Explained
Research management is a multifaceted field essential to the advancement of the research and innovation system across the ERA by enhancing the strategic capacity for research performing and funding organisations.
The goal of research management is to support and enhance public research performing and research funding organisations through professional development and specialised training for research managers. Despite their critical role, research managers often face challenges such as lack of professional recognition and accreditation of their work, uneven distribution of expertise, and a constant need for new skills.
Action 17 of the first ERA Policy Agenda (2022-2024) aims at enhancing the training and skills development of research management staff, increasing networking and promoting the recognition of the R&I management profession at institutional and government levels. For example, the Commission is preparing to launch a campaign of success stories from the community aimed at increasing awareness about the importance and scope of research managers. There is also an ongoing process to reach a basic consensus on the definition of research managers.
Horizon Europe, the current EU framework programme for research and innovation, plays a key role in fostering research management. It supports a variety of resources, tools and projects contributing in a synergetic way to addressing challenges of the profession.
For example, two current projects, CARDEA and RM Roadmap are focused on enhancing research management competencies and fostering networks. They are working together on a Career & Competence Framework for Research Management.
On this page, you can find relevant resources and tools, ongoing projects and upcoming calls for proposals, and insights on outcomes and impacts of Horizon Europe support to research management.
Resources and tools
RM Roadmap Ambassadors
List of Ambassadors who play a crucial role as community builders for research managers across Europe. By Horizon Europe project RM Roadmap.
Research Management Associations in Europe
Research managers and administrators present in Member States that help researchers, research performing organisations and research funding organisations daily. By Horizon Europe project RM Roadmap.
Listen to stakeholders
Competence-based Approach for Research Managers
Competence framework designed to provide an interoperable career framework for Research Managers in Europe and their employers at any research performing organisations. By Horizon Europe project Cardea.
Explore Horizon Europe projects
Horizon Europe Work Programmes 2023-2024
HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-01-03: Support for the professionalisation of research management