Managing research for better economic exploitation
The 'Training of young ScanBalt LSH scientists in project and innovation management and economic exploitation' (Trayss prime) project was established to raise awareness among Baltic Sea Region scientists of opportunities and challenges in the management and commercialisation of research results. Additionally, the project sought to highlight the potential gains of international cooperation and funding possibilities within the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). Project partners organised a summer school and six workshops as satellites to topic-related international conferences. These gatherings were used to reach out to and train European scientists from the field of life sciences and health. The focus was on the use of modern management tools, methods and philosophies that offer new routes to cost efficiency, customer focus and exploitation of research results. The project's most successful effort was the organisation and implementation of the Research Management Training Week for Scientists. This event drove home the message that management knowledge is crucial for distinguishing sound scientific work from scientific excellence. Proficiency in research management is particularly relevant for the life sciences given rising labour and consumables costs, expensive devices and dwindling national resources for funding. Trayss prime also succeeded in highlighting the need for research management training beyond the Baltic Sea region. This was evidenced by numerous requests for seminars and high registration levels at the Erkner-Berlin Research Management Training Week for Scientists. Project outcomes realised a major impact especially with regard to biotech and pharma in both academia and industry. Overall, Trayss prime was reported to be relevant and inspirational for those participating in the project.