What we do – RIcapacity

Speeding up scientific discoveries, by making

technology development an integral part of the research infrastructures

careers in research infrastructures attractive to best STEM experts
training in RI professional skills available to all RI scientists

Projects on which RIcapacity is working

ARISE

ARISE is structured program at European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) for technology developers who wish to build careers in research infrastructures – core facilities, data service teams, synchrotrons and other service platforms. It is co-funded by Marie Sklodowska Curie program for experienced researchers. For the program, we have developed unique training curriculum that prepares scientists for their future roles.
RIcapacity serves as a consultant on the project, developing it further with the program management team and ensuring it reaches its full potential.

BioNT

BioNT is a Digital Europe funded project that aims to raise digital skills among European life scientists working in academia and industry. RIcapacity works on communication and dissemination activities, certification challenges, and sustainability questions. Tanja Ninkovic is the member of the BioNT executive committee and Quality committee. BioNT is co-funded by the EC on behalf of RIcapacity. More BioNT and RIcapacity role in it read here.

ARISE2

ARISE2 is the second project continuing mission of ARISE at EMBL, also cofunded by the Marie Sklodowska Curie PostDoctoral COFUND program. RIcapacity is the implementing partner on the project responsible for training development and partnership development.

Services RIcapacity can do for scientific community

RIcapacity works as a partner on projects with research organisations to raise human and technology capacity of core facilities and other RIs. We write, plan together and submit as a partner on the project, where there is a clear training related role on the project which we will fulfill if project is funded.

We also plan and write COFUND proposals for your organisation if they are related to empowerment of core facilities and other RI teams. Aim of these proposals is to bring in new expertise which will strengthen your institute.

Can develop ARISE-like proposal for your organisation, to match the specific needs, limitations and technology fields you are running.

We prepare and deliver tailored training curriculum for your core facility staff on how to manage operations of core facilities. Joint training supports alignment of good practices and quality control standards. Work with your experienced staff to empower them to act as trainers – introduce them to available training materials, adjust training materials to your specific set ups, give them a template for the interactive, successful courses, and co-train with them. Building training capacity in house will enable that you provide training continuously for your new staff.

We also advice on career tracks and roles in the facilities and how to implement these.

FAQs

What is in it for RIcapacity and what do you do?

I want to see that people working in research infrastructures get their right place in academic ecosystem. They are extremely important for fast discoveries, and are exceptionally skilled, managing technologies better than most of the other regular researchers, while also understanding the scientific questions, model systems and reagents. They work for the whole community and this needs to be valued.

Who is behind RIcapacity

Tanja Ninkovic, PhD, started RIcapacity to be able to continue working on improvement of RIs in Europe, without limitation of focusing on individual technology, or country or institute. She brings her 15 years of experience in RI world, 10 years in training and 6 years in research and technology development together.

What are the achievements till now?

RIcapacity is a partner on ARISE2 project, hosted by EMBL, and is leading training and partnership development.
With ARISE (MSCA COFUND project – Career accelerator for future research infrastructure scientists), Tanja worked with colleagues to define the needed curriculum for learning to becoming an RI scientist, competencies needed and possible roles one can take in the RI.
RIcapacity is participating in the Elixir Career development working group, defining the roles in the bioinformatics and life science data services.

RIcapacity is also member of the COGAC COST action for the career development and advising, where we are focusing on emerging careers, especially those triggered by the developments of new technologies.

Can I join some of the initiatives?

Please do contact us if you are interested in working together.

How will RIcapacity work on these challenges?

RIcapacity raises funds for technology development in cooperation with different organisations, supporting organisations to implement the training for future and current RI staff, working with the community on defining the career path and the roles in RI.

RIcapacity is dedicated to advancing the technology development capacity of facilities, fostering collaboration between engineering and life science organizations through joint programs. This approach aims to promote intersectoral permeability and talent mobility, fostering innovation in life sciences. Additionally, RIcapacity seeks to advocate for the standardization of the RI career track, recognition of the impact of RI roles, and the establishment of a standardized training path for future RI scientists.