June 2026 brought two editions of one of the most hands-on workshops in PolSCA PAN’s training offer. The in-depth workshop on research project management using the PM2 methodology took place on 18-19 and 24-25 June at the Institute of Nature Conservation PAN in Kraków. Across four days – spread over two groups – 45 researchers and research managers from PAN institutes and units got to work on what is often the hardest part of research work: turning a good idea into a well-managed project.
The workshops were a part of the PolSCA Masterclass series: in-depth training events designed specifically for staff of PAN institutes. Unlike introductory courses, Masterclass workshops are longer, more demanding, and firmly grounded in participants’ day-to-day realities. This year’s edition focused on the PM2 methodology, developed by the European Commission, and increasingly used in EU-funded projects across Europe.
The two-day programme was structured and coherent. Day one (Block A) covered project initiation and planning: participants worked on defining goals, scope, and deliverables, then moved into stakeholder analysis and organisational setup. Day two (Block B) tackled work breakdown structures (WBS), work packages (WP), and team roles and structures, including responsibility assignments. Both days closed with hands-on group exercises based on participants’ own projects and open discussion which, given the diversity of the group, also meant a genuine exchange of experience across institutes.
The workshops were led by Dr Justyna Małkuch-Świtalska – researcher developer, project manager and leader, certified coach and mediator, specialising in the design and evaluation of training programmes for researchers and research managers.
Across both editions, 45 participants attended, representing 21 PAN institutes and units:
Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS · Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS · Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS · Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS · Institute of Economics PAS · Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS · Institute of Philosophy and Sociology PAS · Henryk Niewodniczański Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS · Institute of Physics PAS · Tadeusz Manteuffel Institute of History PAS · Institute of Computer Science PAS · Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery PAS · Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science PAS · Institute of Nature Conservation PAS · Institute of Oceanology PAS · Institute of Slavic Studies PAS · Institute of Art PAS · Mossakowski Medical Research Centre PAS · Excellence in Science Department PAS · International Relations Office PAS · Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies PAS
The workshops were organised by the PolSCA PAS Office in partnership with the Institute of Nature Conservation PAS.
