Feedback Report on Talent Pass Training Programme Project Management and Digital Skills Training Modules
I am a Scientific Researcher at the Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, a leading research institute of the Romanian Academy, internationally recognized for high-quality research, competitive funding, outstanding researchers and strong international collaborations. In such a dynamic research environment, continuous professional development is essential, not only in scientific expertise but also in complementary competences required for the successful preparation and management of research and innovation projects.
As a researcher, I consider the continuous improvement of my skills in project management and digital technologies essential for maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly interdisciplinary and international research landscape. Participation in the Talent Pass training programme represented an excellent opportunity to strengthen these complementary competences, exchange experiences with European trainers and researchers, and acquire knowledge directly applicable to my research activities and future national and international collaborations.
The onsite training sessions were organized at UniSMART – Fondazione Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy, during April and May 2026. The training environment provided excellent conditions for interactive learning, knowledge exchange and networking among participants from different research and innovation organizations.
The Project Management modules were organized at University of Padua, Department of Economics, "Torre C3" building (left-side foto). The Digital skill modules were organized in the "Complesso di Biomedicina Fiore di Botta" building (right-side foto).
The Project Management modules provided valuable insights into the complete life cycle of research projects, from identifying suitable funding opportunities, to proposal preparation and finally to project implementation. The training highlighted the importance of systematically analyzing funding landscapes, understanding the objectives and requirements of different calls, assessing the alignment between research ideas and funding priorities, and identifying suitable opportunities within programmes such as Horizon Europe.
The training covered essential topics such as work package organization, budgeting, risk management, Horizon Europe proposal development, research ethics and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research. These modules significantly improved my understanding of the strategic and administrative aspects of research projects and provided practical tools that can be applied in the preparation of competitive funding proposals.
Photos during Module R2.1 – Pre-award, Burçak Çullu trainer
The Digital Skills modules provided relevant knowledge regarding the role of digital technologies in modern research and sustainable innovation. The training addressed topics including business intelligence tools, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, responsible AI, cybersecurity and blockchain technologies.
Module 10.2 – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Circular Economy, Stefano Marchesin trainer
An important outcome of this training programme was the immediate application of the acquired knowledge in my professional activity. Shortly after completing the training modules, I prepared and submitted a research project proposal for funding to UEFISCDI (Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding). During the proposal development process, I was able to implement many of the concepts, methodologies, and practical tools introduced throughout the Project Management and Digital Skills modules, including project planning, work package structuring, risk management, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence to support proposal development. This experience clearly demonstrated the practical value of the Talent Pass training programme and confirmed its direct relevance to my current research and project development activities.
I highly appreciated the Talent Pass training programme. It successfully combined high scientific quality, practical relevance and excellent organization. The knowledge and skills acquired will be directly applicable to my future research activities, project preparation and project management responsibilities. I would strongly recommend this training programme to other researchers and would be interested in participating in future advanced editions.
Dr. Mihai Asăndulesa
