Enhancing policy impact and excellence in EU-funded research: highlights from INORMS 2025 session

On 8 May 2025, during the INORMS Congress in Madrid, a dynamic and insightful session took place titled “Enhancing Policy Impact and Excellence in EU-Funded Research: The Role of Research Managers.” This event brought together a panel of experts deeply involved in European projects focused on improving the research environment, highlighting the crucial role research managers play in translating policy goals into actionable and sustainable outcomes.

Panel overview

The session was structured in two parts. The first introduced several key EU-funded projects driving systemic change:

• CATALISI: Catalysation of institutional transformations of higher education institutions through the adoption of acceleration services
• IP4OS: Unpacking the possibilities of intellectual properties for open science
• iRECS: Enhancing research ethics expertise to ensure reliability and trust in science
• RE4GREEN: Developing an ethics and integrity framework for research and innovation activities that addresses environmental and climate challenges
• PATTERN: Developing training modules on transferable skills, including open access, FAIR data management, and science communication, to empower researchers.
• RM FRAMEWORK: Creating a European framework for research management training and networking
• RM ROADMAP: Creating framework conditions for research management to strengthen the European Research Area
• VERITY: Developing scientific research with ethics and integrity

Each panellist shared their role and how their project contributes to fostering a better research environment by addressing specific challenges related to research management, sustainability and policy integration.

Following these presentations, Teodora Konach offered reflections on how these projects interconnect within a broader movement to enhance the research landscape, emphasising collaboration and alignment across initiatives.

Experiences and insights

The second part of the session was an engaging discussion on the practical challenges and opportunities faced by research managers in implementing policy-driven projects. Key points addressed included:

• The complexity of tracking and demonstrating policy impact in research projects.
• Unique challenges arising from the intersection of research and policy agendas, including the need for flexible yet robust management strategies.
• Strategies to ensure sustainability and continued impact beyond project funding cycles, such as seeking follow-on funding and proactive dissemination.
• Advice for research managers aiming to deepen their engagement with policy-focused research support, underscoring the importance of adaptability, networking, and clear communication.

A pressing question raised concerned the future landscape of EU research funding, particularly in light of discussions around Horizon Europe’s successor, FP10 and its potential integration with competitiveness-focused initiatives. The panel reflected on how projects aiming to improve the research environment must adapt to evolving priorities while maintaining their essential mission.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees for their contributions and look forward to continued dialogue and action in this critical space.