The second TWIN2EXPAND Working Group Studio focused on activities that evaluated and enhanced the research capacity of the Society and Urban Form Lab (SURF) and the supporting administrative mechanisms from the Department of Architecture and UCY Research Support services.
The Consortium representatives provided feedback, consultations and suggestions based on their experience from their corresponding leading institutions for the purpose of developing a scientific and organizational strategy for the SURF lab and draft an action plan.
The WGSA2 events were scheduled into three working days.
DAY 1. The first day included two main sessions. The morning session included a research capacity workshop for the consortium members to assess and evaluate the current and future development of the SURF lab. During the workshop, the participants evaluated three different legal entities that the SURF lab has the capacity to operate under. Each of the three scenarios was evaluated employing a SWOT analysis and rigorous effort/impact assessment exercises. Noteworthy considerations surfaced including the degree of administrative backing each scenario provided, the potential to sustain permanent research positions, and the capacity to spearhead extensive projects, collaborations, and consortiums, particularly in response to Horizon calls.
During the afternoon session, a thorough examination of the Pitch Presentation for the SURF lab took place, emphasizing the primary pillars and research strands that the lab aims to excel in. An important takeaway from this discussion highlighted the importance of aligning research strands not only with past and future projects but also with the overarching research goal of the lab – the pursuit of excellence and the generation of tier 1 research publications within these specific fields.
The first day wrapped up with presentations on the first year TWIN2EXPAND Placements at Space Syntax Limited and University College London (UCL). These discussions identified a promising trajectory for these placements to transcend mere training for the participants. There’s a distinct prospect for them to evolve into a “Training the Trainers” initiative, wherein the individuals undergoing training at the host institution subsequently assume the role of trainers back at their home institution. This involves disseminating acquired knowledge, methodologies, and tools from their placements, along with facilitating project-based “train the trainers” workshops for both lab members and university students.
DAY 2. During the second day of the WGSA2, the team focused on a comprehensive review of the current and prospective funding proposals within SURF lab. The focus was not only on refining existing proposals but also on aligning them with suitable calls for future resubmission or adaptation. Simultaneously, the team identified opportunities for crafting new collaborative proposals, seeking to foster innovative partnerships in the field.
The afternoon session culminated in a forward-looking discussion, encompassing an exploration of a Marie Curie Staff Exchange-Alliances and a specific Horizon 2025 call brainstorming session. The intention behind these deliberations was to acquire valuable insights into the nuanced aspects of a successful Horizon proposal in the framework of the specific call. The team engaged in a collaborative effort to identify critical points that demand attention and discussed the optimal structuring of a Horizon proposal. This collective effort aimed to enhance the proposal’s viability and increase the likelihood of success in the competitive landscape of Horizon calls. The session served as a practical exercise, allowing participants to gain firsthand experience in addressing pivotal elements and structuring proposals effectively within the Horizon framework.
DAY 3. On the final day of the WGSA2, the effort was directed towards enhancing research capacity and mapping the supportive activities of the central research office at UCY. The focus centered on identifying avenues to strengthen the office’s effectiveness in its various roles. Consortium members, drawing upon their experiences from their respective institutions, actively contributed by offering feedback and recommendations. This insightful discourse elaborated on the central research office’s functions, specifically reflecting on its involvement in pre-award processes, project implementation, and post-award impact support throughout the entire life cycle of a research project.
The overarching goal of this session was to identify best practices, leveraging the rich expertise of consortium members. Participants, representing institutions such as Polito, UCL, and Chalmers, shared insights into how their central research offices operate and support diverse research programs. This collaborative exchange provided a unique platform for the TWIN2EXPAND project partners to become aware of valuable practices that could be adapted and implemented for mutual benefit.
The input and feedback obtained from this dynamic interaction aim to play a pivotal role in shaping recommendations for enhancing the central research office’s capabilities. This collaborative endeavor aims not only to refine existing support mechanisms but also to foster continuous improvement, ensuring the optimal facilitation of research endeavors within the broader TWIN2EXPAND project framework.
