Effective Project Management in Earth Sciences – What does That Mean?

Modern research programs in Earth Sciences at European and international level are challenged by an increasing requirement for inter- and trans-disciplinarity, societal relevance, and educational outreach as well as market oriented applications. Projects and project managers need to adapt their strategies to these new demands and incorporate innovative, yet sound and coherent, project management practices. As key contact points of often large collaborative research programs, it is indispensable for project managers to have a credible forum with which to coherently exchange ideas on relevant practices and methodologies, learn about new developments on funder policies related to the science-society interface, and discuss how to enhance the project outcomes and impact. A close dialogue among research project managers and with key stakeholders is mandatory in order to ensure the effective use of the project results for higher societal impact and public awareness. The session aims to bring together project managers from Europe and beyond, on an interactive discussion platform for exchanging knowledge, experience, and best practices for effective project management. Moreover, the session is also an opportunity for researchers to gain knowledge for the administrative part of projects and proposals. This session is directed at project managers, coordinators, researchers, students, and project management practitioners in general who are keen to exchange experiences and increase their expertise through interaction with the European project management community. We invite contributions from all EGU scientific divisions and beyond, encouraging in particular those working with transdisciplinary projects where research meets the public, industry, and policy makers. Contributions are invited on a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, those addressing the following questions: • How to design a project structure to optimise project implementation and impact? • What are “best practices” in coordinating large international consortia? • How can we maintain continuity of project management expertise with project managers mostly employed on non-permanent contracts? • Which local, national and international networks of EU project managers exist, and are they useful? • How to identify organisational pitfalls? • How to deal with the project partners’ different priorities, e.g., interdisciplinary and academic-private sector? • How to effectively engage non-research stakeholders to optimise project contributions? • What project management concepts/procedures can be transferred from other sectors (e.g., industry) or social sciences (e.g., economics) to Earth sciences? • What are the best tools for transferring knowledge from research to the private sector, decision makers, and the public in general? • How can project results and impact be effectively disseminated to the wider community and how can their importance be highlighted to funding agencies? • What lessons can be learned from “failed” projects