We're Heading to EARMA Conference 2026 in Utrecht!

We’re thrilled that our session, “Reimagining Research Governance: Insights from the Shadow Committees Project,” has been accepted for presentation at the EARMA Conference 2026, taking place in Utrecht, The Netherlands, from 5–7 May 2026.

About EARMA Conference Utrecht 2026

The EARMA Annual Conference is Europe’s premier gathering for research management and administration professionals. This year’s theme, “Empowering Research Managers and Administrators as Leaders for Impact,” celebrates the pivotal role RMAs play in shaping the future of research. The conference brings together colleagues from across the globe to share knowledge, best practices, and foster international collaboration. Find out more on the official conference website.

Our Session: Reimagining Research Governance

Our session will showcase the Shadow Committees Project, a key strand of the Reimagining Governance for a Flourishing Research Culture programme which is currently entering the final phase of the project. This initiative led by Durham University in partnership with Formation and funded by Wellcome has piloted alternative governance structures within research committees, surfacing hidden dynamics, challenging traditional practices, and fostering equitable decision-making.

What makes our approach unique?

• Inclusive recruitment: Shadow committees were formed through open, accessible processes, welcoming staff who are often under-represented in traditional decision-making.

• Support and development: Participants received comprehensive induction, independent coaching, mutual mentoring, and ongoing training, empowering them to adapt processes and practices for their context.

• Innovation and experimentation: The project created space for experimentation and reflection, leading to innovative new governance practices and surfacing hidden barriers.

  
  

Our findings show that shadow structures can offer valuable insights into power-sharing, trust-building, and inclusive leadership. By embedding these practices, research managers and administrators can lead the way in creating fairer, more sustainable research environments.

What to Expect

At EARMA 2026, we’ll share:

• Practical lessons from the Shadow Committees Project

• Mechanisms for embedding inclusive governance in research environments

• Strategies for engaging underrepresented perspectives in decision-making

• Key reflections and recommendations for the broader sector

We’ll also share the project's final report and toolkit, providing actionable resources for organisations interested in their own shadow committee or board projects.

Join Us in Utrecht!

We’re excited to contribute to EARMA 2026 and look forward to connecting with colleagues from across Europe and beyond. If you’re attending, don’t miss our session for practical insights and tools to drive positive change in research culture.

For more details about the conference, visit the EARMA Conference Utrecht 2026 official site