As part of the BESTPRAC Thematic Group Event “Joining the Dots: The Collaborative Power of Research Management”, taking place in Split, Croatia, on 28–29 October 2026, Ivana Vuka from IAM4RE will lead the session “Knowledge Valorisation in Practice: The Research Manager’s Role in HEU Implementation".
When? 29 October 2026, 11:25–11:50 CET
Where? Cardo Room, Tehnološki park Split, Dračevac 3D, Split, Croatia
Knowledge valorisation is becoming an increasingly important part of Horizon Europe, but what does this mean in practice for research managers?
This session will explore how research managers can contribute to valorisation throughout the project lifecycle, from identifying opportunities early and asking the right questions to connecting researchers with Technology Transfer Offices and other relevant expertise. Drawing on European experience, it will also look at practical ways to translate Horizon Europe requirements into day-to-day institutional practices and strengthen internal capacity for knowledge valorisation.
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of their role, practical approaches they can adapt within their own institutions, and insights into how peers across Europe are supporting research impact beyond academia.
If you are attending the BESTPRAC Thematic Group Event in Split, join the session to exchange perspectives and explore how knowledge valorisation can become a more integrated part of research management practice.
Ivana Vuka
Dr Ivana Vuka is a Senior Innovation Manager at RISE – Research and Innovation Services, where she coordinates the European IP Helpdesk activities for Widening countries. In her current role, she leads initiatives focused on knowledge valorisation, strengthening innovation capacities, and strategic intellectual property management, providing hands-on support to researchers, innovators, and companies in developing, protecting, and commercialising research results. Prior to joining RISE, she gained extensive experience in technology transfer and innovation support, working closely with startups, SMEs, and research organisations on business development, IP management, and internationalisation. She has been actively involved in the preparation and implementation of national and Horizon Europe projects and has delivered numerous training workshops in innovation and IP-related topics. Dr Vuka holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and Ecology and a PhD in Neuroscience.
Under Horizon Europe, knowledge valorisation is embedded across project design, implementation, grant obligations and reporting, with research institutions increasingly expected to demonstrate how funded research generates value and impact beyond academia.
In practice, this requires close cooperation across different functions. Technology Transfer Offices, valorisation professionals and research managers each have distinct but complementary responsibilities. Research managers are often among the first people researchers turn to, placing them in a key position to identify opportunities early, raise the right questions and connect researchers with the relevant expertise, including TTOs and other support structures.
Drawing on European experience from training programmes, service models and communities of practice, the session will explore how research managers can translate Horizon Europe valorisation expectations into day-to-day practice and help build the institutional habits needed to make valorisation a routine part of the project lifecycle rather than an afterthought.
Participants will leave with:
- a clearer understanding of the research manager’s role in meeting Horizon Europe valorisation expectations;
- practical tools and approaches that can be applied or adapted within their own institutions;
- insights into how peers across Europe are strengthening institutional capacity for knowledge valorisation.
Whether you are beginning to engage with knowledge valorisation or looking to strengthen existing practices, the session will provide practical perspectives that can be directly applied in your work.
This year’s BESTPRAC Thematic Group Event focuses on the role of collaboration, connectivity and shared expertise across the research ecosystem. As research increasingly depends on cooperation between researchers, institutions, funders, policymakers, industry partners and support services, research managers and administrators play a central role in connecting these actors and enabling effective research environments.
Through plenary presentations, parallel sessions and interactive discussions, the event will explore how stronger connections between stakeholders, perspectives, processes and support structures can contribute to more effective, innovative and impactful research and project management.
The programme will also provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and discussion of current challenges and emerging trends in research management and administration.