The INSPIRING ERA project invites you to the upcoming INSPIRING ERA Exchange: A New Era in Research Management?, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, on 23–24 September 2026. The event will bring together policymakers, research managers, university leaders, funding organisations, research-performing organisations and practitioners to discuss how Europe can strengthen research management as a strategic capacity for the future of research and innovation.
Research managers have become indispensable actors in Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem. Their role increasingly extends beyond grant acquisition and project administration, encompassing strategic institutional development, research assessment reform, Open Science implementation, knowledge valorisation, intellectual property management, artificial intelligence adoption, international cooperation and research security. The new ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027 recognises this growing importance through the dedicated ERA Action “A New ERA in Research Management”, aimed at strengthening professional recognition, skills development, networking and institutional capacity building.
The Lisbon Exchange will provide a forum for moving from awareness and training towards a more mature, recognised and strategically empowered research management profession across Europe. Discussions will focus on the recognition and career development of research managers, sustainable funding models, competence development, the role of AI and digital transformation, Open Science, knowledge valorisation, intellectual property management, and cooperation between widening and non-widening countries.
Event Details
Date: 23–24 September 2026
Location: Lisbon, Portugal (Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Centro Ciência Viva, Auditório José Mariano Gago)
Format: Lunch Day 1 – Lunch Day 2
What to Expect
The programme will combine policy perspectives, expert interventions, breakout-group discussions and practical exchanges of experience from across Europe. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss key challenges, identify practical recommendations and learn from successful institutional approaches.
Highlights include:
- Policy perspectives on the implementation of the ERA Action “A New ERA in Research Management”
- Insights into the Research Manager Competence Framework and professional development pathways
- Interactive breakout groups on AI, Open Science, funding, career development, knowledge valorisation and intellectual property management
- A dedicated Pitching of Best Practices session presenting successful approaches from across Europe
- A Best Practice Marketplace supporting networking, peer learning and institutional exchange
- A closing discussion focused on policy recommendations and future cooperation opportunities.
The event will also serve as a platform for strengthening the European research management community and identifying practical solutions that can support institutional transformation, capacity building and more effective participation in European research and innovation programmes.
Registration is now open.
REGISTRATION LINK: INSPIRING ERA Exchange: A New Era in Research Management?
Call for contributions
If you would like to apply for travel and accommodation reimbursement, we encourage you to participate in the Call for Contributors and share your Success Story from the Research Management Community.
Selected contributors will be invited to deliver a short 5-minute pitching presentation showcasing successful approaches, innovative practices and lessons learned related to research management, institutional transformation, AI in research support, Open Science, knowledge valorisation, international cooperation, talent development and other relevant topics.
Pitching Survey for the Matchmaking Sessions: Success Stories from the Research Management Community
We look forward to receiving your contributions and facilitating exchanges between research managers, policymakers and institutional leaders from across Europe.
A detailed agenda will follow shortly, together with comprehensive guidelines for preparing your pitching presentation. We look forward to welcoming you to Lisbon and exploring together how Europe can build a stronger, more connected and strategically recognised research management ecosystem.
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Maciej Zdanowicz, EU Policy Advisor
NCBR – NCBR Office in Brussels
maciej.zdanowicz@ncbr.gov.pl
