Project management
Project management
29 and 30 October 2026, 09h - 17h
General context
Research projects require balancing complexity, uncertainty, and multiple stakeholders, conditions that rarely fit traditional project management approaches. This course provides a research-specific, pragmatic framework to help you plan, prioritize, and deliver results while staying flexible to scientific realities.
After this course, you will:
Plan and lead research projects using core project management principles tailored to scientific contexts.
Build realistic, adaptable timelines by combining traditional and agile techniques.
Engage key stakeholders effectively and manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
Run productive meetings and communicate progress to keep your project on track.
Monitor and adjust plans when challenges arise, while maintaining team alignment and sponsor satisfaction.
This course follows a flipped-classroom format, combining flexibility with hands-on application:
Pre-course (6 weeks): Weekly online content and short assignments (±30 min/week) to introduce key concepts and reflect on your own projects.
Live training (2 full days): Interactive sessions focused on practical application through real case discussions. Topics include planning under uncertainty, engaging stakeholders, managing expectations, and keeping momentum.
Follow-up (3 months): Continued support via email tips and access to the online platform for peer exchange and trainer input.
The format connects learning directly to your research, with ongoing feedback and reflection.
This course is part of the learning path Basic research essentials.
This course is part of the learning path Basic research essentials.
It all went very organic, the trainer picked in on the real life project examples that we gave. It really felt like she knew 200% what she was talking about and let this course pick in on the most urgent needs of the participants.
Participant edition spring 2024
Training was well structured and organized. Our trainer was well prepared, open for discussion and going away from the general flow, if people were bringing extra topics. Was also open to help each person individually even outside the scope/hours of the training. Very positive person and atmosphere.
Participant edition autumn 2023
The course is very flexible and dependent on the group. This makes it very applicable to people managing projects outside of research functions as well.
Participant edition spring 2022
Trainers
Katia Van Belle
Katia Van Belle is an enthusiastic, positive-minded professional with extensive project management expertise and a proven record of successfully completing initiatives.
She adapts seamlessly to different roles—motivator, critical thinker, challenger, or practical advisor. Her message is clear and consistent: "take action with what you learn." Ownership forms the foundation of her approach.
With creativity at her core, Katia designs engaging learning journeys and training programs. She combines playfulness with no-nonsense practicality, always searching for solutions that fit each group's specific environment. By demonstrating effective work-life balance herself, she inspires the teams she collaborates with.
Commercial Engineer, CIGO, PRINCE2® Trainer, PMP®, PROSCI (ADKAR®), ActeeChange Ambassador, Learning Design.
Program
Day 1
Starting up a project
- The project canvas
- Agreeing on benefits, objective and scope
- Engaging stakeholders from the start
- APPLICATION
Planning the project
- The traditional approach: 2 ways to define your milestones
- Assigning roles and estimating the resources needed
- Visualizing timeline and constraints
- APPLICATION
- Taking into account risks
- The Agile way: turning the devil's triangle upside down
- The hybrid plan: way to go?
- APPLICATION
- Getting the buy-in from partners and team members
Day 2
Executing the project
- From the high level plan to execution: rolling wave plan
- Following up and reporting: the teamboard
- Time-outs and retrospectives
- APPLICATION
- Dealing with issues
- Keeping stakeholders on board at all times
- Having that difficult conversation
- APPLICATION
Closing the project
- Lessons learned
- Celebrating success
- Handing over the result
Practical info
29 October 2026 - 30 October 2026
Leuven - Park Inn by Radisson
Martelarenlaan 36
3010 Leuven
Belgium
29 October 2026 - 30 October 2026
Leuven - Park Inn by Radisson
The hotel is located 300m from Leuven Central Station, just a short 5 minute walk.
29 October 2026 - 30 October 2026
Leuven - Park Inn by Radisson
Using your bike for longer distances? Check Cycle Highways.
29 October 2026 - 30 October 2026
Leuven - Park Inn by Radisson
Underground P1-Parking Station Leuven, Martelarenlaan 4, 3010 Leuven or parking De Bond, Martelarenlaan 18, 3010 Leuven.
29 October 2026 - 30 October 2026
Leuven - Park Inn by Radisson
+32 16 61 66 02
sales.leuven@parkinn.com