Introduction

The most significant form of institutional uptake of CARDEA outputs is their formal integration into the European Research Area (ERA) policy and support ecosystem. In particular, RM Comp (European Competence Framework for Research Managers)—developed through CARDEA and RM Roadmap—has been officially published and promoted through the ERA Talent Platform, positioned as a key European reference for research management professionalisation.

RM Comp supports institutions in moving towards more transparent and structured RM career pathways by providing behavioural and technical competency descriptors that can inform organisational planning, recruitment, training and staff development. Early institutional uptake is illustrated, for example, by implementation discussions and practices within partner organisations such as the University of Liège (RISE service).

The ERA Platform notes that, in the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027, the action “Empowering R&I: A new ERA in research management” will continue efforts related to upskilling, capacity building, networking and awareness creation, with planned outcomes including an awareness campaign, the development of a European Charter for Research Managers, and the establishment of an online hub offering educational resources and training opportunities.

These developments demonstrate how CARDEA-related results are embedded within the evolving ERA governance framework and are expected to support continued European-level activity beyond the project’s duration.

RM Comp Video

Welcome to our 6-minute video on the RM Comp Competence Framework. In this short presentation, we'll introduce you to RM Comp, an innovative competence framework designed specifically for research managers. This framework aims to standardise and identify the skills and capabilities of research management professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the dynamic and complex nature of research management.

We will start by outlining the core components of RM Comp, explaining how it defines and categorises the essential competencies required for effective research management. You'll learn about the key areas of expertise covered, including project management, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, ethical compliance and many more.

By the end of this presentation, you'll have a clear understanding of how RM Comp works. Thank you for joining us, and let's get started!

CARDEA 6 minute Video on RM Comp can be viewed at this link RM Comp

Please see the latest and publicised version here European Competence Framework for Research Managers

CARDEA ACADEMY

Check us Out! : Welcome to our video on the CARDEA Academy which is part of the groundbreaking research project CARDEA which enhances the evolving profession of Research Managers! Discover how CARDEA is shaping the future of research manangement through training and development, policy and a competence framework - working to empower research managers in the European Research Area

• CARDEA : https://youtu.be/aUTDvI1MuKo

For more on the CARDEA Academy please see: CARDEA Academy - open access to online training resources

RM Comp Video:

CARDEA 6 minute Video on RM Comp can be viewed at this link CARDEA RM COMP

Workshops and Events

CARDEA ACADEMY - Science for all: building a brighter, more diverse and dynamic future in research and education July 2nd 2025

Download meeting recording here: https://media.heanet.ie/page/47978b8683a14671a8296cb2e7d493e8 

A dynamic and interactive session including:

• A short icebreaker and insights from the CARDEA survey
• Three engaging talks from institutions leading EDI change
• Final reflections and an open question to take forward

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CARDEA ACADEMY - Empowering Research Managers: RM COMP Webinar 6th June 2025

RM COMP is the European Commission’s new competence framework designed to support and professionalise research management across Europe. Launched in January 2025, it serves as a key reference for individuals and institutions committed to enhancing research support services and building capacity across the European Research Area (ERA).

Download meeting recording here: https://media.heanet.ie/page/22f3a63cdf0744a3a5081ef7557c4728 

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CARDEA ACADEMY - Career Framework for Research Managers - 25th September 2023

As part of the CARDEA Academy, we presented plans for the design of a Career Framework for Research Managers to the EU Research Manager Community. With over 160 participants, the event included one presentation on the Framework by Mary Kate O'Regan, one presentation on the definition of Research Management by Virág Zsár (RM ROADMAP) and focus groups where we collected feedback.

As you may be aware, there is currently a lack of career structures for Research Managers, and Europe does not have an acknowledged Research Manager (RM) career framework with accompanying competencies and training. Despite the presence of professionals fulfilling this role across Europe, it remains invisible from a policy perspective.  This is evident from the findings of the CARDEA Survey. You can access the survey report at this link.

CARDEA, funded by Horizon Europe, is dedicated to Research Managers in the European Research Area. One of our primary goals is to establish an interoperable career framework that can be adopted by all member states. Our objective is to develop a "blueprint" that national agencies and governments can utilize to shape the role of Research Managers within their respective countries.

The framework encompasses:

• Profile descriptions for RM 1 to RM 4
• Competency Proficiency Levels
• Core Competencies
• Training indicators

Event Details:

Chair of the session Dr Conor O’Carroll

The CARDEA Framework for Research Managers by Mary Kate O’Regan (CARDEA) - RM Framework Presentation Slides

Research Management: The Quest for Terminology and Definition by Virág Zsár (RM ROADMAP) - RM Definition Presentation Slides

Focus groups

Closing discussion

Events and Presentations

Outlined below are examples of events and presentations provided by CARDEA partners, although this does not represent the full range of activities undertaken during the project.

CARDEA Project Milestones