There is no LIMIT to what we, as WOMEN, can ACCOMPLISH.
-MichelleObama
Editorial
A Preventable Global Health Crisis
Non-communicablediseases(NCDs)areamajorglobalhealthchallenge,accountingfor74%of
deathsworldwide.Unlikeinfectiousdiseases,NCDsarenottransmittedfrompersontoperson andareoftenlinkedtounhealthybehaviors.Cardiovasculardiseases,cancers,diabetes,and chronicrespiratorydiseasesarethemostcommontypes,makingupovertwo-thirdsofNCD-related deaths.
ThegoodnewsisthatmanyNCDsarepreventable1.Byfocusingonriskfactorsliketobaccouse, unhealthydiets,physicalinactivity,andharmfulalcoholconsumption,upto80%ofheartdiseases, strokes,type2diabetes,andoverathirdofcancerscouldbeavoided.Improvingairqualityisalsoa keyfactorinprevention.
AddressingNCDsrequiresacomprehensiveapproach.Thisincludespromotinghealthylifestyles throughcommunityprogramsandensuringaccesstoqualityhealthcareservices.Earlydetection, screening,andconsistenttreatmentarealsocritical.Low-andmiddle-incomecountriesfacesignificant challengesinmanagingNCDsduetolimitedresourcesandhealthcareaccess.Innovativestrategieslike "task-shifting,"wherecommunityhealthworkerstakeonsomeresponsibilitiestraditionallyheldby doctors,canhelptoextendhealthcarereach.
OrganizationssuchastheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO)andtheInternationalFederationofRed CrossandRedCrescentSocieties(IFRC)areworkinggloballytocombatNCDsthroughprevention, research,andadvocacy A"wholeofsociety"approach,whichincludesinvolvementfromcivil organizationsandeventheprivatesector,isneededforsuccess4.Byreducingriskfactorsand improvinghealthcaresystems,itispossibletodecreasetheimpactofNCDsandpromotehealthier livesworldwide.
Drivenbyadeep-seatedcommitmenttoservingthoseinneed,individualslikeRobertKalyesubula, featuredin Insights Success' "MostAdmiredPersonalitytoWatchin2025,"embodythespirit requiredtocombattheglobalburdenofNCDs.Kal'sjourney,risingfromhumblebeginnings, exemplifieshowdedicationandperseverancecannotonlyshapeone'sdestinybutalsopavetheway forcountlessothersfacingsimilarstruggles.Hisworkresonatesfarbeyondhisimmediate surroundings,instillinghopeandresilienceinthefaceofadversity,andhighlightsthe"wholeof society"approachneededtoreducetheimpactofNCDsandpromotehealthierlivesworldwide.
Haveagoodreadahead!
-Alaya Brown
Business
Business
Digital
Marketing
Christina Eirini Karvouna Champion of Innovation and Empowerment
14. 18. Why is Project Management Expertise Essential for Securing EU Funding? Why Should You Master Available Resources and Tools for EU Projects?
Chriina
Champion of Innova on and Empowerment
Chris na is dedicated to securing funding, implemen ng effec ve strategies, and offering tailored solu ons to align with her clients' goals.
Chris na Eirini Karvouna Founder and Managing Director
NEFINIA and NEFINIA Academy
Inaquietapartmentfilledwithlightandthehumof
creativity,awomanshapedherownpath,freefromthe expectationsofothers.Livingonherowngaveherthe spacetodreamboldly,thinkclearly,andbuildsomething extraordinary Thisindependencebecamethecornerstoneof hersuccess—alifewhereshecouldfocusonherpassions, explorenewideas,andgrowwithoutlimits.
ThiswomanisChristinaEiriniKarvouna,theFounder andManagingDirectorofNEFINIAandNEFINIA Academy.Herjourneyisoneofresilienceandselfdiscovery,atributetohowembracingherindividuality allowedhertothrive.Unshackledfromoutsidepressures, Christinaturnedchallengesintoopportunities,buildinga platformwhereinnovationandempowermentgohandin hand.
AstheG100NetherlandsCountryChairforConsulting andanHonouredMemberoftheWomen’sAssociation, Christina’sworkreflectshercorebelief:successcomes fromstayingtruetooneselfandcreatingapositive,lasting impactonothers.Herlifeisastoryofself-relianceand vision,areminderthatgreatnessbeginswhenwechooseto liveauthentically,onourownterms.
