Project description
Enhancing research management across the European Research Area
The universities of applied sciences (UAS) play an important role in the regional development of research and innovation but lack representation in the network of research managers and administrators, particularly in widening countries. Research managers help ensure continuity and strategic perspective, but they encounter understaffing and a lack of support, which hinders UAS access to funding. The EU-funded REMAP project focuses on improving research management at UAS. This initiative will address the objectives of HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-06-ERA-01 and ERA Action 17. In partnership with six UAS, the University Industry Innovation Network and the European Association of Institutions in Higher Education, a series of practical measures will be developed – including the creation of a dynamic hub and the promotion of flexible learning opportunities and policies.
Objective
REMAP positions Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) at the forefront of Europe’s research management transformation, directly addressing HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-06-ERA-01, Area 6, and contributing to ERA Action 17. UAS play a crucial role in applied, regionally embedded research and innovation. However, they remain significantly underrepresented in Research Manager and Administrator (RMA) networks — especially in widening countries, where institutional capacity, infrastructure, and support systems are often limited. Research managers (RM) are vital to sustaining long-term research capacity. In settings where leadership changes frequently and research teams are small, RM provide continuity, operational stability, and strategic insight. They enable projects to launch, partnerships to grow, and innovation to scale. Despite this, their roles are often undervalued, with inadequate staffing levels, limited institutional backing, and scarce opportunities for training or career progression. In UAS — typically operating with minimal RMA staffing — individual RM face disproportionate responsibility across the entire project lifecycle. This structural bottleneck restricts UAS access to competitive funding, the professionalisation of research management, and curbs innovation potential.
REMAP introduces practical measures to overcome these limitations. It brings together six UAS (ViA, USTP, IPS, Jamk, Saxion and UPT) pioneering testbeds to co-create together with University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) and with a support of EURASHE practical, scalable solutions: a dynamic Hub (embedded in ARENA), flexible training and mentorship pathways, and a strong policy-engagement framework to strengthen the capacity, recognition, and career development of RM.
REMAP will valorise and embed this contribution through clear role definitions, tailored training, and policy measures that recognise research managers as essential stewards of UAS research ecosystems. Designed for transferability, REMAP’s outputs will complement and enrich existing RMA communities (CARDEA, EARMA), broaden inclusivity, and accelerate ERA-wide uptake of research management practices, delivering sustainable capacity building and lasting impact across the European Research Area, with a strong emphasis on widening participation.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.2 - Reforming and enhancing the European R&I System
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-06
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
4202 VALMIERA
Latvia
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.