Synopsis

Keywords: Transferable skills: Project management

This talk will discuss many different aspects of project management for a scientific grant, hopefully without sounding too much like a self-help therapy session translated into management doublespeak. It will build on personal experience of hating project management with a passion, and having made every single mistake possible over the years.

Overview

This talk will discuss many different aspects of project management for a scientific grant, hopefully without sounding too much like a self-help therapy session translated into management doublespeak. It will build on personal experience of hating project management with a passion, and having made every single mistake possible over the years. Topics that will be discussed include: Since the lead-time between writing and receiving a grant is often close to a year, many factors may have changed in the meantime. Re-assessing the scientific timeline of the grant and what implications this may have for the work schedule is an important first step. What is expected in terms of reporting periods, scientific output, societal outreach and visibility? Different types of grants from different countries have VERY different requirements. Knowing the importance of each of the “criteria for success” is key in prioritizing recruitment, experimental work and publication goals. How do the scientific timelines and the personnel (PhD students or postdocs) requirements coincide? How is this grant going not only to push your career forwards, but also those of the other personnel involved? There is no single best method of project management. It is going to be a reflection of your character in general, some will project-micro-manage, others will take a more laissez-faire approach. There does, however, have to be a minimal level of organization, and determining whether you are the person to do it, or you need internal or external help, is key to maintaining your sanity and keeping things running smoothly.

Acknowledgements

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