Explore Research Management Across the Netherlands with a site visit in Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven or Twente on Friday 8 May 2026
As part of the post-conference program following the EARMA Annual Conference 2026, we warmly invite you to join one of the site visits across the Netherlands. These visits offer international research management professionals a unique opportunity to gain insights into how Dutch institutions organize and deliver research management.
Each visit showcases a different university or research organization, highlighting key practices, structures, and innovations within the Dutch research and innovation ecosystem. From strategic pre- and post award and impact development to open science and interdisciplinary collaboration, you’ll discover how research management is embedded in institutional culture and contributes to research excellence and impact.
Whether you’re interested in exchanging best practices, exploring new models of research management expertise, or simply connecting with peers in a dynamic setting — these visits are designed to inspire, exchange and inform.
Seats are limited available, early registration is recommended! We look forward to welcoming you to one of our locations!
| Title Site Visit | Site Visit Utrecht Science Park: Highlighting Research Management in the Utrecht R&I ecosystem | |
| Date | Friday 8 May 2026 | |
| Time | 09:45-15:00 | |
| Costs | Not applicable, coffee and lunch are paid by UMC Utrecht | |
| Description about this site visit | You are warmly invited to join our site visit at the Utrecht Science Park, where we will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Research Management is organized at Utrecht University (UU) and the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht). The programme includes: • Insights into research management structures of Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht • Highlights from the Utrecht/UMC Utrecht Funding Academy • A look at our thriving research and innovation ecosystem and the impact it has • A touch on Open Science and Recognition & Rewards (R&R), key pillars of our academic culture • A guided tour of cutting-edge facilities such as the Innovation Center for Advanced Therapies, the Earth Simulation Lab, and the Urban Futures Studio and/or the Veterinary Medicine facilities (tours depend on number of total registrants). This is a great opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore how we foster research excellence and impact, collaboration, and responsible research practices. We look forward to welcoming you! Note: This Utrecht site visit and the knowledge exchange event of 11 and 12 May are two independent events. Limited seats available – early registration recommended! | |
| Organized by | This site visit is organized by: University Medical Center Utrecht, Research Office, together with Utrecht University | |
| Target group | Target group: All Research Managers and Administrators | |
| Program of the site visit | 09:45-10:00 Welcome & coffee 10:00-10:20 Intro Utrecht, Utrecht Science Park, Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht 10:20-10:30 Energizer, meet your fellow participants 10:30-11:00 Research Management @ Utrecht University 11:00-11:15 Minibreak 11:15-12:00 Research Management @ University Medical Center Utrecht 12:00-12:45 Lunch & networking 12:45-13:15 Open Science and Recognition & Reward, by Paul Boselie, Chief Open Science for the Utrecht University 13:15-14:30 Utrecht Science Park innovation facilities tours, highlights from UMC Utrecht, UU Geosciences, UU Veterinary medicine or UU Sciences (locations depend on total number of registrants) 14:30-14:45 Closing | |
| Minimal participants | 10 | |
| Maximal participants | 40 | |
| What is included in the visit | Coffee/tea, lunch | |
| Address start location | UMC Utrecht, location will be shared via email to registrants | |
| Travel information from Utrecht CS to the start location | You can take the tram or bus | |
| The travel duration from Utrecht CS to the start location is | 20 minutes by tram or bus | |
| Optimal time when taking the train in the morning from Utrecht CS | At 09:07/9:15 tram leaves from Utrecht CS Jaarbeurspleinzijde (side) and goes via/from CS centrumzijde (side) from 9:13/9:18/9:23. | |
| Kilometers from Utrecht CS to the site visit city | n/a | |
| Other travel information, if applicable | From UMC Utrecht to Schiphol is about 1 hour by tram and train | |
| General travel information | To pay the tram or train, you can use your normal bank card. Use google maps for the travel information. For train you can use https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ | |
