Session on Strategies for Building and Managing Strong Consortia

Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025
Time: Bogotá (UTC-5) 07:00–08:45 AM | Berlin (UTC+1) 1:00–2:45 PM | Nairobi (UTC+3) 3:00-4:45 PM | Beijing (UTC+8) 8:00-9:45 PM
Target Audience: Researchers and Research Managers

This session explores effective strategies for establishing and managing international research consortia. Drawing on experiences and insights from leading WAITRO member organizations, participants will gain an understanding of key success factors for building strong and diverse consortia.

Key takeaways include:

• Core principles of effective consortium building
• Networking strategies and approaches for identifying partners
• Structuring strong consortia: roles, responsibilities, and communication
• Lessons learned from successful and less successful collaborations

1. Welcome by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A short introduction and overview of the session’s objectives and its relevance for WAITRO members.

2. Introductory Remarks by Patrick Dias (MoSTR)

Expert and Senior Advisor for the Ministery of Science and Technology Sri Lanka will open the session by emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing among WAITRO members, highlighting key factors for establishing international research consortia.

3. Sharing Experiences by WAITRO Members

Insight 1 by Thilo Bein (Fraunhofer LBF)

The Head of Knowledge Management at Fraunhofer LBF will provide practical insights on how organizations can successfully identify and approach suitable partners to build effective international consortia. Our expert will focus on:

• The importance of networking and visibility
• Strategies for approaching potential partners
• Core elements of successful collaboration

Insight 2 by Erencan Bal & Samet Feyyaz Hamamci (TÜBITAK)

Our experts from TÜBITAK will share lessons learned from coordinating international consortia, focusing on structure, partner roles, and effective communication. Key points of their presentation will be:

• Structuring a balanced consortium
• Partner roles and coordination
• Managing expectations and proposal processes

4. Panel Discussion and Q&A

Moderation: Evelyn Moreno-Calvo (LEITAT)
A moderated discussion between the speakers focusing on practical examples of both successful and less successful consortia. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what drives effective collaboration and what challenges to avoid. The session concludes with an open Q&A, inviting active audience engagement.

5. Closing by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A brief summary of the session followed by concluding reflections and key takeaways.

Patrick Dias (Ministry of Science and Technology, Sri Lanka): Senior Advisor and Ingineer with wide experience in management consulting, business performance analysis. Specialised in SME development projects in developing countries for the World Bank. In Australia engaged with KPI development of State and Commonwealth agencies and recently with CSIRO, in research performance frameworks and benchmarking of RTOs. He is currently working as a senior advisor on R&D policy, research management, outcome and impact analysis, and research grant management systems.

Erencan Bal (TÜBİTAK): EIC/EIE/EIT National Contact Point for Horizon Europe at TÜBİTAK, specializing in EU research & innovation funding, international business development, and project management. With background in mechanical engineering and business administration, he supports Turkish institutions in navigating European funding opportunities.

Samet Feyyaz Hamamci (TÜBİTAK): Strategy and Business Development Manager at TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center. With a PhD in Applied Informatics and his experience working for the European Commission, he focuses on research security, international collaboration, and science diplomacy, contributing to EU working groups.

Thilo Bein (Fraunhofer LBF): Head of Knowledge Management responsible for all publicly funded research and the strategic research planning of the Fraunhofer LBF. He has 20+ years experience in international collaborations and management of multi-stakeholder projects. He is actively involved in various European networks such the 2Zero partnership, ERTRAC or EARPA. Additionally, he is professor at the TU Darmstadt lecturing transducer materials.

Evelyn Moreno Calvo (Leitat): PhD in Materials Science,Evelyn Moreno is a connector of ideas, people, and impact across Europe’s health-innovation landscape. As Head of European Programs & Partnerships in healthcare atLeitat , she designs and steers international initiatives that turn promising research into real-world solutions. With 20+ years’ experience bridging academia, industry, and society, she has helped secure€36M+ in competitive funding and shaped 90+ SME-oriented, collaborative projects. Evelyn forges high-value alliances, represents Leitat in leading European forums, and builds capacity in emerging ecosystems to ensure innovation reaches the last mile.