Research
Management
Research Management
Research management plays a key role in enabling high-quality research and innovation, supporting institutions and researchers in navigating increasingly complex funding, collaboration, and policy environments. It contributes to the effective design, implementation, and impact of research activities, while strengthening organisational capacity and competitiveness across the European research landscape.
In the European Research Area (ERA), research management focuses on enhancing professional recognition, skills development, and networking for research managers, as well as improving institutional support structures. It supports better coordination of research activities, stronger participation in European programmes, and more effective translation of research into impact, with dedicated support provided through Horizon Europe.
In the ERA Policy Agenda (2025–2027), research management is addressed through actions aimed at strengthening capacity, professionalisation, and community building across Europe. This includes developing common frameworks, improving access to training, and enhancing visibility of the profession. This builds on the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024, which established the first foundations for a European research management community and introduced initial tools and initiatives to support its development.
ERA tools and resources
Research Manager Competence Framework (RM Comp)
Defines core skills, proficiency levels, and learning outcomes to standardize practices across Europe.
CARDEA Academy
An online training platform offering free, on-demand modules and certifications delivered by experienced research managers.
EDI toolkit and fact sheet (CARDEA)
Practical resources to help managers integrate equality, diversity, and inclusion values into institutional R&I work.
RM Roadmap Ambassadors’ Network
A community of 116 managers across 40 countries supporting peer learning and regional engagement.
Co-creation for research management community (RM Roadmap)
Documents the landscape of national networks and identifies future skills and development priorities.
Catalogue of professional development (RM Roadmap)
A snapshot of existing training, funding, and mobility opportunities open to the research management community.
“75 Success Stories from the Research Management Community”
Showcases practical examples (e.g., from Tampere University or EU-LIFE) of how research management boosts funding success and societal impact.
ERA Talent Platform
Provides access to tools and services supporting research careers, including resources relevant for research management roles and institutions.
ERA Policy Platform
Central hub for information, monitoring and exchange on ERA actions, including resources and developments related to research management.
Source: ERA Policy Platform, INSPIRING ERA
Related EU projects and initiatives
- CARDEA (2022-2026)
Strengthens recognition and professional development of research managers through training, networking and community-building activities. - RM Roadmap (2022-2025)
Establishes a European network of research managers and develops a shared vision for the future of the profession. - RM Framework (2025-2027)
Develops structured training programmes and tools to support capacity building and professionalisation in research management across Europe.