| Contact for registrants, mentioned on website | Annemarie Vastenhouw-van der Linden RSO at umcutrecht.nl | |
| Start time | 09-45 | |
| End time | 14:30 | |
| Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 | Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 |
| Title Site Visit | Site Visit Eindhoven University of Technology: Behind the scenes & On the field |
| Date | Friday 8 May 2026 |
| Time | 10:00-14:00 |
| Costs | Free |
| Description about this site visit | Discover TU/e’s Research Support Culture We look forward to welcoming you to TU/e — where research support is a shared journey, and innovation is a team sport. Limited seats available – early registration recommended! |
| Organized by | This site visit is organized by: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Research Support Network |
| Target group | Target group: Research support staff (broad sense) |
| Thema(s) during site visit | Thema(s) during site visit: Added value and benefits of a bottom-up, university wide Research Support Network |
| Program of the site visit | 10.00-10.15 Welcome & coffee – Step inside TU/e Innovation Space and experience where ideas become impact. Join us for a field visit to meet the student teams who are shaping the future through challenge-based learning, hands-on prototyping, and entrepreneurial ambition. During the visit, you’ll meet autonomous, multidisciplinary teams working on everything from solar vehicles and robotics to biosensors and electric mobility. Many build award-winning prototypes, compete internationally, or even grow into startups. |
| Minimal participants | 10 |
| Maximal participants | 20 |
| What is included in the visit | Coffee/tea, lunch, goodiebag |
| Address start location | TU/e Atlas Building, Groene Loper, Building 3, Eindhoven |
| Travel information from Utrecht CS to the start location | Take the train and a short walk (approx. 10 minutes) from the station to the TU/e Campus |
| The travel duration from Utrecht CS to the start location is | To Eindhoven Centraal: 50 minutes |
| Optimal time when taking the train in the morning from Utrecht CS | Intercity at 7:54 (arrival 8:44); Intercity 8:03 (arrival 8:54) |
| Kilometers from Utrecht CS to the site visit city | Approximately 90 km |
| Other travel information, if applicable | There is a direct train from Eindhoven CS to Schiphol Airport (duration: 1h30). Another option is to fly from Eindhoven Airport. For this you can take a bus from Eindhoven CS to the airport (duration: 30 minutes). |
| General travel information | To pay the tram or train, you can use your normal bank card. Use google maps for the travel information. For train you can use https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ |
| Contact for registrants, mentioned on website | Esther Philips e.m.philips at tue.nl |
| Start time | 10:00 |
| End time | 14.00 (including lunch from 12.00-13.00) |
| Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 | Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 |
| Link to organisations involved | https://www.tue.nl/en/ https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-support |
| Title Site Visit | Site Visit VU Amsterdam: Get to know our funding & innovation ecosystem |
| Date | Friday 8 May 2026 |
| Time | 09:30-13:30 |
| Costs | Free |
| Description about this site visit | Curious how other universities structure their grant advise and knowledge exchange departments? With this site-visit at VU Amsterdam we will show you our funding & innovation ecosystem. First VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC will present their grant advise and knowledge exchange structures. After this, we will visit the Demonstrator Lab, where academics learn how to become entrepreneurs. You will learn how the startup ecosystem works, see some examples and get a tour. And to finish, we have two potential tours: VU Botanical Garden tour or a VU historical tour by VU historian Ab Flipse (one of the two to be confirmed). Limited seats available – early registration recommended! |
| Organized by | This site visit is organized by: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), VU IXA-GO; Amsterdam UMC, grant office |
| Target group | Target group: All Research Managers and Administrators |
| Thema(s) during site visit | Thema(s) during site visit: – University structures and ecosystems – Entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer |
| Program of the site visit | Program Presentations of VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC on our ecosystems Interactive session on ecosystems at universities within Europe Tour at: – Demonstrator Lab – VU Botanical Garden and/or Historical Tour by VU historian Ab Flipse Lunch organized by VU but at own cost, location to be decided (walking distance from VU or at VU) maybe at Loetje Amsterdam ZuidAs. |
