TN1302 - The voice of research administrators - building a network of administrative excellence (BESTPRAC)

The voice of research administrators – building a network of administrative excellence (BESTPRAC) – is the third Targeted Network approved by the COST Committee of Senior Officials. The first Management Committee meeting will be held in October 2013. BESTPRAC is a new COST initiative to advance the state of the art in excellent administration of transnational research projects through creating a network of research administrators.
Specifically, the network will establish connections between administrators of research projects (including judicial, administrative and financial staff in Grant Holders) in order to overcome isolation, stimulate mobility and encourage professional development and progression, strengthening retention and recruitment of project administrators and emphasising the need and importance of the profession. The network aims to develop knowledge and resources regarding best practices in transnational research project administration including a best practice guide, development of a common vocabulary of project administration, establishment of “knowledge hubs” in specific areas and establishment of “twinning services” where research support offices collaborate on targeted challenges.
The main objective of BESTPRAC is to promote a better and more consistent administration of transnational research projects, thereby supporting excellence in research. It will raise the understanding of the importance of excellence administration of research projects.
The BESTPRAC Memorandum of Understanding contains further details on the network, such as detailed objectives, programme, organisation and timeplan.