GSF workshop on “Human Resource in Research Infrastructures”

martedì 1 dic 2026, 14:00 → 17:30 Europe/Rome

Marconi Room (Piazzale Aldo Moro 7, Rome, Italy)

Research infrastructures rely on a highly skilled workforce that provides technical expertise, user support, training and operational management. As research becomes increasingly complex, data-intensive and technology-driven, the knowledge and competencies required to support research infrastructures need to evolve in parallel.

Across many research systems however, concerns have emerged regarding the recruitment, retention and development of research infrastructure personnel. Career pathways for technical and professional personnel often remain fragmented or insufficiently recognised, while funding arrangements do not always support long-term workforce planning. At the same time, rapid technological change is increasing the demand for continuous training and skills development.

These challenges have attracted growing attention from governments, funders, research organisations and infrastructure communities. A range of initiatives are being introduced to strengthen workforce capacity, improve career prospects and support professional development. Nevertheless, how research systems can build and sustain the human capabilities needed to ensure the long-term effectiveness and resilience of research infrastructures remains challenging.

Against this background, this workshop will explore approaches to strengthening the research infrastructure workforce, with a particular attention to career pathways, funding, training and skills development. Through the exchange of international experiences, participants will identify common challenges, useful practices and priorities for future action.

(Agenda_simple) ICRI side event 1 Dec 2026fs.pdf

14:00 → 14:15 Welcome Remarks and Introduction (the OECD GSF Secretariat)

14:15 → 15:15 Session 1: Training and Skills Development for Research Infrastructure Personnel

Research infrastructures (RIs) rely on a workforce with increasingly diverse and specialised competencies, ranging from advanced technical expertise and data management to user support, training and facility leadership. Rapid technological change, growing interdisciplinarity and the increasing complexity of research services are creating new demands on people and organisations. At the same time, many research infrastructures face challenges in maintaining and renewing these capabilities. Ensuring access to high-quality training, supporting continuous professional development and attracting the next generation of technical and scientific specialists are becoming important priorities for research systems.
This session will explore how RIs, host organisations and professional networks can strengthen skills development and workforce capacity, drawing on experiences from different countries and disciplines.
• What skills and competencies will be most critical for RI personnel in the coming decade?
• How can RIs, host organisations and professional networks better support training and professional development?
• What approaches are effective in developing and sharing expertise across institutions, infrastructures and countries?

15:15 → 15:45 Short Break

15:45 → 17:00 Session 2: Career Structure and Funding for Research Infrastructure Personnel

RIs increasingly depend on highly skilled technical and professional workforce. Despite their essential contribution to research and innovation, many research systems continue to rely on fragmented employment arrangements, project-based funding and career structures that were not designed for these roles.
This session will examine how research infrastructures, research organisations, funders and professional networks are addressing challenges related to recruitment, retention, recognition and long-term sustainability of RI personnel. Drawing on national experiences and institutional practices, participants will explore approaches that support sustainable and attractive career pathways while ensuring the resilience and performance of RIs.
• How can research systems better recognise and support career pathways for RI personnel?
• What funding approaches are most effective and sustainable in supporting skilled workforce?
• How can organisations improve the recruitment and retention of highly specialised personnel?

17:00 → 17:30 Closing Discussion

This closing discussion will bring together insights from the workshop and reflect on priorities for strengthening the RI workforce. Participants will identify key actions for governments, funders, research organisations and international networks to support a sustainable and resilient workforce.
• What are the key priorities for strengthening the RI workforce?
• What actions are needed from governments, funders and research organisations?
• Where can international cooperation provide the greatest added value?