From 12 to 14 October 2022, the autumn edition of the training for research project managers from the Visegrad Group (V4) countries took place. The training focuses on projects under the current EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe (2021-2027).

The event was traditionally open for participants from other countries, and a total of 35 project managers working in universities and research institutions within the V4 countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Latvia, Moldova and Ukraine took part.

The event was co-organised by the Slovak Liaison Office for Research and Development in Brussels (SLORD), the Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research (CZELO), the Representation of the Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office in Brussels (NRDIO), and the Liaison Agency of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PolSCA). Their common goal is to increase national participation in European programmes for research, development and innovation and to raise the visibility of the V4 region in Brussels.

The main ambition of the training was to increase the professional capacities of project managers by providing them with targeted value-added information from Brussels, in particular by increasing their awareness of the policy context of European research, programmes and initiatives that go beyond the Horizon Europe framework programme.

Participants attended an intensive 3-day programme which included presentations by speakers from the European Commission’s Directorates-General and Executive Agencies, as well as a range of presentations from a variety of experts with hands-on experience.

The Horizon Europe programme is now in its second year of operation and preparations for the second half of the programme are gradually starting. Therefore, through their presentations, the speakers imparted knowledge to the participants on, for example, the comitology and work programme preparation system within the Horizon Europe Programme Committees, the current state of play of cooperation with third countries through association to the programme, with a focus on the UK and Switzerland, and also on the progress in the implementation of open science policies and initiatives.

Participants had the opportunity to learn in detail about the functioning of the project office at the successful Belgian University of Ghent and to hear tips and tricks for successful project management from researchers of successful projects from the previous Horizon 2020 framework programme.

They also heard presentations on programmes to build cooperation across the European Research Area (ERA), such as Horizon Europe’s Widening Excellence and Widening Participation (Widening) instruments. In addition, they were informed about the possibilities of using other initiatives, such as the foRMAtion training module for research managers and administrators, or the financial aspects of Horizon Europe project management.

There was also a practical demonstration of working in the Horizon Dashboard analytics platform and much more.

This edition of the training took place physically in Brussels again after a long break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and created a space for professional networking among participants. Networking was supported by several interactive exercises and discussions. A networking reception, facilitated by the Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU providing its premises, brought participants together with other invited guests. Among them were representatives of the IGLO network liaison offices, university representatives and many others.

During the first day of the training, participants could improve their presentation skills by giving a short self-presentation and getting feedback. Later, an interactive workshop in groups allowed for a closer acquaintance and exchange of personal experiences and recommendations for successful participation in international projects, namely for establishing international links, adapting to the Horizon Europe novelties (gender equality plans, data management, open science) and attracting talents to their organisations.

Seven Slovak participants represented these institutions:

• Kempelen Institute for Intelligent Technology (KInIT);
• National Forestry Centre;
• University of Prešov;
• Slovak Academy of Sciences – Office;
• Slovak Academy of Sciences – Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences;
• Slovak Society for Foreign Policy (SFPA);
• Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.

Detailed programme of the training can be found here.

The next edition of the V4 training for project managers will take place in spring 2023 and will be adjusted according to the feedback received from the participants.

To register for it, please keep an eye on the SLORD website, where an open call will be published. You can also subscribe to our newsletter (available only in Slovak) and follow our social media.

Published 19.10.2022, Slord