| Minimal participants | 6 |
| Maximal participants | 25 |
| What is for own costs | Lunch at a location tba |
| What is included in the visit | Coffee/tee break |
| Address start location | Campus of VU Amsterdam: Main Building, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam. |
| Travel information from Utrecht CS to the start location | Take the train from Utrecht Central station to the train station of Amsterdam Zuid. (recommended is the intercity, direction Dordrecht). From there you can walk to the campus of VU (10 minute walk). |
| The travel duration from Utrecht CS to the start location is | To train station Amsterdam Zuid: 22 minutes |
| Optimal time when taking the train in the morning from Utrecht CS | tba |
| Kilometers from Utrecht CS to the site visit city | 32 km |
| Other travel information, if applicable | |
| General travel information | To pay the tram or train, you can use your normal bank card. Use google maps for the travel information. For train you can use https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ |
| Contact for registrants, mentioned on website | Fleur Verbiest: subsidiedesk at vu.nl |
| Start time | 9:30 |
| End time | 12:30, followed by optional lunch |
| Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 | Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 |
| Last date to cancel without payment | 1 May 2026 |
| Link to organisations involved | VU IXA-GO: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/organisations/ixa-go Amsterdam UMC: https://www.amsterdamumc.org/en/research/support.htm Demonstrator lab: https://www.demonstratorlab.nl/ |
| Title Site Visit | Site Visit Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam: Creating a stimulating grant culture |
| Date | Friday 8 May 2026 |
| Time | 10:30-15:00 |
| Costs | Free |
| Description about this site visit | Over 2025, a historical high of proposals have been submitted to calls, reducing the chances of success for everyone. During this site-visit we want to discuss the success factors in finding the right PI’s, creating a supportive environment and tailor the support to increase the chance of being successful with your proposal. Though it is our view to stimulate as much PI’s as possible, we do believe in finding the right PI’s (1), in a stimulating environment (2) and provide them with tailored support (3). We will start the day with our own experiences, after which we will have sufficient time to collectively exchange experiences in the three mentioned areas. Hopefully, regardless of the historic low success rates, we can keep submitting successful proposals in the next years. Limited seats available – early registration recommended! |
| Organized by | This site visit is organized by: Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Research Development Office, team EU |
| Target group | Target group: Pre-award grant advisors |
| Thema(s) during site visit | Thema(s) during site visit: Awareness creation Stimulating interested PI’s |
| Program of the site visit | Program We will meet in our offices and take time to meet with coffee. After a roundtable, we will present our approach and ideas about European Funding: how we attract our PI’s, how we create an environment that supports their process and our own dedicated support. We will just initiate the discussion, and we hope to create an open and sharing environment so we can collectively learn from each other. What works in your own institute, and what not? In the meantime, we will have lunch, and hold a site-visit during the day. (time-schedule will follow) We look forward to welcome you! |
| Minimal participants | 10 |
| Maximal participants | 20 |
| What is included in the visit | Drinks, snacks and lunch |
| Address start location | Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands (Information on how to get there will be send to participants, including the meeting location and room) |
| Travel information from Utrecht CS to the start location | Take the train for approximetely 37 mins (Utrecht CS > Rotterdam Central) From Rotterdam Central, the metro can be taken. Or a 10 mins walk. |
| The travel duration from Utrecht CS to the start location is | To Rotterdam Central: 37 minutes |
| Optimal time when taking the train in the morning from Utrecht CS | 9:18 or 9:33 |
| Kilometers from Utrecht CS to the site visit city | Approximately 56 km |
| Other travel information, if applicable | Rotterdam has its own airport which could ease your travel back home (https://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl). Otherwise, direct train connections between Rotterdam Central and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport are available as well (~25 mins) |
