The EARMA Post-award Project Management Working Group on Professional Development is excited to announce its 2025 Lunch & Learn webinar series!
The five events will explore the different phases of the project life cycle, providing actionable insights, best practices, and tools to help research administrators and managers navigate each stage with confidence and success. Each webinar will focus on a specific phase of the project life cycle. Whether you are new to post-award project management or an experienced professional, these sessions provide valuable takeaways for everyone. You can register now for each training below.
Wed. February 26, 2025 - Training 1 - From award day to signature of the grant agreement: who is who and how to get ready for the project journey?
This first training covers the GAP (Grant Agreement Preparation) project phase, from when you are notified of grant acceptance until the project begins. Ensuring a solid foundation between partners as you move into the beginning of the project is critical, and there are many moving pieces to consider and arrange, both internally as the coordinating institution and for each partner! Participants will hear about best practices on the transition from the proposal to the grant agreement, different aspects to consider when working with external (and international) partners, and experiences from managers from three institutions!
Wed. April 2, 2025 - Training 2 - Kick-off: how to prepare for a smooth project start?
The training "Kick-off: how to prepare for a smooth project start?" is planned in two sessions. In the first part, Utilizing Internal Kick-Off Meetings to Enable Pre-Award to Post-Award Handover, the presenters will share how their institution approaches the transition from Pre-Award to Post-Award management, with a focus on internal kick-off meetings. By establishing a collaborative environment early on, a project kick-off meeting strengthens the relationship between researchers and research managers and, therefore, helps to prevent issues from arising later in the project. Close collaboration between Pre-Award and Post-Award staff is vital when dealing with complex grants, multiple partners, unforeseen circumstances, etc. This process also prepares teams to navigate new funder regulations and audit requirements, ensuring the project runs smoothly and remains compliant throughout its lifecycle. Audience members will leave the session with practical tools and strategies they can apply at their institutions to manage grants more effectively, minimize potential issues, and build stronger relationships across their institution’s research management process.
During the second part, Navigating the External Kick-Off: Effective Strategies for EU-Funded Projects, we will explore the critical aspects of conducting a successful external kick-off meeting for EU-funded projects. Participants will be guided through a fictional kick-off agenda, highlighting key points and strategies to ensure smooth collaboration among consortium partners. The discussion will cover essential topics such as setting clear objectives, defining roles and responsibilities, establishing communication protocols, and addressing potential challenges. Participants will be equipped with practical tools and insights to support researchers and coordinators, fostering a cohesive and productive project environment. Join us to learn how to effectively manage the external kick-off process, minimize potential issues, and build strong, collaborative relationships across your project's consortium.
Wed. June 18, 2025 - Training 3 - Surviving a project execution without killing anyone
This webinar is designed to guide you through the complexities of the execution phase of a research project. This event will offer valuable insights into key areas such as monitoring tools, reporting, conflict management, deviations, etc. You will practical tips and strategies to ensure your project remains on track and achieves its goals. Explore the challenges related to project reporting, how to effectively communicate with stakeholders, and strategies for handling seemingly impossible situations.
Wed. October 1, 2025 - Training 4 - The final year, and now? Project completion and future planning
The presentation will prepare the participants for the final year of the project and beyond. We will cover the analysis of interim reviews and how to prepare yourself for the final report and review. It will cover the final event, its objectives, and outcomes. The legacy of the project will be explored, highlighting its long-term impact and resources that might be required post-project. We will also discuss the next steps, including knowledge transfer and future collaborations, before giving recommendations for sound financial management towards the final year. The session will conclude with a summary and open the floor for questions and feedback.
Thu. November 6, 2025 - Training 5 - My audit experience: best practice for financial management and reporting
As an RMA in post-award project management, you know that audits are an inevitable part of ensuring the proper use of grants in compliance with the funding entity's rules. Audits, even if not planned for the project, might take place at any time, so being prepared is crucial. Have you faced an audit? Was it smooth sailing, or did you encounter unexpected difficulties that you had to overcome? Understanding how to navigate these challenges is an essential skill for every RMA. Did you know that by fostering a collaborative environment, both auditors and Project Managers can work together effectively to ensure the success of the funded projects?
If you are interested in listening to real-life stories from other RMAs and want to gather practical advice on how to be better prepared from the auditor's perspective, the event My Audit Experience: Best Practices for Financial Management and Reporting is the perfect opportunity to learn from others’ experiences.
Do not miss out—join us and take away advice that will help you prepare for audits with confidence! More.
All news
