A core objective for EARMA is to promote Research Administration as an acknowledged profession in European Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs). As such, a key activity for EARMA is its Professional Development Programme for research managers and administrators (RMAs).
In EARMA we operate with three target groups:
- Research Administrators: Starting/beginners level. Individuals with up to three years of experience in research administration.
- Research Managers: Individuals with at least four years of experience in research management and administration, gained in several of the areas covered by the units.
- Leaders in Research Management: Leaders and future leaders of ‘research offices’, ‘grants offices’ ‘sponsored programmes offices’. This group includes key relevant staff in RPOs and RFOs. Typically, they will have worked in research administration and management for seven years or more.
if you would like to be contacted for future EARMA courses and mentoring opportunities, please complete the interest survey. Once you share your information, you don't have to do it again. If you would like to stop receiving the updates, please contact earma@earma.org.
EARMA Mentorship Scheme
About the programme
The EARMA Mentorship Scheme is a tailored initiative for members of EARMA, conceived with the vision of instilling a culture of perpetual learning, meaningful networking, and the exchange of best practices. It's a realm where our community members can navigate the pathways of professional growth, under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Pilot programme
The EARMA Mentorship Scheme pilot was launched October 30, 2023. The scheme is designed to support early career stage colleagues who are new to research management. This will be facilitated through targeted, regular and informal discussions on pre-determined (or pre-defined) topics proposed by mentees. Topics will be agreed with more senior or experienced colleagues who will perform the mentoring role. The entire process will be conducted within a confidential and professional environment.
EARMA believes mentoring is essential for personal and professional development, knowledge sharing, and the overall growth and success of individuals and their organisations. It provides a structured and supportive environment for learning, guidance, and collaboration, contributing to the development of competent and confident professionals.
As part of the pilot, we will create ten pairs of participants. Each pair will work together to develop their individual activity plan, outlining their ambitions for the duration of the programme. Read more.
Presently EARMA offers the following professional development programmes:
EARMA Early Stage Research Administrators Masterclass
The Early Stage Research Administrators Masterclass is designed for people who have recently moved into research administration (RA) roles. RA roles can be in central support units, faculties, institutes or within specific funded projects.
The aim of this course is to empower research administrators to undertake their new role with confidence, to present career pathways and give the participants an appreciation of the full research project life-cycle and related service tasks. The course covers research funding, going beyond European Union funding, and is delivered and facilitated by experienced research managers and administrators from the EARMA community.
View the brochure.
Certificate in Research Management
To ensure we meet our training goals, we have decided to pause the Certificate in Research Management programme for a short period. However, we will be continuing to hold both the EARMA Early Stage Research Administrators Masterclass and the Leaders in Research Management workshops.
The European Certificate in Research Management is designed to support students to consolidate and develop the knowledge and skills required to be a successful research manager. You will learn how to: describe, analyse and signpost your professional competence; take responsibility for your professional learning; and demonstrate an informed awareness of national, international, institutional and other contexts that affect you, your work and your institution. The Certificate provides benefits for both students and their employers.
This is a fully accredited professional qualification for professional research managers employed in Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) and Research Funding Organisations (RFOs). It is validated by the UK Award for Training on Higher Education (ATHE) in accordance with the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) throughout Europe.
View the brochure.
Annual Leadership Event
Every year in mid-late November RM office leaders from across Europe and beyond meet in person for 3 days (usually in Brussels, Belgium) to discuss the current hot topics for the profession and to exchange thoughts with, hear & learn from European Commission experts and other leaders. In order to find out more, contact earma@earma.org.
