Fostering Collaboration in Research Management

What is new? Ca’ Foscari University of Venice has established a Research Management Community (RMC): a structured, cross-organizational initiative launched in March 2022 to tackle fragmentation, high turnover, and process inefficiencies in research support. This model formalizes collaboration among research managers and aligns with emerging European frameworks like RM-Comp. What was the approach? The RMC adopts a blended and participatory approach, combining peer-to-peer collaboration, structured knowledge sharing, and continuous review of processes. It draws inspiration from international trends and EU-funded initiatives (e.g. CARDEA and RM ROADMAP), emphasizing the strategic role of research managers in academia. What is the academic impact? The RMC has improved the quality and consistency of research support provided to professors and researchers, enhancing internal communication, aligning workflows, and reinforcing institutional knowledge across departments and central services. What is the wider impact? The model offers a scalable and transferable framework for other institutions dealing with similar organizational challenges. It contributes to professionalization trends across European research management and supports the broader recognition of the research manager’s role within universities and funding ecosystems.