SARMA-Stammtisch with Prof. Dr. Peter Meier-Abt

Over a dozen participants from private and public research attended February 18th 2009 the SARMA Stammtisch the first time in Basel. It was an informal discussion with Peter Meier-Abt, Vice President Research and Talent Promotion of University of Basel one of the key players of public research in the Basel region. He is convinced that good mangers are essential for research if they posses profound management skills as well as a sound knowledge of a research career. If not he or she could hardly ever understand researchers nor values of academia and thus would find only little acceptance in the research communities.

 

According to Peter Meier-Abt research management serves researchers at all levels by providing structures which help reduce administrative burdens and create the necessary freedom for innovative research, networking or publishing. In the role of a coach a research manager is able to monitor time management and the achievements of objectives, and also represents researchers to official bodies, funding agencies and other stakeholders.

 

There is a great need for professional research managers and thus a strong need for adequate training opportunities. The participants agreed that, for example, students should get the chance to gain a basic knowledge on management after their research education at bachelor or master level. More particularly, advanced studies in management should be offered to doctoral and postdoctoral students. These could be followed by entrepreneurship training. However, improved training is only one side of the coin. Peter Meier-Abt strongly believes that traditional university structures need to be developed with a view to increasing efficiency and flexibility in research. 

 

Management training thus remains a challenge for Academia. With its current concept to facilitate advanced research management training SARMA has its finger on the pulse.

 

Bo/26.2.09