The closing event of the CDP Courses delivered by the RItrainPlus Project has been a success. The event, held on November 25-26, 2024, at the Grand Hotel Villa Torretta in Milan, Italy, was attended by 79 participants. This in-person event, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, brought together leading experts, academics, and professionals to explore innovative strategies for managing Research Infrastructures (RIs).
Insightful Discussions and Networking
The first day set a dynamic tone, starting with a warm welcome from Marialuisa Lavitrano and Paolo Piseri, who introduced participants to the overarching goals of the RItrainPlus project. This was followed by insightful presentations:
- Keynotes: Katharina Heil (ELIXIR) and Sara Calcagnini (MUST) shared thought-provoking talks on engaging user communities and fostering public involvement. These sessions inspired open discussions and provided actionable insights.
- Collaborative Sessions: The Community of Practice (COP) tables offered participants an opportunity to delve into thematic discussions on key RI topics, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing on I) Career Path for Research Infrastructures and Core Facilities Managers and Operators; II) Competence-based Training for RI/CF Managers and Operators; III) Incentives for RI/CF to train their staff; IV) Design Study of a European School of Research Management”.
- Experts such as Giorgio Rossi, Valentina Adami, and Esteban Gonzalez Guardia, Ennio Capria, Lorenzo Zirulia, Francesco Paoletti, Mayte Tortosa presented on critical themes, including lifecycle management of RIs, ethical and legal implications, data management, and socio-economic impacts. These presentations sparked engaging conversations among attendees.
The day ended with a relaxed buffet dinner, allowing participants to network and exchange ideas in an informal setting.
Engaging Key Sectors and Wrapping Up
The second day built upon the momentum with more captivating sessions:
- Keynotes: Richard Davies and Katharina Cramer highlighted strategies for engaging industry and academic institutions, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships for RI sustainability.
- Thematic Discussions and Reporting: Participants reconvened for another round of COP sessions, culminating in a reporting session where group representatives shared their insights, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the discussed themes.
The event concluded with final remarks from Marialuisa Lavitrano, a team photo to commemorate the gathering, and a farewell lunch that left participants feeling inspired and connected.
The 2024 RItrainPlus Management Training Programme proved to be a remarkable platform for exploring the nuances of Research Infrastructure (RI) management and public engagement. Attendees had the chance to delve deeply into best practices, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge. The event also fostered highly productive discussions on pressing ethical, legal, and socio-economic challenges, encouraging participants to address these complexities with innovative solutions. Moreover, the programme provided an excellent opportunity for professionals from diverse backgrounds to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships, strengthening the collaborative spirit within the RI community.
The event underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in advancing the management and sustainability of Research Infrastructures. The RItrainPlus team is eager to build on the success of this year’s programme, paving the way for future initiatives that continue to inspire and educate the RI community.
For updates on upcoming events and resources, visit ritrainplus.eu.