WP5 Activities: Skill Development

Programme in RI management fundamentals

Programme Architecture

Research Infrastructure Landscape in Europe

Introduction to the European Research Area (ERA) and ESFRI
Overview of RI organisation across the six ESFRI domains
Domain-specific characteristics, governance models, and services
Contributions of RIs to scientific excellence and innovation

Operational and business models of Research Infrastructures

Introduction to the concept of business models in the context of Research Infrastructures
Key components of RI business models
Overview of different RI business model typologies
Balancing openness, excellence, and sustainability

Establishing and Developing Research Infrastructures

Key steps in setting up an RI
Governance structures and legal frameworks
Consortium building and stakeholder engagement
Development of RI nodes and scaling over time

Access Policy and Service Provision

Models and access policies to RIs
User engagement and service design

Summer Schools to address training needs of RI staff in Ukraine

EMMRI Fellowship programme for Ukrainian RI managers (currently relevant)

The RIFF project will financially support the professional development of Ukrainian research infrastructure (RI) leaders by providing scholarships for up to four high-profile candidates to participate in the 7th edition (2026–2028) of the Executive Master in Management of Research Infrastructures (EMMRI) Programme, delivered by the University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy), one of the RIFF project partners.

About the EMMRI Programme

EMMRI is a specialised executive MBA focused exclusively on the management of Research Infrastructures (RIs). The programme awards 60 ECTS and runs over 18 months, from November 2026 to May 2028.

The curriculum is structured into:

12 modules (40 ECTS), each lasting 3 days
7 on-campus modules in Milan
5 fully online modules
Field project (20 ECTS)

The programme combines lectures, case study analysis, expert talks from RI leaders, guest speakers, and webinars, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of RI governance, financial sustainability, strategic planning, innovation management, and international cooperation.

The RIFF fellowship for each participant covers attendance at all programme activities, including seven on-campus modules in Milan, transport, accommodation, subsistence, and examination fees.

For participants who are unable to travel outside Ukraine, interactive remote participation will be made possible.

EMMRI webinar with Ukrainian EMMRI alumni

In June 2026, those interested in the EMMRI program had the opportunity to join a webinar with Ukrainian alumni of the program and hear first-hand about their experience, key takeaways, and how EMMRI supported their professional development.

You can access the presentation from the webinar here.

If you would like to learn more, you can also watch the webinar recording below.

Who Can Apply and How?

High-profile science professionals from research infrastructures across all scientific domains, aiming to strengthen their managerial and strategic leadership capacities to lead research infrastructures.

Selection Criteria:

Relevant professional experience, current position, and clear training needs
Strong motivation and potentials
Scientific domain and geographic balance
Good knowledge of English

Applications must be submitted via the website of the University of Milano-Bicocca. You can find more information here.

APPLY HERE!

Timeline

Call opens: February 2026
Application deadline: 31 July 2026
Decision on acceptance: September 2026
Programme start: 2-4 December 2026
Programme end: 12 May 2028

Developing roadmapping skills and capacity among policy-makers and leaders in Ukraine

As part of this activity, two study visits are planned.

The first study visit already took place in the Czech Republic.