Less than a year in his role at Trent University, Rahul Banerjee, assistant director of Research Security, Innovation and Partnerships, is becoming recognized as a global stand-out in the field of research administration, earning the 2025 Future of the Field award by the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). 

“Trent was the only Canadian institution recognized in this category, which honours emerging leaders advancing new approaches in research administration, and I think that really speaks to how Rahul is demonstrating credibility and innovation in this growing and important field,” said Christopher Rooney, senior director of Research & Innovation at Trent. 

Banerjee’s efforts reflect the growing importance of research administration in Canada’s evolving knowledge and economic landscape. 

“Research has significant economic and social value,” says Banerjee. “My role is to help researchers move their work forward confidently, supporting collaboration and innovation while making sure risks are understood and managed responsibly.” 

Banerjee helps researchers seeking to expand strategic partnerships, commercialization and innovation with enhanced due diligence. This award from SRAI recognizes his successes across his career history, and demonstration of exceptional professional growth and significant contributions made to the advancement of research administration. 

At Trent, Banerjee brings together colleagues from the President’s Office, Campus Safety, IT, procurement, and research administration to ensure partnership and research agreements align with institutional, provincial, and federal security requirements while also supporting the broad potential and public impact of discovery and innovation at Trent. This shared-responsibility model strengthens awareness across campus and supports coordinated decision-making for leading discoveries across disciplines, including sensitive knowledge in sustainability, chemical and life sciences, isotope research, Arctic security, data science, and artificial intelligence.  

Connect with Rahul Banerjee through the Office of Research and Innovation to learn more about research security, innovation and partnerships at Trent. 

About SRAI 
The Society of Research Administrators International is the premier global research management society providing education, professional development and the latest comprehensive information about research management to professionals from over 40 countries. www.srainternational.org/who-we-are