| General travel information | To pay the tram or train, you can use your normal bank card. Use google maps for the travel information. For train you can use https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ |
| Contact for registrants, mentioned on website | Jeroen van Alphen – Coordinator EU Funding team j.m.a.vanalphen at erasmusmc.nl |
| Start time | 10:30 |
| End time | 15:00 |
| Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 | Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 |
| Link to organisations involved | erasmusmc.nl www.erasmusmc.nl www.erasmusmc-rdo.nl/ |
| Title Site Visit | Site Visit Twente: Empowering High Tech, Human Touch by University of Twente |
| Date | Friday 8 May 2026 |
| Time | 09:30-20:30 |
| Costs | Free |
| Description about this site visit | Join us for an inspiring and interactive day at the University of Twente, where High Tech meets Human Touch. This site visit offers EARMA 2026 participants a unique opportunity to explore one of the Netherlands’ leading technical universities, engage with cutting-edge research centres, and connect with peers in a dynamic setting. From robotics and health tech to diversity and regional innovation, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how UT RMA Community enables collaboration across disciplines and borders. Plus, enjoy a scenic bus ride from Utrecht to Enschede designed for networking, a campus tour, and a closing dinner in the heart of the city. A warm (in)formal day at the University of Twente, known for its green campus and personal touch combined with “gezelligheid“– a uniquely Dutch sense of togetherness and comfort. Limited seats available – early registration recommended! Why Join? |
| Organized by | This site visit is organized by University of Twente in collaboration with Saxion University of Applied Science. |
| Target group | Target group: All Research Managers and Administrators |
| Thema(s) during site visit | Thema(s) during site visit: Pre-Award (Grants Office) Post-Award (Project Management) European Universities Initiative (EUI) Equality, Culture, Diversity and Inclusion (ECDI) |
| Program of the site visit | Program Time Activity 09:30 Departure at Utrecht Central Station – Bus to Enschede (Networking on board) 11:30 Hotel check-in (for optional overnight stay) 12:00 Welcome Lunch at University of Twente 13:00 Introduction to University Twente, Strategic Business Development (SBD), Saxion University of Applied Science (Saxion) 13:20 Introduction to Impact development (ID), Grants Office (GO) & Project Management Office (PMO) 14:00 Pitches from Research Management Community (tbd) such as Institute of Nanotechnology (Mesa+); Technical Medical Centre (TechMed); Digital Society Institute (DSI); Robotics Centre; Climate Centre; Battery Centre; Knowledge Transfer Office NovelT; Library, ICT Services & Archive (LISA); European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU); Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I); Pre-University Program (Pre-U); Knowledge Safety; Saxion University of Applied Science (Saxion). 15:15 Wrap-up and closure 15:30 Campus Tour with Pitch Presenters 17:00 End Guided Campus Tour 19:00 Closure Dinner in Enschede City Centre |
| Minimal participants | 15 |
| Maximal participants | 20 |
| Participation costs | None |
| What is for own costs | Overnight stays |
| What is included in the visit | Included transport to UT, lunch, tour, and dinner, taxes |
| Address start location | Start location: location will be Utrecht Central Station (further details will be shared). By bus we travel together from Utrecht to: |
| Travel information from Utrecht CS to the start location | https://www.utwente.nl/en/contact/accessibility/ |
| The travel duration from Utrecht CS to the start location is | 1h37 |
| Optimal time when taking the train in the morning from Utrecht CS | n/a |
| Kilometers from Utrecht CS to the site visit city | 140 km |
| Other travel information, if applicable | If you travel by plane, usually people fly from Schiphol (AMS), the largest airport in the Netherlands, close to Amsterdam. There is an intercity train from Enschede Central Station that goes to Schiphol. The trip from Enschede to Schipholtakes about two hours. https://www.utwente.nl/en/contact/route/ Alternative airports are in Germany: Münster Osnabrück International Airport (FMO); Dortmund Airport (DTM); Düsseldorf Airport (DUS); Weeze Airport (NRN). Travel towards Germany is possible by Train as Enschede has a german connections with Coesfeld, Münster and Dortmund. From Hengelo their is connection to Osnabrück, Hannover and Berlin Hbf. |
