Research Management

Research projects have become increasingly complex in recent years. Writing grant proposals and animal license applications, as well as dealing with a constantly growing number of administrative matters keeps researchers away from the bench and thus might significantly delay scientific breakthroughs. Funding agencies increasingly tend to finance international and interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as application- and innovation-oriented projects. As a consequence, competent management is nowadays an indispensable prerequisite for successful research. However, best-practice models for organizing science in an academic environment can hardly be found in textbooks for business administration. Therefore, research management requires a specific attitude and skill set.
The team of the IDC Research Management Unit combines scientific expertise and academic track records with high-level management skills, thereby supporting scientists of the IDC during all phases of their research projects. Our major tasks include (but are not limited to):

- Contribution to strategic development of the institute
- Alignment of IDC project portfolio with funding programs
- Information and advice on current calls for research proposals
- Grant writing
- Project management
- Talent promotion
- Addressing of ethical issues
- Assessment of commercial potential of projects
- Communication with authorities and funding agencies

To this end, the Research Management Unit closely collaborates with the Helmholtz Munich administrative departments in all kinds of financial, legal and IP-related matters associated with IDC research projects. Nonetheless, we consider ourselves not as a mere administrative office but rather aim to decisively contribute to shaping the research profile and strategy of the IDC.