The MEDAL Project Management Masterclass, a two-day intensive event, was held on February 6–7 at the University of Tartu The masterclass provided early-career researchers and PhD students in the humanities with essential skills for managing research projects. Led by project managers from the University of Tartu’s Pärnu College, the training covered fundamental project management principles, teamwork, conflict resolution, and tools for coordinating diverse and remote teams.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees particularly appreciating the practical approach, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies. Most participants found the intensive course to fit with their busy schedules and the content highly relevant to their research careers. A recurring highlight was the focus on project management tools and methodologies tailored to academic settings.
“I got a better understanding of what project managers do since I previously assumed it was just a job title given when there was no clear way to define someone’s role. Or that it was simply the person in whose name research funding was secured. In many institutions, this is indeed the case, but at least now I understand what a project manager actually does in a defined position.”
Participants expressed interest in additional training on topics such as research data management and leadership skills. The seminar successfully provided valuable insights that many attendees plan to apply to their current and future projects.