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Research Newsletter - Issue 104: Information and Updates

Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programmes Published Online

The eagerly-awaited final Work Programmes for Horizon Europe in 2025 are now pre-published online, with many calls due to be added to the Funding and Tenders Portal on the 15th May.  Many thematic calls in Pillar II have deadlines in September 2025, so if you have not already done so but are interested in applying for EU funding this year, now is a great time to see if there are any calls which might work for you.  If you have any questions about whether a specific call is a suitable match for your idea and/or EU consortium, don’t hesitate to contact your Faculty RDO or Dr Amy Hall (amy.hall@dcu.ie) to discuss your plans.

Call for Applications for the Selection of Members of the EIC Board 2025

The European Commission seeks a diverse group of high-level individuals for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board 2025 including: 

1. Entrepreneurs who have started up and scaled up innovative enterprises at European/global level

  • Investors and venture capitalists; from early stage to late funding. 

  • Corporate leaders and individuals experienced in corporate venturing and corporate start-up relationships.

2. Researchers and academics with leading expertise in fields relating to future and emerging technologies

  • Individuals with a strong track record in developing the wider innovation ecosystem, in particular in knowledge/technology transfer, in building start-up communities, and in managing innovation agencies/ incubators/ accelerators. 

  • Experts on public sector and social innovation and academic experts on innovation. 

  • Expertise in the main areas of “deep tech” (e.g. digital, clean and life science technologies). 

The deadline is 12:00pm (Brussels time) on 19 May 2025.

For more information on the selection procedure, please see here. 

Leading the Way in Research Management - DCU Shines at INORMS 2025

INORMS 2025
(L-R): Dr Ecaterina McDonagh, Ms Isabel Hidalgo, Dr Helen Burke, Dr Catherine Dean, Dr Eamonn McConnon, and Dr John Judge

DCU’s Research Development & Support Team recently took to the stage at the INORMS (International Network of Research Management Societies) 2025 conference in Madrid.  INORMS is the premier global event for research management professionals, with this year’s event attracting over 2,200 participants from around the world.  This year’s conference was themed "A Sustainable Profession in a Sustainable World" and explored the pivotal role of research management in shaping a sustainable future for research and the world at large.

DCU's strong presence at this influential gathering underscores the University’s commitment to excellence in research management, and the recognition of our expertise by our international colleagues. Our team was represented by six speakers who contributed valuable insights across a diverse range of topics.  Dr Helen Burke, supported by Dr Eamonn McConnon and Ms Isabel Hidalgo,  presented on "Creating an Online Research Lifecycle Resource,"; a project aimed at helping researchers and research managers navigate the complexities of the research lifecycle, a body of work which produced the DCU Research Lifecycle Resource.  The presentation highlighted the development of a sustainable resource that clarifies processes and provides essential information, ultimately enhancing the research environment and promoting best practices.

As part of the EARMA Thematic Group on AI in Research Management, Dr John Judge participated in a panel session looking at how AI might transform research management practice during the next decade. This session explored the transformative potential of AI in research management, mapping out a future where these tools enhance workflows and strategic insights for research administrators, while also discussing the potential pitfalls to be navigated along the way.

Dr Ecaterina McDonagh led a roundtable discussion on the role of mentorship in empowering the next generation of research managers, and helping them navigate the complexities of research funding, governance, and compliance across national and international contexts.

Dr Catherine Dean led a roundtable discussion on "Promoting the Research Integrity Champion Role," focusing on best practices for establishing effective and sustainable research integrity champions within universities.

The visibility of DCU at INORMS 2025, which also included other members of the wider DCU Research Support network, not only enhances the university's reputation but also provides a valuable platform for networking with other professionals, fostering collaborations, and accessing new research opportunities.  The recognition received at the conference will undoubtedly influence policy and operations at universities worldwide, further solidifying DCU's role in shaping the future of research management.

DCU's strong presence at INORMS 2025 highlights the exceptional work of our research management professionals and reinforces the value of our professional support staff in the research ecosystem.  As we continue to lead the way in this vital field, we look forward to further opportunities to share our expertise and collaborate with our international colleagues.