PioneeringGrowth,Innovation,andLeadership
Christina’sacademicjourneybeganattheAmerican CollegeofGreece(Deree)andlaterextendedtoearninga degreeinShipbuildingEngineeringfromtheUniversityof WestAttica.Alongsideherengineeringstudies,Christina pursuedprofessionaltraininginbusinessorganizationand logisticsattheKapodistrianUniversityofAthens,witha particularfocusontheshippingsector.
Herprofessionalexperienceincludesworkingasa consultantforinternationalcompaniesandEuropean financingprograms,whereshegainedinvaluableexpertise inaddressingcomplexbusinesschallenges.Nowoperating betweenGreeceandtheNetherlands,Christinaprovides consultingservicesandeducationalsolutionsthatempower businessesandindividualstothrive.
RecognizedasanHonouredMemberoftheWomen’s AssociationandtheG100NetherlandsCountryChair forConsulting,Christina’sworkhasmadeasignificant impactacrossindustries.Beyondherprofessionalpursuits, sheisalsoaclassicallytrainedballetdancercertifiedbythe ImperialSocietyofTeachersofDancing(ISTD)inLondon, reflectingherlifelonglovefortheartsanddedicationto disciplineandcreativity
What drives Chris na is the ability to create meaningful impact, whether through helping businesses achieve their goals or empowering individuals through educa on.
NEFINIAwasestablishedfromChristina’spassionfor fosteringgrowthandinnovation.Thecompanyspecializes inofferingtop-tierconsultingservices,helpingbusinesses navigatechallenges,secureEuropeanfinancing,and achievesustainablegrowth.Theseservicesare complementedbyNEFINIAAcademy,whichdelivers specializedtraining,coaching,andeducationalprogramsto equipprofessionalsandaspiringleaderswiththetoolsand skillstoexcelintheirfields.
ChristinatakesimmenseprideintherecognitionNEFINIA andNEFINIAAcademyhavereceivedfortheir contributionstoconsulting,training,andcoaching.These achievementsstandasatestamenttoherunwavering dedicationtofosteringexcellence,innovation,and leadershipdevelopment.
ApproachtoLeadership,Balance,andBusinessGrowth
Christinahasmasteredtheartofbalancingprofessionaland personalresponsibilitiesbysettingclearboundariesand priorities.AstheleaderofNEFINIAandNEFINIA Academy,shededicatesherselftoherworkbutalways ensuresthere’stimeforwhattrulymatterstoherona personallevel.Shehascultivatedastrong,reliable environment,surroundedbytrustedindividualsandteams, whichallowshertodelegateeffectivelyandmaintain seamlessoperations.Thisapproachgivesherthespaceto focusonstrategicleadershipandinnovationwhile overseeingcriticalinitiatives.
Chris na's greatest strengths lie in her strategic thinking and her ability to inspire her team toward a shared vision.
Atthesametime,Christinaiscommittedtostayingpresent ineverymoment,whetherleadingastrategysessionor spendingtimewithfamilyandfriends.Shebelievesthat balanceisn'taboutachievingperfectionbutstayingaligned withhervaluesandensuringbothherprofessionaland personallivesarefulfilling.
Herpassionforbusinessstemsfromadesiretoprovidetoptierconsultingservicesthatyieldimpactful,sustainable results.Constantlyseekingopportunitiestohelpbusinesses growandinnovate,Christinaisdedicatedtosecuring funding,implementingeffectivestrategies,andoffering tailoredsolutionstoalignwithherclients'goals.
Througheducation,training,andcoaching,Christina channelsherenthusiasmintohelpingindividualsunlock theirpotentialanddeveloptheskillstheyneedtosucceed. Shethrivesonchallenges,seeingthemasopportunitiesfor growth,andisalwayseagertoexplorenewideasand possibilitiesthatdrivemeaningfulchangeandsuccess.
DrivingImpactandInnovation
WhatdrivesChristinaistheabilitytocreatemeaningful impact,whetherthroughhelpingbusinessesachievetheir goalsorempoweringindividualsthrougheducation.She believesinthepowerofinnovationandcollaboration, whichfuelshereveryday.Watchingcompaniesexpand beyondEurope,nowintotheGulfregion,provides Christinawithanincrediblesenseofaccomplishmentanda
surgeofadrenalinethatkeepshermovingforward.This growthinspireshertocontinuouslypushboundariesand striveforexcellenceinallaspectsofherwork.
