Research Professional Committees and Certifications

The mission of the Research Professional (RP) Steering and Engagement and Mentoring (E&M) Committees are to enhance the quality of our research enterprise and provide professional opportunities for research professionals through advocacy, mentorship, citizenship, and education. 

Steering Committee

• Clinical and Behavioral Research Ladder Advancement – Advancement opportunities for the clinical and behavioral research professionals are open bi-anually. For more information, please refer to the internal MS Teams Research Professionals Channel. 
• Exemplar Awards – This award is a great way to recognize research professionals that go above and beyond their role. There are four award categories Early Career, Patient and Family Advocate, Researcher, and Leadership. Nominations are from peers or other Lurie Children's employees. For more information, please refer to the internal MS Teams Research Professional Channel.

Engagement and Mentoring Committee

• Mentoring Program - The Mentoring Program pairs seasoned research professionals (RPs), called "Mentors", with more junior RPs, called "Mentees". The goal of the program is to support personal and professional development.  
  • Mentees are individuals who take an active role in their learning and career development. For Mentees, the Mentoring Program supports career growth, facilitates learning and professional skill development, and encourages networking and connection building.  
  • Mentors must be at Lurie Children’s for at least one year and have at least two years of research experience. For Mentors, the Mentoring Program provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills, to share knowledge and resources, and to support the professional growth of the Mentees.  
  • Contact: RPMentoring@luriechildrens.org    
• Journal Club - Journal Club provides a platform for the research community to discuss different topics found in research journal articles. All staff are encouraged to attend the Journal Clubs and are welcome to present an article at Journal Club. Staff are welcome to present articles individually, or with a co-presenter. These sessions are held for one hour, are a great way to network with other RPs. 
  • Please email RPJournalclub@luriechildrens.org for more information or to participate in or attend a Journal Club.  
• Town Halls and Events – This committee hosts monthly Research Professional Town Halls. These meetings provide information and updates on relevant research-related topics for the research community. Support Services and Research Administration Offices also provide administrative updates each month. Town Halls are recorded and posted on internal MS Teams Research Professionals Channel. In addition to the RP Town Halls, there are a few events that are held on an annual basis.
  • To view previously recorded RP town halls, please click here.

For additional information and resources related to the Research Professionals Egnagement and Mentoring Committee and its programs and activities, please contact RPEMC@luriechildrens.org. You can also refer to the MS Teams Research Professionals Channel.

Professional Organizations and Certifications

The following list includes common organizations that research professionals may want to get involved with or gain certification through. If you identify another organization that you would like Manne Research Institute to highlight, email us at researchdevelopment@luriechildrens.org.  

Reimbursement for Certification and Membership: Please complete this application for reimbursement. Contact RPSteering@luriechildrens.org with questions.   

Certified Research Professionals conducting Human Subjects Research  

• The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) supports clinical research professionals through membership, training and development, and certification. ACRP’s mission is to promote excellence in clinical research. For more information visit http://www.acrpnet.org 
• The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) is a non-profit, charitable and educational membership organization committed to providing education, certification, and networking opportunities to all persons involved in clinical research activities. 
  • SOCRA membership is available to all clinical research professionals who work with cooperative research groups, academic, government, and private institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, device manufacturers, CROs, SMOs, independent research, and development organizations, and those who are involved in the management of clinical trials. 
  • For more information on the national organization, visit http://www.socra.org
  • For more information on the Chicagoland SOCRA Chapter, visit https://www.socra.org/chapters/list-of-chapters/view/Chicagoland 

Certified IRB Professionals 

• Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1974, that works to ensure the highest ethical standards in research by providing education and other professional resources to the research and research oversight community, including those who work with human subjects protections programs (HRPPs), institutional review boards (IRBs), animal care and use programs, and institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs).
• PRIM&R has two credential programs: the Certified IRB Professional (CIP®) and Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®). 

Certified Research Administrators

• The Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential means that you demonstrate a level of knowledge of all aspects of research administration. It is obtained by qualifying for and taking the CRA exam, which is administered by an independent certifying body, the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC). The CRA exam is rigorous, and it must be taken at a designated site and it is administered through Professional Testing Corporation. In a four-hour period, test-takers must answer 250 questions that cover the full spectrum of research administration. The curriculum covered by the exam is referred to as the "Body of Knowledge.” The CRA credential means that you demonstrate a level of knowledge of all aspects of research administration.