The CIGUS Network attends EARMA 2026, the leading European conference on research management 

A delegation of research managers from CIGUS centres attended EARMA 2026, the annual conference of the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA). Considered one of the main European events for professionals in research management and administration, it took place from May 5 to 7 in Utrecht (Netherlands). 

The event brought together more than 1,800 research managers from universities, research centres and institutions across Europe to address the main challenges and trends related to R&D&I management. With participants from 54 countries, according to the organization, Spain was the country with the second highest number of attendees, after the host country. 

Throughout the programme, plenary sessions, panel discussions, specialized workshops, parallel sessions, thematic group meetings, and interactive activities were held, focusing on key issues in the sector. These included the attraction and management of competitive European funding, the policy and evolution of framework programmes —with a view to the future FP10 framework programme— the use of Artificial Intelligence, ethics and integrity in research, open science, the evaluation of scientific and social impact of R&D&I, as well as knowledge valorisation and transfer. 

The conference also highlighted the strategic role of research support offices and teams in strengthening institutional capacities and building more connected and collaborative research ecosystems. In this context, the importance of professionalising the work of research and knowledge transfer managers was emphasised, along with the strategic value these professionals bring in strengthening collaboration between funding bodies and researchers, as well as in disseminating quality standards and methodologies through participation in European and international networks. 

With its broad range of activities, presentations and practical sessions, EARMA has consolidated its position as a space for exchange, international collaboration and learning for professionals in research management. 

The participation of the CIGUS Network in this event enabled management teams to gain insights into the upcoming European framework programme, learn about new tools, trends and best practices in research management and knowledge transfer, and strengthen connections and alliances with European networks and institutions. 

This presence contributes to further strengthening research support services within CIGUS centres and promoting the international projection of the Galician R&D&I ecosystem.