Abstract

TWINNING projects under the EC’s WIDENING programme bring together research active partners in developed countries to boost research outcomes from WIDENING partners. However, focusing on research aspects alone is insufficient for a sustainable long term impact to the WIDENING country’s research ecosystem. RMA activities need to be combined with technical research activities to provide the necessary improved support structures. Here we discuss the application of this principle using the LT-Bridge TWINNING project, which brings together scientific expertise and RMA best practice, as a case study.

This approach promotes:
(1) a more holistic benefit to the partner institution involved in the twinning since both researchers/academics and the research support teams would gain valuable experience and knowledge exchange from the project

(2) A reflective process looking at how RMA is performed and it’s relationship with scientific excellence at the institutions concerned.

(3) the idea that funding for RMA development is also possible through these projects, which in their majority are 'technical'. However, the professional development of RMAs can still fall within the scope of a twinning programme, which, after all, is intended to share as many best practices as possible.

Point 1 above is important because successful research teams struggle to function without appropriate support structures in place. Recognising this and bringing both aspects together as part of an integrated programme for a TWINNING project allows mutual benefits and growth. While Point 2 above highlights that the funds needed to make significant changes in RMA practice can come from diverse sources and that the WIDENING programme can help local research infrastructures in WINDENING countries to become more innovative.

The case study of LT Bridge project, now at its mid point, shows that by designing capacity building training and knowledge sharing activities which benefit both researchers and support staff at the University of Malta that significant technological, as well as organisational advances can be made. This impacts
the researchers themselves in terms of their technical skills while also acknowledging and creating an awareness of RMA and how to work in tandem with it
The local research structures in terms of improved competencies and skillsets of RMA staff
And the research system itself in terms of changed attitudes and mindsets due to a greater mutual understanding and shared goals in the RD&I space

This aims of this session are to:
share learning experiences from LT Bridge project in terms of proposal development, design, implementation and delivery;
expand on the idea of combining the technical side with the research management side when it comes to sharing of best practices and mutual learning of project partners in a TWINNING project;
highlight the benefits of the synergy between the two sides in order to maximise the impact from the project;
demonstrate a list of activities/events organised for the development of RMAs during the project; and
summarise the lessons learnt from this approach and make recommendations to partners in future TWINNING projects that wish to follow the approach used in LT-Bridge