On 16 October 2026, POLAND RMA DAY 2026 took place at the Biological and Chemical Research Centre of the University of Warsaw under the theme “From Support to Agency – Connect. Professionalise. Empower Research to Thrive.” The event focused on the professionalisation of Research Management and Administration (RMA), strengthening the role of research managers, and fostering international cooperation.
The event brought together representatives of the research community, public institutions, and international RMA organisations. Among the invited experts were Kathleen Larmett and Shannon Sutton from the US-based National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), who shared insights into the professionalisation of research administration in the United States. Representatives of CARA and EARMA also contributed Canadian and European perspectives.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Warsaw and NCURA by Prof. Zygmunt Lalak and Kathleen Larmett, opening up new opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The Center for Research Programmes of the EU (CPB UE) at the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences (IPPT PAN), actively contributed to the event. Dr Zygmunt Krasiński delivered a presentation entitled “Before We Called It RMA – The History of the Research Management Community in Poland”, highlighting the origins and development of the profession in Poland.
Katarzyna Walczyk-Matuszyk moderated the international panel “Professionalisation of Research Management through Institutionalisation”, featuring representatives of EARMA, NCURA, CARA, PolARMA, KRAB, and PSMN. Together with Dr Konrad Zawadzki, she also co-led the closing session, “RMA in Practice”, focusing on the community’s needs and opportunities for future collaboration.
The programme also addressed the role of government in supporting RMA, the future of European research funding, and cooperation between science and business.
POLAND RMA DAY 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, build professional connections, and discuss the future of research management in Poland and across Europe.
We would like to thank the organisers, speakers, and all participants for an inspiring event.
We invite you to explore the photo gallery from POLAND RMA DAY 2026:
