On April 8–9, 2025, South East Technological University (SETU) hosted ‘Empowering Research Managers and Administrators’, a live event under the EU-CONEXUS Enables project. The event brought together 15 Research Management and Administration (RMA) professionals from across the EU-CONEXUS alliance. This closed network of research administrators is dedicated to exchanging best practices, skills, and knowledge in research management and administration.
The two-day programme offered a rich agenda featuring expert-led sessions on research culture, funding management, compliance, communication, and personal development. Interactive workshops, engaging presentations, and a wellness walk along the Waterford Greenway created an ideal environment for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Trainers came from SETU, La Rochelle Université, the University of Rostock, and the Catholic University of Valencia.
“We were delighted to host Research Managers and Administrators for the training event covering multiple elements of supporting research and researchers. Attendees from all EU-CONEXUS Enables partners were present and benefitted from the high-quality and interactive training sessions. Group work and discussions supported the exchange of best practices and enhanced professional networks and skills for all attendees. It was a pleasure to host our EU-CONEXUS colleagues and facilitate lively discussions and professional development,” — Dr. Mike Kinsella, Academic Lead for EU-CONEXUS.
This kind exchange of ideas reinforced the project’s mission to enhance research support across partner institutions. SETU’s thoughtful hosting and the active participation of attendees made the event both productive and inspiring.
All activities are organized under the EU-funded project EU-CONEXUS ENABLES (Project number: 101136822), titled ‘Promoting Excellence Through Innovative Eco-systems‘.
Lucie Vaucel, La Rochelle Université (Trainer)
“I am very glad to have had this great opportunity to present at the RMA Event organised by SETU on April 8-9. I could share some of my experience and knowledge and also learn myself through the enriching exchanges & discussions within the group. It is a very valuable experience for me. In addition, the perfect organisation and set-up by SETU made this event a really nice moment overall.”
Ancuta Neagu, Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest (Trainee)
“Thank you for organizing such an engaging event on research support and professional development. The sessions covered key topics like research culture, funding management, reporting, impact, and self-development. The expert speakers, practical resources, and supportive environment showcased your commitment. My mobility visit to SETU was well-organized and provided a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from partner universities, making it a highly valuable experience.”
Sabine Bruser, University of Rostock (Trainer)
“The workshop on “Empowering Research Managers and Administrators” brought to together a group of people with different backgrounds, yet the same aim – deep dive into a variety of topics to get a better understanding in fields that are not your research area but are so important to get your research results out there. From funding, to hire people, communicate within and outside the research world, interact in intercultural teams and understand compliance and so much more – these two intense, but perfectly organized, days made it, again, so clear why it is still important to meet in person. Not only does help to enlarge your network, but personal contacts and exchange of information are so much more viable. I really enjoyed meeting some colleagues I already knew and to get to know new amazing people whose expertise will help me within my work field. I appreciated every minute of my time in Waterford / Ireland.”
Nastasia Saca, Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest (Trainee)
“The sessions offered important information on various topics, including research support and culture, managing research and funding, reporting, impact and communication, and self-development. The combination of knowledgeable speakers, practical resources, and a supportive environment highlighted your dedication. During my mobility visit to SETU, I had an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues from partner universities. The visit was meticulously organized and highly informative, resulting in a rewarding and valuable experience.”
Bogdan Gheorghe, Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest (Trainee)
“Two unusually sunny days in Ireland welcomed us with inspiring sessions on research management. The programme navigated from structured data management to the art of communication, ending with a motivational and personal development session. Lunch breaks turned into informal knowledge exchange moments, with everyone eager to learn from each other’s experiences. I was particularly impressed by Luke Power’s approach – we exchanged ideas and insights.”
Get to know more about the Research Management Administrators (RMA) Mobility and Network Programme
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
