ExPO-r-Net spanned a wide range of activities and geographic locations, with more than 60 project partners from 22 countries. This is why a good coordination team was necessary to ensure the complete and efficient fulfillment of all the planned activities.

The ExPO-r-Net Project Management Team (PMT, link) monitored the overall project implementation. ExPO-r-Net main partner and Project Coordinator CCRI has a proven track record of administrative and financial management of large national and cross-border projects.

Associated Partners were also well established organisations with experienced project administration and supporting teams.

Project Management Team (PMT)

The PMT was composed by:

• Project Coordinator
• Project Manager
• Work Package Leaders

This body monitored the project implementation in accordance with the Grant Agreement, including the status of the various deliverables and milestones.

The decision-making process on important project issues took into account one vote from each Associated Partner.

Project Coordinator

A seasoned project professional and expert on childhood cancers, Prof Dr Ruth Ladenstein relied on an experienced in-house Research Support Office that routinely monitors the operational and financial implementation of the project (see Work Package 1, link).

Together they:

• Managed all aspects of scientific and financial reporting and amendments;
• Assisted the financial department in budget management and distribution;
• Provided a permanent contact point for all partners;
• Organised the consortium meetings and support interim meetings as required.

Advisory Council

This pan-European selection of recognised Collaborative Partners and experts was assuming an advisory role in the project.

Meetings

After its kick-off meeting, ExPO-r-Net meetings took place every six months, integrated with the meetings of the European Clinical Research Council (ECRC), and including patient and parent representatives. Meetings consisted of ExPO-r-Net Work Package sessions and non-technical sessions concerning the project administration as well as legal, finance and risk management issues.