The MCAA Research Management Working Group and EU-LIFE publish a report on the role of MSCA Project Managers

The new report released by the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Research Management Working Group and EU-LIFE provides insights and recommendations to support the role of Project Managers in Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) projects. 

In response to the increasing complexity and demands of managing collaborative research projects, the MCAA Research Management Working Group and EU-LIFE, the alliance of independent research institutes across Europe, organised a World Café Workshop about the role of Project Managers in MSCA projects. The workshop was held in conjunction with the conference “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: Diverse research careers to tackle Global Challenges” in Toledo, Spain, in November 2023. The outcomes of this workshop have now been published as a report titled “Insights and recommendations on the role of Project Managers in collaborative MSCA projects.”

During the workshop, the participants, including representatives of the European Commission (EC), the Research Executive Agency (REA), National Contact Points (NCPs), and the MCAA, as well as researchers and Project Managers from various universities and research organisations, discussed the value, challenges and requirements associated with project management in the context of MSCA projects.

The participants highlighted the multifaceted role Project Managers play in increasing the success of MSCA projects, from recruitment to communication and ethics, making them more impactful, engaging and accessible to all involved stakeholders. However, it was recognised that Project Managers also face significant challenges, such as insufficient funding or limited recognition and appreciation of their role at the institutional level. There’s a need to improve Project Managers’ career development opportunities to ensure these professionals’ continued contribution to the success of MSCA projects and beyond.

“Seeing researchers, Project Managers, the EC, and NCPs collaborate at the World Café Workshop was truly inspiring. The discussions emphasised the crucial role of Project Managers and the need for better support and training to ensure the success of MSCA projects,” notes the co-founder and previous Chair of the MCAA Research Management Working Group, Jonas Krebs.

In addition to offering insights into the added value and challenges faced by Project Managers, the workshop discussions resulted in recommendations for further enhancement of their role in MSCA projects at the EC, institutional and individual levels, which have been included in the report.

Read the report here.

For further information, please contact the MCAA Research Management Working Group at research.management@mariecuriealumni.eu.