| General travel information | To travel from Twente going by train: Use google maps for the travel information. For train you can use https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ To pay you can use your normal bank card. |
| Contact for registrants, mentioned on website | Jan Beerens: j.beerens at utwente.nl |
| Start time | 09:30 travel by bus to Twente ~12h00 start program |
| End time | 20:30 |
| Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 | Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 |
| Last date to cancel without payment | – |
| Link to organisations involved | Links |
| Title Site Visit | UMC Utrecht Research Management Knowledge Exchange 2-day Event |
| Date | Monday 11 May-Tuesday 12 May 2026 |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Costs | Free |
| Description about this site visit | We are excited to invite you to a two-day interactive event focused on good practices in Research Management (RM). This is a great opportunity to explore how UMC Utrecht approaches RM and learn how participants from other institutions do the same. Expect knowledge sharing, lively discussions, and networking as we uncover similarities and differences in our approaches. The program includes sessions from the central Research Office, with UMC Utrecht’s Funding & Support (Pre-award and Post-award) team, as well as topics like AI in RM, EU liaison, Impact & Valorization, Diversity & Inclusion and Open Science. Plus, enjoy visits to our innovation facilities and connect over meals and drinks.Dates: Monday 11 May – Tuesday 12 May 2026 Location: University Medical Center UtrechtDon’t miss this chance to exchange insights and strengthen collaborations in Research Management! Register now to secure your spot. The Utrecht site visit on Friday 8 May and this knowledge exchange event are two independent events.Limited seats available – early registration recommended! We look forward to welcoming you! |
| Organized by | This site visit is organized by: University Medical Center Utrecht, Research Office |
| Target group | Target group: All Research Managers and Administrators (there will be a lot of emphasis on pre- and post award) |
| Thema(s) during site visit | Thema(s) during site visit: Research Management, Funding & Support, Pre- and Post award, EU Liaison, AI in RM, DEI, Impact, Innovation, Open Science |
| Program of the site visit | Preliminary program Monday 11 May 2026 09:00-09:30 Welcome & coffee 09:30-10:00 Introduction University Medical Center Utrecht and Research Office 10:00-10:30 Icebreaker Getting to know each other 10:30-10:40 Minibreak 10:40-11:40 UMC Utrecht Funding & Support team and knowledge exchange participants 11:40-12:15 EU policy developments, monitoring and influence 12:15-13:15 Lunch & networking 13:15-14:30 UMC Utrecht Pre-award team and knowledge exchange participants 14:30-15:15 Consortium building, tooling, networks & partnerships 15:15-15:30 Break 15:30-17:00 Visit innovation facility 18:00-19:30 Joint dinner at own expensesTuesday 12 May 2026 09:00-09:15 Morning coffee 09:15-10:15 Post-award team and knowledge exchange participants 10:15-11:00 AI in Research Management 11:00-11:15 Break 11:15-11:45 Impact & valorization 11:45-12:15 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in research 12:15-13:15 Lunch 13:15-14:00 Open Science, Recognition & Reward 14:00-14:45 Open dialogue & Closing 14:45-15:30 Farewell drinks |
| Minimal participants | 15 |
| Maximal participants | 20 |
| What is for own costs | Dinner, overnight stays, travel |
| What is included in the visit | Lunch and drinks |
| Address start location | UU management building, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands |
| Travel information from Utrecht CS to the start location | You can take the tram or bus. |
| The travel duration from Utrecht CS to the start location is | 15 minutes by tram or bus |
| Optimal time when taking the train in the morning from Utrecht CS | At 8:27/8:32/8:37/8:42 tram leaves from Utrecht CS Jaarbeurspleinzijde (side) and goes via/from CS centrumzijde (side) from 8:33/8:38/8:43/8:48. |
| Other travel information, if applicable | From UMC Utrecht to Schiphol is about 1 hour by tram and train. |
| General travel information | To pay the tram or train, you can use your normal bank card. Use google maps for the travel information. For train you can use https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/#/ |
| Contact for registrants, mentioned on website | Annemarie Vastenhouw-van der Linden RSO at umcutrecht.nl |
| Start time | 09:00 |
| End time | 17:00 |
| Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 | Registration is possible until fully booked or 7 April 2026 |
| Link to organisations involved | https://research.umcutrecht.nl/; https://research.umcutrecht.nl/research-innovation-support/ |
