Description:

Management of large international research projects and collaborations is a complex task, for which time, specific knowledge and skills are required. To reduce the work load of the principal scientists, many organisations employ a dedicated project manager to direct the day-to-day operations and report to funding agencies. In smaller projects, project management is often one of the tasks of the principal scientist or is delegated to a junior scientist. Whether project management is in the hands of a scientist or a dedicated project manager, in all cases the job is challenging. But what are the challenges and how to overcome them?

In this highly interactive session we aim to discuss the main challenges that were identified through surveys that were conducted among project managers. Together, we will try to find solutions to some of the mentioned project management challenges, using the ideas, knowledge and experience of those attending the session.

Target group:

People who have been, are, or will be involved in practical day-to-day management of all kinds of research and development projects including large European or global collaborations, either as scientists, technicians, or project managers.