Abstract

BE-ARMA is a Belgian association, established to support professionals active in the management of European funded research and innovation projects (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe and subsequent framework programs). The network was founded in May 2021 after a very positive consultation of the Belgian RMA-community. At that time, the main universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions of the country expressed their interest to participate in this network.

Professional research management is a prerequisite for a successful preparation and execution of complex projects. Although many research organisations and knowledge institutions have their own European Research Support Offices and/ or Tech-Transfer offices that provide the necessary support, BE-ARMA delivers a complementary service to these existing facilities. The network aims to stimulate peer-to-peer learning, exchange of best practices and by doing so, it creates a pool of expertise regarding EU project management, based on hands on experience. In that way, BE-ARMA becomes an indispensable “meeting place” and “knowledge hub” for its members.

During our presentation we will:
• share our experience of founding a network from scratch and bottom-up, based on voluntary contributions and with the help of existing organisations in other countries
• explain the choices we made (focus on Horizon Europe, which target groups,…)
• point out the challenges and pitfalls such an initiative brings along
• highlight good practices and successes we have encountered along the way
• engage with the audience to be a source of inspiration for others and give them guidance as well as learn from more experienced and established networks present