INTERACT-EUROPE 100, Work Package 1 – Coordination

Leader: EUROPEAN CANCER ORGANISATION (ECO)

Putting the Pieces Together!

The Work Package 1 (WP1) team works to ensure the efficient and strategic management of the Consortium, driving the successful execution of project activities. In the opening months of the project, it has been important to establish strong communication channels and working relationships with the consortium partners and work package leaders. So far, it has proven to be the key to finding solutions early and ensuring that project partners know what is expected of them and can share their own expectations and questions. 
 
The first deliverables from the WP1 team were submitted to the European Commission at the end of March for HaDEA (European Health and Digital Executive Agency) to review.  Among those, the Strategic Delivery Plan was the responsibility of Work Package 1 (D1.1) and was successfully approved by Steering Committee colleagues, who shared their important input and feedback. This plan is a core document for the ongoing coordination of the project.
 
Now, the team is currently working on the first full INTERACT-EUROPE 100 consortium meeting since the kick-off Event in Barcelona, which will take place on 13 June. This meeting will be an important step to ensure that all partners are up to date on the progress of the different work packages and to discuss the upcoming steps ahead of the summer, including the first train-the-trainers sessions and the recruitment of cancer centres across Europe.
 
The consultation on the Data Management Plan was successful and led to a great collective achievement currently being reviewed by the Steering Committee. The aim is to ensure that data collection and retention within INTERACT-EUROPE 100 is in line with EU rules and that strong standards are established within the consortium.
 
It is obviously important to have good coordination with such a wide consortium, which brings together 38 beneficiaries, 4 associate partners and 2 affiliated entities, for a total of 44 partners spread across 16 European countries. ECO is here to ensure that together the project fosters successful collaborative efforts that lead to important progress in the project.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of the INTERACT-EUROPE100 project are designed to ensure the efficient and strategic management of the Consortium, driving the successful execution of project activities. These objectives encompass overseeing Consortium alignment, coordinating project progress, identifying risks, and ensuring sustainability, managing data ethically, and facilitating communication within the Consortium and with external stakeholders.

• Consortium Management: Oversee and lead the alignment of all Consortium activities across all Work Packages.
• Project Coordination: Monitor and coordinate the progress of INTERACT-EUROPE100 to complete project deliverables, milestones, and tasks.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks, implement mitigation measures, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the project post-completion.
• Data Handling and Ethics: Define how data will be managed throughout and after the project lifecycle, ensuring ethical compliance.
• Communication Facilitation: Facilitate internal and external communication within the Consortium and with the funding authority.

Description:

In working towards these goals, our project has a clear approach with different critical steps. We're creating a detailed Strategic Delivery Plan to guide every phase of the project. We're also making sure that new partners can join us easily, setting up strong internal structures and engaging regularly. We are approaching this effort in a thorough and disciplined way.

As we make plans for the project to continue well into the future, we're preparing recommendations to ensure that our impact on cancer training in Europe lives up to our expectations.  Let's take a closer look at the specific tasks and results that will shape the INTERACT-EUROPE100 project.

T.1.1 Strategic Delivery Plan

The coordinator, in collaboration with Work Package Leaders, will develop a Strategic Delivery Plan. This plan outlines methods to achieve project goals, monitor progress, and covers aspects such as aligning partners on training methodologies, defining technology-enhanced learning parameters, and establishing a quality assurance system. Regular online meetings will be held to update the plan and provide feedback on identified risks.

T.1.2 On-boarding Partners

The coordinator ensures efficient on-boarding of partners through virtual General Assembly meetings and additional support. This includes clarifying project goals, partner roles, and providing guidelines on EU project participation. The coordinator supports consultative partners in specific Work Packages, ensuring their early involvement and contribution to refining project tasks.

T.1.3 Project Management Structures

Establishing appropriate structures and resources for successful project management, including kick-off meetings, bi-monthly Steering Committee meetings, internal communication channels, shared workspaces, GDPR-compliant contact lists, and reporting structures.

T.1.4 Project Governance and Advisory Board Meetings

Implementation of a governance framework, involving the General Assembly, Steering Committee, and an Advisory Board. Regular online meetings ensure good governance, decision-making, and collaboration. The Advisory Board, composed of experts, meets three times during the project to review strategic development.

T.1.5 Development of a Sustainability and Exploitation Plan (SEP)

A plan is developed for the long-term sustainability of project outcomes, based on data gathered through surveys and evaluations. The SEP includes guidelines and best practices for end users, along with a policy recommendation guide for the uptake and implementation of the ISCTP by health systems.

T.1.6 Ethical Approval and Data Management Plan

Support Consortium partners in adhering to research ethics standards and obtaining approvals. Draft a data management plan ensuring compliance with EU data protection regulations.

Deliverables:

D1.1 – Strategic Delivery Plan

D1.2 – Data Management Plan

D1.3 – Sustainability and Exploitation Plan (SEP)

D1.4 – Policy Recommendation Guide