Admin Retreat (Research Management Retreat)

The Research Management Retreat held at CEITEC MU on the 5th of December 2023 was a one-day event aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the research management and administration staff. The retreat provided a platform for exchanging experiences and insights with advanced partners, including EMBL, JGU, and IMB. The primary objectives were to discuss pertinent topics, share best practices, and collaboratively develop a didactical concept for future implementation at CEITEC MU.

The program featured a series of informative sessions:

AI and its use in research administration (Martin Svoboda, UJEP):

This session explored the applications of Artificial Intelligence in research administration, shedding light on innovative approaches and potential advancements in the field. We included this session because focusing on AI in research administration and project management can result in increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and the ability to harness innovative technologies for more effective research outcomes. It is essential for research administrators and project managers to stay informed about AI developments and consider integrating these technologies into their workflows to stay competitive and advance the field of research.

Alumni at the research institutes - sharing good practice (Mehrnoosh Rayner, EMBL; Max Lindemann, JGU):

Representatives from EMBL and JGU shared successful practices related to alumni engagement at research institutes. The session aimed to inspire and guide the participants in building strong connections with alumni.

Recruitment of PhD students and postdocs and their support – sharing good practice (Brenda Stride, EMBL):

The focus here was on effective strategies for recruiting and supporting PhD students and postdocs. Brenda Stride from EMBL shared valuable insights and best practices in this crucial aspect of research management.

Pre-award and post-award grant management - sharing good practice (Ralf Dahm, IMB; Margarida Figueiredo, EMBL):

The session delved into the intricacies of grant management, both pre-award and post-award. Ralf Dahm from IMB and Margarida Figueiredo from EMBL shared their expertise, providing valuable insights into efficient grant management practices.

The retreat was followed by the All-Hands Meeting with the director of CEITEC MU Pavel Plevka and networking afternoon, where insights from admin secondments were shared.

The All-Hands Meeting with the director was convened to unveil insights derived from the recent employee survey focused on administrative support. The event provided a comprehensive understanding of the current state of administrative support within the organization and outlined actionable steps to improve efficiency and meet employee needs more effectively.

Participants gained valuable insights into the quality and extent of administrative support based on the survey findings. This information shed light on the strengths and areas for improvement in the existing support systems. The meeting outlined a detailed action plan that the organization is set to implement to enhance administrative support. Attendees were briefed on the steps being taken to address the identified areas of improvement and increase overall efficiency. The event emphasized the importance of fostering mutual understanding between researchers, their needs, and the administrative staff. It highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to create a supportive environment that caters to the diverse requirements of all employees. The meeting concluded with an interactive session, opening the floor for questions, insights, and suggestions from the participants. This allowed for a two-way communication channel, encouraging a collaborative dialogue between employees and organizational leadership.

Overall, the retreat facilitated a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experiences among the participants, fostering a collaborative spirit. The insights gained from the sessions contribute to the continuous improvement of research management and administration practices at CEITEC MU and its Twinning partners. The event successfully achieved its goal of creating a forum for learning and networking, laying the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives. The didactical concept will serve as a practical guide for implementing the discussed best practices at CEITEC MU.