Project Management

What We’ve Learned: Project Management, the European Spallation Source, and In-Kind Contributions to an ERIC

The European Spallation Source (ESS-ERIC), now under construction in Lund, Sweden, is one of the most ambitious research facilities worldwide. Designed to be the most powerful neutron source, ESS will provide unprecedented opportunities for breakthrough research in materials science and innovation across Europe and beyond. As a pan-European initiative involving 13 partner countries, it marks a significant milestone in advancing global scientific capabilities.

A defining feature of ESS-ERIC, and of many other large-scale research infrastructures, is its reliance on in-kind contributions. Instead of providing only financial resources, partner countries deliver instruments, technological components, or expertise directly to the project. This approach fosters collaboration, strengthens industrial and scientific engagement, and draws on each nation’s unique strengths. At the same time, it introduces considerable complexity. Technically, integrating components from multiple sources requires careful coordination. Legally and politically, navigating different national regulations and managing stakeholders ranging from technicians to national funding agencies presents complex challenges.

For these reasons, effective project management is crucial. Successfully managing scope, budget, schedules, risks, and international partnerships requires both technical expertise and organizational excellence. Strong governance and transparent communication are vital to align the diverse interests of stakeholders and ensure a successful construction project and a smooth transition to operation. 

After ten years of experience managing the challenges of this highly complex project, the Programme Management Office of the JCNS-ESS Department (headed by Dr. Andreas Wischnewski) will share the key lessons learned throughout this journey. This series of talks offers a unique opportunity to benefit directly from their expertise.

The sessions will be conducted by Dr. Tania Claudio Weber (Programme Manager), who holds a PhD in Neutron Scattering and brings extensive experience in project and programme management of construction projects for large-scale research infrastructure.

The talks will be held once per month throughout 2026 in a hybrid format (at Forschungszentrum Jülich and via video conference). Each session will address a different project phase, combining theoretical foundations based on PMI methodology with real-world case studies and lessons learned — also including topics such as systems engineering, controlling, procurement, logistics, and VAT.

To help us plan the in-person sessions and ensure a smooth online experience, we kindly ask you to register your interest and indicate your preferred mode of participation (on site or online) via the following form:
JCNS-ESS PMO Lessons Learned

Please note that a minimum participation of 70% is required to receive a certificate of attendance.

A preliminary schedule can be found below (tbc):

With the following daily agenda:

We look forward to a productive and inspiring 2026 together!

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