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.
Co-creation for research management community
Brings together research management communities to develop a roadmap for the future of research management and inform about professional development opportunities. Co-creation outcomes are summarised in two reports: “Understanding the landscape: National networks and associations” (Feb 2024) and “Who are research managers; skills and competences” (Sept 2024). By the Horizon Europe project RM Roadmap.
Catalogue of professional development opportunities for research managers in Europe
Provides to the research management community a snapshot of the currently existing training, funding, networking, mobility opportunities, and existing research management networks. These opportunities are frequently available (not one-off opportunities) and open to participation (not restricted to institutional staff). By Horizon Europe project RM Roadmap.
CARDEA Academy
Offers open access to online training resources. Each module is delivered by experienced research managers who lead on training initiatives in their respective areas. By Horizon Europe project CARDEA.
The European Competence Framework for Research Managers
Lists key skills needed for effective research management, supports career growth, and helps organisations follow European standards, ensuring consistency across roles and institutions. By Horizon Europe projects CARDEA and RM Roadmap.
EDI toolkit and fact sheet
EDI toolkit and fact sheet. By utilising these resources, Research Managers can better advocate for and integrate EDI values into their work, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and diverse research community. By Horizon Europe project CARDEA.
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