The TWIN2EXPAND project is supported by a series of Working Group Studios. These are mechanisms for the consortium to meet, discuss and develop the research excellence capabilities of the SURF lab. The first of these working group studios, known as WGSA: Capacity Building in Research, brought a diverse group of researchers, research managers, administrators, and support staff from the University of Cyprus (UCY) with the advanced partners of TWIN2EXPAND.
The objective of the working group was to develop a scientific and organizational strategy for the Society and Urban Form Lab (SURF) of UCY and draft an action plan. During the three-day event, participants engaged in presentations, discussions, and brainstorming sessions that covered topics ranging from research excellence and innovation, impact and growth, and the goal of increasing research management capacity.
The working group also examined the UCY team’s previous funding proposals and identified opportunities for improvement and future collaborations. Additionally, resources allocation and support systems for funding proposals and research management at UCY were reviewed to determine gaps and needs. The working group also discussed possible training opportunities in research management and administration.
During the three-day meeting, the consortium met with a range of experts involved in several funded projects that operate within the realm of society and cities ranging from digital twins and participatory tools to historical analysis and sustainability evaluation mechanisms. Additionally, the TWIN2EXPAND team has discussed the potential that comes with growing a research lab with other Horizon Europe Twinning projects and some of the Cyprus Centres of Excellence, KIOS and FOS.
The TWIN2EXPAND project is poised to make a significant impact in the field of research and innovation, and the successful completion of the first working group studio marks a significant step forward in achieving that goal. The TWIN2EXPAND consortium looks forward to continuing to work towards its vision of building capacity and excellence in research and innovation in Cyprus.
Click here to download the Working Group Studio agenda.
Click here to download the Working Group Studio report.
