Coaching & Mentoring for Research Project Managers

Sevencan Consultancy supports professionals who manage collaborative research projects through targeted coaching and mentoring that translate project theory into practical results.

From “Figure It Out as you go” to Structured Project Management

Research Project Management is increasingly recognised as a distinct professional role at the intersection of Research Management and Administration (RMA) and project management. At the same time, many RPMs operate in environments where the role is not yet clearly defined, which can lead to:

Unclear expectations and overlapping responsibilities
Limited formal onboarding or structured training
High responsibility with limited formal authority
Fragmented support between pre-award and post-award activities

Many research project managers face high expectations but limited formal guidance. They often balance diverse partners, funder rules, and internal processes while ensuring scientific progress.
Our coaching programme provides structure, perspective, and tools to handle this complexity. It connects project tasks with recognised good practices and strengthens decision-making across all project stages.

Through our coaching, professionals gain:

Clarity about their role and responsibilities
Improved coordination and communication with partners
Strategies to anticipate challenges before they escalate

Programme Overview

The Research Project Management Coaching programme focuses on real project situations and applies lessons directly to ongoing work. Each session is action-oriented and designed to deliver measurable progress.

One-to-One Coaching and Mentoring

Individual sessions to help research project managers and research support staff:

Translate Grant Agreements and Descriptions of Action into practical work plans
Plan timelines, milestones, and reporting routines
Handle amendments and reviews efficiently
Improve communication between researchers, partners, and administrative services

Every session focuses on the participant’s context to ensure relevant and immediate results.

Group Clinics and Institutional Programmes

For universities and research institutes, Sevencan Consultancy offers:

Small-group online sessions on topics such as risk management, reporting, and project closure
Joint reflection on pre-award and post-award coordination
Tailored workshops on managing collaborative projects from start to finish

These sessions encourage peer learning and build sustainable professional communities within your organisation.

Who Benefits from Coaching

Our coaching programme is suitable for:

Project Managers who are managing collaborative research projects
Research administrators moving into project-wide roles
Staff supporting projects funded by EU or other funding bodies
Principal Investigators leading multi-partner consortia

Our programme will help you move from reactive problem-solving to proactive project leadership.

How the Coaching Works

The format is designed for flexibility and practical impact.

Format: Online sessions (Teams or Zoom)
Language: English
Duration: 30-, 60-, or 90-minute sessions
Frequency: One-off consultations or continuous support, including retainer options.

Sessions use real project examples and provide tools that can be applied immediately. Many participants choose to schedule coaching around key project phases such as start-up, reporting, or closure.

Why Choose Sevencan Consultancy

Sevencan Consultancy specialises in EU-funded collaborative research projects. Its approach combines practical experience, professional insight, and engagement with European communities that shape the future of research project management.

Key strengths include:

Practical experience from managing and supporting large consortia
Deep understanding of Horizon Europe processes and post-award management
Awareness of emerging professional standards for research project managers

Coaching is grounded in practice, adaptable to different institutional settings, and aligned with the professionalisation of research project management.

Take the Next Step

Strengthen your skills and confidence with Research Project Management Coaching from Sevencan Consultancy.
Learn how structured mentoring can help you lead your projects more effectively, support your teams, and align project work with strategic goals.

👉 Contact Sevencan Consultancy to explore coaching options or discuss an institutional programme.