Thepandemicposedsignificantchallenges,butitalso presentednewopportunitiesforgrowth.Christina'steam quicklyadaptedbytransitioningtodigitalplatformsand expandingtheirserviceofferingstomeettheevolvingneeds oftheirclients.Virtualcommunicationbecameacentral focus,withonlineconsultingsessionsandtraining programsdesignedtoaddressthechangingdemandsof partnersandclients.
Theirproactiveapproachnotonlyhelpedthemsurvivethe difficultperiodbutallowedthemtothrive.Christinaandher teamprioritizedmaintainingstrongrelationshipswith partnersandclients,ensuringtheyhadthetoolsand strategiesneededtonavigateuncertainty.Itwasatime markedbyresilienceandinnovation,reflectingthecore valuesthatdrivetheirsuccess.
BalancingProfessionalGrowthandPersonalValues
Christina'sgreateststrengthslieinherstrategicthinking andherabilitytoinspireherteamtowardasharedvision. Shetakesprideinheradaptabilityandopennesstonew ideas,qualitiesthathavebeenessentialinher entrepreneurialjourney.Equallyimportantisthe unwaveringsupportofherfamily,whohavealways believedinher,encouragedher,andmotivatedhertostay truetoherselfandcontinuallyimprove.Theirsteadfast supporthasbeenacornerstoneofhersuccess.
Earlyinhercareer,Christinarecognizedhertendencyto overcommit,oftentakingontoomuchherself.Overtime, shehaslearnedthevalueofdelegationandtrustingothers withresponsibilities,leadingtomoreeffectiveteamwork andpersonalgrowth.
Sheisimmenselyproudoftheachievementsofhergroup ofcompanies,whichhavebecometrustednamesin consulting,training,coaching,innovativesolutions,and education,helpingbusinessesandindividualsreachtheir goals.BeingrecognizedastheG100NetherlandsCountry ChairforConsultingandasanHonouredMemberofThe Women'sAssociationaremilestonesthatholdsignificant meaningforChristina,reflectingthecollectiveeffortand visionofherteam.
VisionforGrowthandInnovation
Christinaadvisesaspiringleaderstoremaincuriousand opentolearning,emphasizingthatleadershipisabout empoweringothersandfosteringanenvironmentwhere everyonecansucceed.Shehighlightstheimportance ofadaptability,buildingstrongnetworks,and aligninggoalswithpersonalvalues.Christina viewschallengesasopportunitiesforgrowthand innovation.
Shefirmlybelievesinthepowerofeducation andconsultingtodriveglobalprogress. ThroughNEFINIAandNEFINIAAcademy, sheaimstocontinueempoweringindividuals andbusinessestoreachtheirfullpotential.
Christina'sguidingphilosophyis:"Successis notjustaboutachievinggoalsbutabout empoweringothersandcreatingalasting impact.Stayinnovative,stayinspired, andalwaysstaytruetobeingyou.”
Website– /www.nefinia.academy www.nefinia.ae
Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nefini a_academy/
Linkedin-
https://www.linkedin.com/comp any/nefinia-academy/
WHY IS EXPERTISE ESSENTIAL FOR SECURING EU FUNDING?
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SecuringEUfundingisacompetitiveendeavorthat
demandsawell-structuredprojectandateamcapable ofmanagingiteffectively.Expertiseinproject managementisnotmerelyanadvantagebutanecessityfor navigatingthecomplexitiesofEU-fundedprojectsand ensuringtheirsuccess.
UnderstandingEUFundingLandscape
TheEuropeanUnionmanagesasignificantportionofits fundsincollaborationwithnationalandregionalauthorities throughsharedmanagement,primarilyviaStructural& InvestmentFunds,whichsupporttheEurope2020strategy. AsmallerportionisdirectlymanagedbytheEUintheform ofgrantsforspecificprojectsalignedwithEUpoliciesor contractsissuedbyEUinstitutions.AllEUfundingis subjecttotightcontrolsintermsoffulltransparency, accountability,andlinkingtotheEUpolicypriorities.
