Abstract

From businesses to individuals, we have all been affected in one way or another by the coronavirus pandemic. It has had an impact on all industries, forcing all sectors to rethink their approach to project management and work in general. These impacts have challenged the ability of project managers to manage their projects effectively.

The health restrictions associated with covid have radically changed managerial habits, no more travel, no more attendance at conferences where stakeholders meet, no more meetings in magical places, no more direct socialising. This dynamic change has forced project managers to create new, adaptable and creative ways of working. There is no doubt that the way we work has changed, but in many ways it has changed for the better. Science project managers need to adopt new skills, develop new behaviors and relearn how to build relationships, which are essential to the successful running of a project. This has become more important than ever, especially now that we are moving into the new normal post-pandemic landscape.

This presentation aims to open up the discussion on these new approaches that everyone has had to put in place, depending on their culture, personality and tools available. How the environment, the cultural context, the bilateral exchanges became meaningful during this period and how our soft expertise was called upon to create this atmosphere.

· Cloud-based data storage solutions: Mybox Inria to to systematically store and share all documents within the consortium.
· Cloud-based communication channel: Mattermost, Slack to maintain a high level of all project stakeholders’ involvement. The idea is to create virtual teams that feel connected and stay in touch regularly with the aim of establishing clear communication and collaboration
· Virtual meeting and networking programs: Gather town application which is a social gathering and communication platform covering every facet of real life: work, community and play. It essentially works like a top-down video game, where each user acts as a playable character in this virtual world. Each user can make their own avatar, customize their spaces to suit their needs, and even visit other virtual offices.
· Remote coffee break (the Kouign amann experience) to create moments of conviviality at a distance and prevent people from all disconnecting during breaks in video meetings.
· Internal newsletter with personalisation (presenting new faces or early stage scientists, Art & science, ...)
· More follow-up emails and one-to-one calls
· During the pandemic: A short informal moment at the beginning of the meeting to review the health situation in each participating country.

Project management is not just about monitoring the project to achieve the desired objectives and results. It also allows project managers to build confidence, trust and enthusiasm by exploring new ways to achieve optimal results while working remotely. One thing that is crucial to achieving this while working remotely is communication. The above examples underline the importance of establishing individual and specific relationships between people in order to achieve a conducive working environment, cooperation and collaboration within a scientific project.