A well-managed COST Action is key to unleashing the full potential of a research-network. As the main contact point between participants, the Grant Holder Manager (GHM) holds a strategic position, enabling the successful implementation of many of the Actions’ activities.
But what exactly does a GHM do in a COST Action? On the occasion of the launch of COST’s new animation video, three experienced GHMs share their experiences and best practices to help us better understand the main aspects of such a versatile role.
A day in the life of a Grant Holder Manager
“A challenging, demanding, but unforgettable experience!”
Introducing, Prof Loukogeorgaki, Grant Holder Manager of COST Action wecanet; Dr Yamina Seamari Grant Hold Manager of RECAST and Denise Cuccia, Grant Holder Manager of COST Actions INNOGLY, PIMO, and Safe2Wheelers.
By managing tasks ranging from financial to administrative duties, filling the shoes of a GHM often means facing new and complex responsibilities for many researchers:
“It was a challenge for me to manage efficiently all financial aspects for our action network, which was very large. In-advance and adaptive planning, timely information to participants, prompt implementation of payments and efficient reporting had always to be realized. However, the foreseen opportunities offered to researchers through our Action along with my collaboration with great people at leadership positions motivated me to do my best for tackling all required tasks. At the same time, I had the pleasure to meet and collaborate with new people, as well as to visit many countries, within the framework of our events.” Prof Evangelia Loukogeorgaki, on her first steps as a new Grant Holder Manager
Denise Cuccia says on her side that: “At the beginning of this experience, it can seem difficult to keep the pace with such dynamism but once one gets familiar with COST rules it is evident that the infrastructure foreseen is not intended to be a burden or a constriction, rather the pillars on which one can build strong interactions and connections.”
By representing the ‘Grant Holder Institution’, the GHM supports the COST Action ensuring that all activities are implemented properly and that funds are used correctly.
“The Grant Holder is in the best position to support the day-to-day life of these networks by advising and supporting the Action’s members in the organisation of their events, training schools, individual mobility periods and disseminating the Action outcomes.” adds Denis Cuccia.
To support the GHM with his new role and responsibilities, COST provides ‘Grant Holder Workshops‘ through the COST Academy to further guide GHMs on the COST financial rules and on the COST online management tool.
“The Grant Holder training received by COST Association was very thorough and problem oriented. I’ve learned a lot about communicating with COST Actions’ participants from a considerable number of countries and background. For sure, being a GH Manager taught me to optimize my organisational skills.” says Dr. Yamina Seamari.
“Being a Grant Holder Manager has been a great opportunity. COST Actions are dynamic, flexible networks that evolve and take continuously new forms and shapes.”
Denise Cuccia
Broader benefits
Tapping in to the new experience gained as a GHM can also positively impact researchers’ careers more generally and create new opportunities.
“My institution has definitely taken into account my performance as a Grant Holder Manager.” mentions Dr Yamina Seamari.
‘This experience offered me the opportunity to develop and nurture professional relationships, initiate new research collaborations and facilitate my access to the relevant research community. A wide “added-value” experience for my university position as a faculty member’ adds Prof Evangelia Loukogeorgaki.
“Besides developing strong skills in organizing, coordinating and managing events and activities, the Grant Holder Manager finds himself in the best possible position of developing, connecting and networking with researchers all over Europe and beyond. This brings strong and valuable connections for future collaborations“ says Denise Cuccia.
Empowering researchers and innovators
Currently, COST counts Grant Holder Managers from 29 different European countries.
75% of Grant Holder Managers are women
42% of Grant Holder Managers are younger than 40
About 75% of GHMs are women and 42% of GHMs are younger than 40. Fostering participation of young researchers in leadership activities is one of COST priorities as well as supporting gender balance in the research networks.
Grant Holder Managers can effectively help maximise networking possibilities, strengthen research outcomes, and facilitate knowledge-sharing.
As to what it takes to start a new GHM position on a good foot Prof Loukogeorgaki says: “I would also advise a newcomer to inform timely and continuously all participants about reimbursement rules, read carefully and follow COST Vademecum, as well as not to hesitate to ask for the help of your Administrative Officer, who is indeed always there for you. Exceptional cases will always exist, but there is always a solution to handle them.
For Denise Cuccia: “A good strategy is to develop a strong interaction and mutual trust with the Action Chair and with the Action Leading Members facing the key points of the Actions just one at a time. It becomes evident that COST rules are not necessarily difficult to respect, the guidelines are intended to accompany the Grant Holder Manager step by step through his/her day-to-day tasks.”
Dr Yamina Seamari also advises: “Do not hesitate to communicate with and to seek the advice of other / more experienced GH Managers. You are not alone.”
Further information
Watch the video ‘A day in the life of a Grant Holder Manager’