The Office of Research Services has been in existence since ca. 1982. Previously, research-related matters appear to have been the responsibility of the Graduate Studies' University Grants Officer (ca. 1973). Functions of the Grants Office which related to research and grants were transferred to the new Associate Vice-President (Research).

Since 1982, the Office of Research Services has been led by a Director who reports to the Vice-President (Research) and is responsible for the development, implementation, and operation of programs and services relating to sponsored research. The Office approves and endorses research grant applications and contract proposals on behalf of the University; advises and assists faculty members with the development of proposals to establish research institutes, centres, and groups; acts on behalf of the VP (Research) in matters arising from the deliberations of the University's Biosafety, Radiation Safety, and Animal Welfare Committes; maintains a research information system on grants and contracts, sponsors' research interests, and the capabilities and special expertise of faculty members; and coordinates the preparation and dissemination of research information aimed at fostering public awareness of research at the University.

As of 2015, the VP (Research) office still remains directly responsible for the Research Services Office (RSO). Although it works closely with units under the Research portfolio, Research Accounting (RA) is officially under the VP (Finance and Services) portfolio. Innovate Calgary, the technology-transfer and business-incubation centre for the University, works closely with Research Services and the VP (Research) office.