Expert Talks in Research Project Management
As part of Task 4.3 - Expert Visits, the ExGal-Twin project organises specialised sessions in project management delivered by internationally recognised experts from our partner institutions. These visits bring high-level training, strategic guidance and hands-on knowledge to strengthen the research management, administrative skills and institutional capacity of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC).
The expert visits include presentations, masterclasses, workshops and bilateral meetings. Topics include Horizon Europe project management, proposal preparation, ERC strategies, financial oversight, research integrity and best practices in collaborative projects.
| Date | Expert | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Jan 2025 | Prof. Raffaella Morganti | Lessons learned from an ERC Advanced Grant |
| 23 Apr 2025 | Prof. Reynier Peletier | MSCA Doctoral Networks and INTERREG projects |
| 24 Apr 2025 | Ana Branco | Good practices in Horizon Europe project management |
| 16 Apr 2026 | Dr. Edwin van Bloois | Funding astronomy through Horizon Europe Pillar I |
| 23 Sep 2026 | Dr. Edwin van Bloois | AI in research management |
Prof. Raffaella Morganti: Presentation at the First Project Meeting in Tenerife
Date: 30 January 2025
Affiliation: University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
Prof. Raffaella Morganti, Honorary Professor of Structure and Evolution of Radio Galaxies, shared insights from her experience as Principal Investigator of the ERC Advanced Grant RadioLife (2013-2018). Her presentation highlighted successes, challenges and lessons learned throughout the application, evaluation and execution of a major ERC project.
Main topics:
- Scientific preparation and proposal writing
- Advice for early-career researchers
- Good practices for ERC applicants
- Financial planning and team management
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Prof. Reynier Peletier: Presentation at the 1st Regional Workshop in European Project Management
Date: 23 April 2025
Affiliation: University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
Prof. Reynier Peletier shared his experience coordinating and participating in European Doctoral Networks and collaborative projects. He discussed opportunities and challenges in major EU funding schemes and provided insights from MSCA Doctoral Networks and INTERREG programmes.
Main topics:
- Participation in MSCA Doctoral Networks (SUNDIAL, EDUCADO)
- Key considerations before and during DC projects
- INTERREG North Sea project Darker Sky
- Practical challenges for researchers and project managers
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Ana Branco: Good Practices in Horizon Europe Project Management
Date: 24 April 2025
Affiliation: SATURNTECH, partner in the UNDARK project (IAC)
With over 20 years of experience managing and evaluating European projects, Ana Branco delivered a practical session on improving the quality of Horizon Europe project implementation. She shared strategies to enhance deliverables, periodic reports and day-to-day coordination.
Main topics:
- Effective management strategies in Horizon Europe
- Best practices for deliverables and periodic reporting
- Recommendations for improving project execution and communication
Dr. Edwin van Bloois: Funding Astronomy through Horizon Europe Pillar I
Date: 16 April 2026
Affiliation: Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
Dr. Edwin van Bloois, Funding Scientific Officer at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, presented an overview of ERC funding opportunities within Horizon Europe, with a focus on astronomy, during the 2nd project meeting. The talk covered key features of ERC grants, evaluation processes and practical insights from proposal reviews on what makes applications successful.
Main topics:
- Overview of ERC funding schemes (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced, Synergy, ERC+)
- Key principles of ERC funding (excellence, high-risk/high-gain, PI-driven research)
- Proposal structure and evaluation process
- Common strengths and weaknesses in ERC proposals
- Recent policy updates and strategic advice for applicants
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Dr. Edwin van Bloois: AI in Research Management: experiences from Kapteyn Astronomical Institute
Date: 23 September 2026 (
2nd Regional Meeting
)
Affiliation: Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
Edwin van Bloois, PhD, is a Scientific Coordinator at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute. With a background in biochemistry and experience in academia, biotechnology and research management, he has worked on European research projects, grant development and research strategy.
In his current role, Edwin supports researchers in developing research proposals, securing funding and coordinating research initiatives. In recent years, he has explored how generative AI can support research management and academic workflows, and he uses these tools in his own daily work.
In his presentation, Edwin shared his experiences of using AI in research management. He reflected on the opportunities and limitations of generative AI and discussed how these tools can support research support professionals in their daily work.
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