Testimonial

As one of the RM ROADMAP Ambassadors for the Netherlands, I have had the privilege to contribute to a more connected and professionalised research management (RM) community. Through ARMA-NL, our national RM association, we have made significant steps in raising awareness about the RM ROADMAP project and the EC ERA Action 17. Initiatives like ARMA-NL newsletters, webinars, annual conferences and the RM ROADMAP NL working group have provided a strong platform for engagement.

This success has been a team effort. My fellow Dutch RM ROADMAP Ambassadors—Martijn Gerretsen, Joram Sjoerts, and Giovanna Lima (Research Impact)—and the leadership of ARMA-NL Chair Annemarie Vastenhouw-van der Linden. Together, we reached out to key stakeholders, the KTO community, Universities of Applied Sciences, Universities of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Federation of University Medical Centers, Data Stewards and EU Liaison Officers. Events like the SIA Conference, KTO Masterclass, and the ARMA-NL conferences and Recognition & Rewards Festival workshop have strengthened collaboration and highlighted the importance of RM professionals.

Through the RM ROADMAP co-creation sessions, we identified key challenges: limited recognition, constrained resources, and time pressures. Research Managers often lack the time, budget, and recognition needed for capacity building, networking, and professional development. Clear job descriptions and sufficient allocation of resources are essential to effectively support RM work.

Despite these challenges, the determination of the RM community is inspiring. ARMA-NL, alongside dedicated Ambassadors and the broader RMA network, provides platforms for professional growth, knowledge sharing, policy development, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.

Personally, being an RM ROADMAP Ambassador has been enriching. It has allowed me to strengthen the voices of RM professionals in the Netherlands and connect with peers across Europe. The Ambassador network, spanning 40 countries, has been a source of invaluable insights, fostering trust and collaboration. This collective momentum validates the critical role of research management and inspires greater participation in the R&I ecosystem.

We recognise the European Commission’s essential role in strengthening RM capacity through initiatives like the EC ERA Policy Action 17 and RM ROADMAP. Their commitment ensures that actions are taken to drive meaningful outcomes, underscoring the role RM professionals play in shaping Europe’s research and innovation future.

I am honoured to contribute to this shared journey alongside Martijn, Joram, Giovanna, Annemarie, and the broader Dutch and EU RM community.