Capacity Development Initiative
Getting Ready for International Collaboration – Publicly Funded Research Projects
Researchers and research managers working internationally often face complex challenges when engaging in publicly funded research projects. The Capacity Development Initiative “Getting Ready for International Cooperation” is designed to address these specific needs. It equips participants with the knowledge and tools required to successfully access, plan, and implement collaborative research projects.
Sessions Overview
| Module 1: Accessing Global & Regional Funding Opportunities |
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| Regional Focus Session: Accessing and Navigating Horizon Europe | LEARN MORE Date: 24 September 2025 | 14:00-16:00 UTC+2 Access: Public |
| Training Session with Dr. Seán & Sylvia McCarthy: Opportunities for Newcomers to Horizon Europe | LEARN MORE Date: 13 October 2025 | 14:00-16:00 UTC+2 | Duration 2 x 45 minutes Access: Limited capacity for members in good standing* only (see list below) | Sign up here |
| Country Focus Session: Funding Schemes from China und Indonesia | LEARN MORE Date: 14 October 2025 | 10:00-11:45 UTC+2 | Access: Public |
| Regional Focus Session: Funding Schemes for Researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa | LEARN MORE Date: 16 October 2025 | 14:00-15:30 UTC+2 | Access: Public |
| Module 2: Building Strong International Consortia |
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| Session: Strategies for Building and Managing Strong Consortia | LEARN MORE Date: 30 October 2025 | 13:00-14:45 UTC+2 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| Module 3: Developing & Writing Competitive Proposals |
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| Training Session with Dr. Seán & Sylvia McCarthy: Getting Ready for Pillar II (Horizon Europe) | LEARN MORE Date: 04 November 2025 | 14:00-16:00 UTC+1 | Duration 2 x 45 minutes | Access: Limited capacity for members in good standing* only (see list below) |
| Training Session with Dr. Seán & Sylvia McCarthy: How to Write a Competitive Proposal for Pillar II (Horizon Europe) | LEARN MORE Date: 05 November 2025 | 14:00-16:00 UTC+1 | Duration 2 x 45 minutes | Access: Limited capacity for members in good standing* only (see list below) |
| Session on Proposal Writing – Best Practices Shared by WAITRO Members (HEU) | LEARN MORE Date: 11 November 2025 | 14:00-15:45 UTC+1 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| Module 4: Successful Project Implementation & Management |
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| Session on Budget Management: Planning, Tracking & Justifying Project Budgets | LEARN MORE Date: 17 November 2025 | 13:00-14:30 UTC + 1 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| Session on Stakeholder Engagement & Management: How to Build Productive Relationships with External Actors | LEARN MORE Date: 18 November 2025 | 09:00-10:30 UTC+ 1 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| Session on Dissemination and Exploitation of Research Results | LEARN MORE Date: 20 November 2025 | 13:00-14:45 UTC+ 1 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| Module 5: Scaling Project Impact & Commercialization |
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| Session on Project Implementation, Impact & Evaluation | LEARN MORE Date: 04 February 2026 | 14:00-15:45 UTC+1 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| From Research to Market: Session on Commercialization & Tech Transfer | LEARN MORE Date: 18 February 2026 | 13:00-14:45 UTC+1 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| Bonus Module: Public Funding & Digital Tools |
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| Session on AI in the Context of Publicly Funded Research Projects | LEARN MORE Date: 28 January 2026 | Time: 13:00-14:45 UTC+1 | Access: WAITRO Members |
| Session on Digital Matchmaking Tools x Crowdhelix | LEARN MORE Date: 04 March 2026 | Time: 13:00-14:30 UTC+1 | Access: Public |
With Experts from
Why Participate?
By participating in the CDI, researchers and research managers will be able to:
- Confidently navigate public funding programs with a clear understanding of requirements and opportunities.
- Strengthen collaboration skills and effectively build and manage international research consortia.
- Enhance the quality of proposals and increase success rates in competitive funding calls.
- Develop essential competencies in project coordination, compliance, intellectual property management, and achieving long-term research impact.
Attendance Certificates:
Participants will receive a WAITRO Attendance Certificate upon successfully attending and completing minimum 5 CDI sessions. For more information contact info@waitro-operations.org.
Capacity Development Initiative
A Needs-Driven Approach
This initiative is built on a clear understanding of the capacity gaps within the WAITRO network. Informed by a comprehensive Needs Assessment Survey conducted in April 2024, WAITRO Operations e.V. co-designed targeted training modules with global experts. Working closely with experienced professionals from our member organizations, we have developed tailored content that addresses the most pressing challenges for researchers. The modules will be delivered through a focused webinar series from September 2025 bringing practical, relevant support directly where it is needed the most.
Want to Get Involved?
Alina Brangs
Program Manager Capacity Development
WAITRO Office Germany
Franziska Schuhenn
Junior Officer Communication
WAITRO Office Germany
