The Quiet Work of Research Ops

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes to make complex user research happen? In this session, Salesforce's Riya Relan pulls back the curtain on Research Ops, a function often misunderstood as mere "scheduling and tools." Whether you are a researcher or an operations specialist, this talk provides the blueprint to elevate your function and prove your value to the organization.

What You'll Learn:

• Reframing the Role: Discover why Research Ops is a strategic partner rather than just a support team .
• The Iceberg Effect: Understand the "invisible" work - from building relationship capital to navigating legal complexities - that keeps research running smoothly.
• Actionable Lessons:
  1. Reframe your scope: Shift from operational tasks to strategic impact.
  2. Earn access: Build trust with internal stakeholders, like Account Executives, to reach hard-to-find participants.
  3. Absorb complexity: Learn how to act as a "sponge" for logistics, freeing up researchers to focus on insights.
  4. Master the pivot: Develop the judgment to handle crises when processes fail.