In this interactive session, we’ll explore what good fiscal stewardship looks like in practice, with a particular focus on the research environment and the decisions research administrators and faculty navigate every day.. Through real-world examples, including lessons from audit findings and cases from other institutions, we’ll look at what can happen when good intentions, complex situations, and financial requirements collide, and what we can learn from them. Together, we’ll consider how strong financial practices, sound judgment, and effective partnerships across research and finance contribute to good stewardship. Participants will leave with practical ways to recognize risk, strengthen stewardship in their everyday work, along with a reminder that they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.

Facilitator: Jaime Petrasek Panelists: Crystal Haislip, Liz Kitchin, Carey Reinicke, Jenna Rybnicky, and Alex Torres

What makes a great research administrator today, and what skills will matter most tomorrow? As research administration continues to evolve, success depends on more than understanding policies, systems, and regulations. Today's most effective research administrators are relationship builders, problem solvers, communicators, connectors, and trusted advisors.

In this interactive fireside chat, a diverse panel of research administration professionals will share lessons learned, career experiences, and practical perspectives on the human skills that help RAs make a meaningful impact. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the conversation as we explore what it means to be a strategic research administrator in a rapidly changing environment.

Facilitator: Erika Priddy

If you could redesign the OSP website, what would you keep, what would you change, and what would you add? In this collaborative working session, we'll remix the OSP website together by identifying the resources, tools, and information that matter most to the research community. Through discussion and interactive activities, participants will help reimagine how the website can better support faculty, research administrators, and teams throughout the research lifecycle.

This is not a presentation about a new website. It's an opportunity to contribute your ideas and help shape a more intuitive, useful, and user-centered online experience. Whether you have a wish list, a favorite resource, or an idea for making information easier to discover, your input will help inform future improvements and ensure the website evolves to meet the needs of its users.