RM Framework: Creating a European Framework for Research Management Training and Networking

Successful research requires well-trained research managers. These take on essential tasks throughout the entire process and have different qualifications for this. In order to be able to impart the required competences within the European Research Area on the basis of standards, the ‘RM Framework’ project has set itself the goal of developing a European qualification system for research management (RM).

Vocational and academic education and training in research management and the creation of a quality label are intended to improve interoperability within the European Research Area (ERA) and the professional development of research managers in the long term and sustainably. With the help of the framework, political decision-makers, training and network providers should be able to design further training courses according to recognised standards. At the same time, the common framework should offer sufficient flexibility to take local and national differences in Europe into account.

Stakeholders from ten countries are involved in the project (Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain). They are supported by an extensive network of European and national RM organisations.

The CHE Centre for Higher Education gGmbH and the ZWM Centre for Science Management e.V. will focus on the first work package. The ZWM is in the lead for the description of the framework conditions (e.g. map of the ecosystem), the CHE is in charge of creating a handbook in which information for the development of curricula and teaching approaches will be compiled. The CHE is also involved in further project steps. The project is coordinated by the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA).

The project is funded by the European Union.