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Research Managers play a crucial role in shaping the research ecosystem. As we work to professionalise research management, I hope more academics and institutions will recognise its potential, not as a fallback, but as a fulfilling career.
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Irène Arrata is a Project Manager at Inserm’s Institute for Translational Medicine and Liver Disease at the University of Strasbourg. After earning a PhD in Chemical Biology from the University of Leeds, she transitioned from academic research to innovation consulting, where she first encountered European projects. In 2020, she returned to academia as a project manager, starting with a MSCA ITN project and rediscovered her love for research, this time through research management rather than on the bench. Since 2022, she has been actively involved in the MCAA Research Management Working Group.
Irène Arrata
If you ask a Research Manager how they got there, the likely answer you will get is by accident. Like many of my peers, I did not plan this career path, since I did not know it existed.
After a rather conventional undergraduate journey, I began a PhD at the University of Leeds, in theUK. From there, the path was clear: postdoc abroad, then a job in big pharma. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go as planned. By the end of my PhD, I was burnt out, and the very thought of lab work triggered anxiety.
What then? My second love was science communication. I had done a few gigs — including science stand-up comedy! — and organised a Pint of Science event, but had no clue how to turn this into a career. Lacking inspiration and scared of the dreaded gap on the CV, I took the first opportunity and left academia to become an innovation consultant, helping start-ups secure funding through grant writing. First, I had to unlearn academic writing, switching from meticulously referenced articles to focus on customer acquisition, revenue models, and competitive advantage. I learnt how to analyse markets, assess competitors, and develop compelling business cases. Since most of the projects I supported had nothing to do with my area of training, chemical biology, I had to adapt fast. Thus, I dove into app development, machine learning, Industry 4.0, and deep tech. I also quickly became familiar with EU funding schemes through working on European Innovation Council (EIC) proposals.
In late 2018, with Brexit looming, I moved back to France and started freelancing. Business was steady, but boredom crept in. Then came COVID-19, the lockdowns, and a reduced workload; I quickly realised that a change was needed. One day, the stars aligned: I stumbled across a job advert for an MSCA Innovative Trainin Networks (ITN) project looking for a part-time European Project Manager (EPM). Although I did not understand half of it, the role intrigued me. I applied on a whim; two weeks later, I had the position.
A metro map for research career paths by Irène Arrata
Finding my place in research: behind the scenes
There is something particular about starting a new role during lockdown, with no prior experience. The learning curve was steep, and I initially had to work more than my official 50%. At first, I felt underqualified but soon realised my consulting background had equipped me well: juggling tight deadlines, communicating with high-stakes clients, and adapting to new fields — these skills translated seamlessly. I picked up the rest along the way: understanding public research, navigating rigid admin systems, negotiating legal documents, managing conflicts, and becoming assertive, especially with senior academics. Although a PhD is not mandatory for this role, I believe having done one myself greatly helped me integrate within a researcher’s network, while having written a thesis is a great prior experience when it comes to preparing project reports.
In 2022, I witnessed the foundation of the MCAA Research Management Working Group (RM WG). This vibrant community of Research Managers shares their knowledge, expertise, and best practices, overcoming the limited access to networking and training within our institutions. Here, I found a sense of belonging I’d been missing for too long.
With the ITN project ending soon and no clear path forward in my host lab, I seized a new opportunity. Since autumn 2023, I have been the manager of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Liver Disease in Strasbourg. Here, research management is valued and integrated into the scientific ecosystem. My role is visible, impactful, and recognised — proof of what’s possible when institutions take us seriously.
From research management to science policy
Research Managers across Europe are now working to turn this profession into a structured, recognised career path. The MCAA RM WG, together with EU-LIFE, published the Toledo Report in 2024, outlining the added value of Research Managers in MSCA projects and offering concrete recommendations for better recognition and support. In parallel, dedicated projects such as CARDEA and RM Roadmap have significantly contributed to the creation of the European Competence Framework for Research Managers (RM- Comp). These efforts align with Action 17 of the REA Policy Agenda, which explicitly supports strengthening the role and visibility of Research Managers.
Irène Arrata
LinkedIn
University of Strasbourg
iarrata@unistra.fr
Wrong turns, right destination: Research management