As part of the CREDIT Vibes project activities aimed at strengthening institutional capacities and enhancing project management competencies, a five-day staff exchange was successfully organized at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS) from 9 to 13 March 2026.
The staff exchange brought together two representatives from the Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje (MRI) — Dr. Iva Savić and MSc Milena Šenk — with the objective of improving knowledge and practical skills related to the functioning and development of Project Management Offices (PMOs) in public research organizations. The training combined lectures, webinars, interactive discussions, and hands-on job-shadowing activities within the Project Office at KIS.
Focus on strengthening project management capacities
The programme covered several key thematic areas essential for strengthening institutional readiness for participation in international research and innovation projects, including:
- planning and preparation of project activities,
- the structure and role of Project Management Offices,
- organizational transformation strategies,
- communication and dissemination in research projects,
- Horizon Europe implementation practices and stakeholder engagement.
Particular emphasis was placed on understanding how PMOs support administrative coordination, financial reporting, meeting organization, and communication workflows within complex international projects.
Practical learning through job shadowing and networking
Throughout the exchange, participants engaged in intensive job-shadowing activities within the Project Office at KIS, gaining direct insight into administrative procedures, financial reporting practices, dissemination strategies, and the organization of international project meetings and conferences.
An important highlight of the programme was participation in the Carbon Farming Central Europe conference, where the trainees had the opportunity to exchange experiences with international experts and stakeholders working on sustainable agricultural practices and climate-smart solutions. The programme also included a field visit to the Infrastructure Center Ptuj, providing additional insight into research infrastructure supporting innovation in agriculture.
