Dipti Pandya, Director of Research at UCD, has been re-elected as Chair of the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA). She begins her second term as Chair this month.

The EARMA community is composed of 400+ institutional members from 47 countries. At the forefront of building the European Research Area, the grassroots association is a platform for professional development and best practice, forming an interface between research funding organisations and the scientific community, and bridging cultural and legal differences between countries, academia and industry. 

Dipti has served as EARMA Chair for two years and received strong support when she was re-elected by members at the 2025 EARMA General Assembly in Madrid. In addition to the Chair’s mandate, members cast their votes for three new Board positions. The successful candidates were Ignasi Salvado, Joana Porcel, and Harald Hasler-Sheetal.

Following the EARMA Board’s first meeting of this term in Brussels, Dipti Pandya said, “This year has marked a major turning point for EARMA, affirming our role as the professional association of research managers and administrators in Europe as we seek recognition of the profession through professional development, community engagement, and strategic leadership. Highlights of our accomplishments over the past year, include expanding our community, strengthening policy engagement and growing international collaboration.

“There are exciting times ahead as Ireland prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, and as the European Research Area (ERA) Act progresses. Going forward, EARMA will continue to be a strong voice for demonstrating the value of research in Europe, reflecting the full breadth and diversity of our members, while remaining responsive to new challenges and opportunities.”

EARMA recently assumed the Secretariat and Chair of the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) for the period 2025–2027. Hosted by EARMA, the INORMS Congress brought together more than 2,200 research managers and administrators (RMAs) from over 67 countries, which was the largest gathering of RMAs globally.

As the new INORMS Secretariat, EARMA will provide leadership and coordination to support the network’s strategic development and collaborative activities throughout this term. Dipti Pandya and EARMA Treasurer Dr Christian Bonnici will serve as Co-Chairs of the network, working closely with the INORMS Council and its 27+ global member associations to advance shared goals demonstrating the value of research worldwide.

Dipti said, “At a time when research funding faces pressure globally, this close international collaboration and strong shared research community will be critical in the drive for progress. I believe we can achieve a lot together.”  

At UCD, Dipti is also Co-Chair of the EDI Anti-Racism and Cultural Awareness group, a member of University Management Team-EDI group and a member of the Academic Council Quality Enhancement Committee. She was appointed by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to the board of Léargas, and was previously a board member for the Irish Universities Quality Board.

Visit the EARMA website to learn more.