About the course
This three-hour workshop introduces early-career researchers to research project management and leadership. This workshop is for you if you are an official project manager or have simply found yourself informally coordinating a project (as many early-career researchers do). This workshop is also for you if you are preparing to write a grant proposal or tender and want to strengthen the way you plan and lead your research. Financial and data management will not be covered, as these aspects are usually university- or institute-specific. Through short exercises and group discussion, participants will leave with tools and templates they can immediately use and adapt for their own projects and grant writing.
Learning outcomes
After the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain how Waterfall and Agile project management methodologies affect project scope and value, and when each is appropriate for a research project.
- Develop structured project plans from vague ideas using work breakdown structures, Gantt charts, milestones, and RACI matrices.
- Identify and mitigate key project risks.
- Design communication plans that support effective collaboration within and between teams, including those spread across different institutes or universities.
- Monitor project progress using tracking sheets, SMART KPIs, and status reports to keep projects on time and within their scope and budget.
- Recognise and apply core project leadership behaviours, including clarifying expectations, extending trust and respect, practising accountability, and removing roadblocks.
Language
English
Target group
- BIOCORE Members/Associates
- Researchers at NINA or NIVA.
Not a member yet? Become a BIOCORE member here.
Teachers
- Micah Dunthorn, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo
- Susanne Claudia Schneider, The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
Recommended readings
These are not required. But if you are looking to read more about project management and leadership try these books:
P. Alison Paprica (2024) Research Project Management and Leadership: A Handbook for Everyone
Project Management Institute (2025). PMBOK Guide: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (this is not light reading)
Registration and admission
Registration is open until 18 November 2026.
You will be notified soon after the 18th if you are accepted into the workskop.
Contact
For questions, please contact: