The International Network of Research Project Managers (INRPM) is a volunteer-based network, founded in 2026, to build a global community around research project management (RPM). Our mission is to support and strengthen RPM across all stages of the project life cycle – from idea and proposal, through implementation, to completion and impact.
INRPM Standing Committees are volunteer-led working groups that turn our shared principles into concrete activities, resources, and community support. By joining a committee, you can:
- Take an active role in shaping how INRPM develops over time – what we focus on, which activities we prioritise, and how we work together as a community.
- Contribute your own ideas and experience to help strengthen RPM practice internationally
- Connect with colleagues in other organisations and countries that address similar opportunities and challenges in their environments.
- Build ongoing professional relationships with RPM peers across institutions and systems, creating a trusted network for ideas, feedback and support.
- Help define RPM as a recognised profession.
About the Standing Committees
Standing Committees will report to the INRPM Organising Committee and focus on distinct yet connected areas of INRPM’s work. The Organising Committee for the INRPM has developed draft descriptions of each Standing Committee, which will be refined and finalised by Standing Committee members once the committees are established.
1. Communication & Community (COM)
Purpose: To bring members together, strengthen connections and support a welcoming and active RPM community. The focus is on participation, peer connection and clear communication.
2. Education and Events (EE)
Purpose: To help members learn, grow and stay up to date in their RPM practice by designing and delivering RPM learning activities (such as webinars, workshops and courses) and by shaping a coherent annual learning programme and overall event calendar for INRPM in collaboration with other bodies.
3. Knowledge (KNW)
Purpose: To help INRPM understand the RPM community and generate new insights that benefit members.
4. Tools (TLS)
Purpose: To develop and collect open-access tools that the RPM community can use to do their work more efficiently and consistently.
5. Recognition (REC)
Purpose: To support professional recognition of Research Project Management.
Short draft descriptions of each committee’s responsibilities and possible activity targets are available here.
Each Standing Committee will meet no less than every 6 weeks at intervals appropriate for their work. The Lead of each Standing Committee will be affiliated with the Organising Committee and contribute ~5-10 hours per month toward INPRM activities and meetings. Other Standing Committee members are expected to attend committee meetings and contribute an additional 3-5 hours each month to every committee they sit on. Each Standing Committee will decide how to organise itself based on who is in the group and what members are most interested in contributing. Start dates will be confirmed once committees are formed.