CARDEA EU Project Advances Research Management with New Framework and Training Academy
CARDEA EU Project Advances Research Management with New Framework and Training Academy https://opusproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-06_09h51_08.png 564 567 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project https://opusproject.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-06_09h51_08.pngThe CARDEA EU project has marked significant progress in professionalising research management across Europe, launching two major initiatives endorsed by the European Commission: the RM Comp competence framework and the CARDEA Academy. These developments follow the successful submission of Deliverable D7.2, which synthesises insights from interviews with opinion leaders on the evolving role of research managers (RMs).
Launch of the European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RM Comp)
The RM Comp establishes a structured career pathway for RMs, aligning skills development with European standards. Key features include:
- Four-tier career progression (RM1 to RM4), mirroring academic ranks, with senior roles linked to institutional leadership.
- Emphasis on T-shaped competencies: blending transversal skills (e.g., communication, empathy) with technical expertise in areas like ethics, intellectual property, and funding regulations.
- Integration with the “Excellence in Research” award criteria to incentivise institutional adoption.
The framework aims to counter precarity in RM roles by advocating for stable contracts and clearer career trajectories, addressing longstanding issues of undervaluation in academia.
CARDEA Academy: Free Training for Emerging Research Managers
Led by the University of Macerata, the CARDEA Academy offers:
- 17 on-demand modules covering essential RM skills, from grant writing to stakeholder engagement.
- Certification via open badges and micro-credentials upon completion.
- Career development tools, including personalised training needs analyses and organisational development plans.
The Academy’s resources, freely accessible on the CARDEA HUB, target both new entrants and seasoned professionals seeking to align with EU standards.
Key Findings from CARDEA Interviews
Deliverable D7.2, now available on Zenodo, highlights critical insights from seven interviews with RM experts:
Defining the Role of Research Managers
- RMs are “enablers”, not mere supporters, of the research cycle—spanning pre-award planning, post-award implementation, and knowledge valorisation.
- Described as “connectors” and “problem solvers”, they bridge academia, industry, and policymakers1.
| Core RM Competencies | Examples |
|---|---|
| Transversal Skills | Communication, empathy, critical thinking |
| Technical Skills | Ethics, IP management, funding regulations |
Challenges and Solutions
- Visibility and Parity: RMs often face hierarchical biases in academia, with perceived inferiority to researchers. Solutions include:
- Metrics to quantify RM impact (e.g., grant success rates).
- Advocacy via EU associations to elevate the profession’s status1.
- Training Gaps: A “360-degree” training path is recommended, incorporating international mobility and sector-specific specialisations.
Policy Recommendations
- Develop a dedicated RM career framework, distinct from researchers, to clarify roles and progression.
- Extend tools like EURAXESS to advertise RM jobs and support cross-border mobility.
Research managers are the backbone of the innovation ecosystem. By professionalising their roles, we ensure that Europe’s research potential is fully realised.The CARDEA project continues to drive systemic change, fostering collaboration between RMs and researchers to strengthen the European Research Area.
