Explained

Research management is a multifaceted field that is essential for building strategic capacity of research performing and funding organisations, thereby supporting the advancement of the European Research Area. 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.

In the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, the ERA action ‘Empowering R&I: A new ERA in research management’ continues to focus on upskilling, capacity building, networking and awareness creation. Planned outcomes include an awareness campaign, the development of a European Charter for Research Managers, and the establishment of an online hub offering educational resources and training opportunities.

These policy plans are grounded in the achievements and activities of the previous ERA action 17 in the ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024. This first action started off by identifying key challenges in the research management profession and co-creating a common definition to serve as the basis for developing an initial set of policy recommendations. Major outcomes include:

the development of the European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RM Comp), defining core skills, proficiency levels, and learning outcomes to support professional development and to standardise practices across Europe;
community-building, for example through RM Ambassadors’ Network, involving 116 research managers from 40 countries in Europe; and
the establishment of the CARDEA academy, a training platform offering free, on-demand modules, certifications, and career development tools to support the professionalisation of research managers across Europe.

Horizon Europe plays a key role in fostering research management: The projects, CARDEA and RM Roadmap were key in advancing the deliverables of ERA action 17. New projects are foreseen in WIDERA work programmes 2025, 2026 and 2027.

On this page, you can find relevant resources, tools, insights, and ongoing projects related to 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.