AccesstoEUFunding
TomakeaclaimonEUfunding,onemustmatchacallfor proposalsandsubmitafullyelaboratedproposal.Giventhe massivecompetitioninvolved,anaccuratelyprepared proposal,whichmeetsalltechnicalrequirements,suchas showingsufficientprojectmanagementcapability,iskey
ProjectManagementinEUProjects
ProjectmanagementinthecontextofEU-fundedprojects involvesarangeofresponsibilities,includingsupporting theprojectcoordinatorandconsortium,handlingdaily operations,organizingmeetings,coordinatingreports, addressingqueriesfromtheconsortium,andmanaging tasksasoutlinedintheprojectplan.Effectiveproject managementensurestheadministrationoftheEUproject remainsontrack,allparticipantsareengaged,anddeadlines andobligationstothefundingbodiesaremet.
KeyProjectManagementSkills
SeveralprojectmanagementskillsareimportantforEUfundedprojects.Theseinclude:
• PlanningandForecasting:Essentialforproperproject management.
• RiskManagement:Identifyingandmitigating potentialriskstotheproject'ssuccess.
• Adaptability:Thecapacitytoadjusttochanging circumstancesandprojectrequirements.
EUProjectManagementMethodologies
ThePM²Methodology,developedbytheEuropean Commission,cansignificantlybenefitthosemanagingEU FundsandGrants.Thecapacitytoimplementthis methodologyisessentialforanyoneinvolvedintheproject managementofEuropeanandNationalfundedprojects.
AdoptingtheEuropeanCommission’smethodologyfor managingprojectsdemonstratesacommitmenttohighqualityprojectmanagementandtheefficientinvestmentof EUfunds.Thisinvolvesspeakingthesame"project" languageasEuropeanCommissionstaff,projectofficers, assessors,andauditors;establishingacommonlanguage andwayofworking;definingclearrolesand responsibilitiesforconsortiumpartners;andestablishinga projectlifecyclethatguidesprojectinitiatingandplanning, monitoringandcontrolling,andprojectclosing.
BenefitsofProjectManagementExpertise
Applicationofprojectmanagementbestpracticesatall pointsofEU-fundedwork,includingproposalwriting, projectcoordination,andreporting,willresultinincreased efficiencyoftheprojectandgreatereffectiveresults.
Projectmanagementexpertisecanbeamplifiedregarding thefollowingaspects:
• Enhancechancesofsuccessofprojectproposals.
• Improvethequalityofprojectplanningandreporting.
• Increaseanorganization'scompetitiveness.
• Managestakeholdersandriskseffectively
• Effectivecommunicationwithprojectpartnersto coordinatetheworkofeveryone.
WorkingthroughtheProjectLifecycle
ThetrainingcoursesfocusonallaspectsofanEUproject, coveringphasesfromprogrammingtoprojectdesign, proposalwriting,budgeting,projectimplementation, monitoring,andevaluation.Suchcoursesempowerthe professionalsconcernedtounderstandEUfundingschemes properlyandkeepatrackofaproject.Theirsupportis intendedtowardsgoodmanagementpracticesandinformed decision-makingallalongthemanagementcycleof projects.
ComplianceandReporting
AcriticalelementofmanagingEU-fundedprojectsis reportingandvisibilityobligations.Understandingthe obligationsregardingvisibilityand communication/disseminationofECfundedprojectsis crucial.Inaddition,preparationforandhandling obligationsarisingfromECauditsiscrucial.
FinancialRiskMitigation
In-depthunderstandingoffinancialrisksandthe implementationofmitigationmeasuresarecrucialforthe successofEU-fundedprojects.Projectmanagement trainingprovidesadetailedreviewandanalysisoffinancial risks,equippingparticipantswiththeknowledgetomitigate theseriskseffectively
TheConsortiumAgreement
TheConsortiumAgreement(CA)isacrucialdocumentthat definestherights,responsibilities,androlesofallproject partners.Itcoversorganization,decision-making,financial matters,andintellectualproperty Thiscontract,signedby allparticipatingentitiesbeforetheGrantAgreement(GA), isbasedonmodelslikeDESCAorMCARD-HEUand tailoredtotheproject’sneeds.
Inconclusion,projectmanagementexpertiseisamustfor securingandsuccessfullyexecutingEU-fundedprojects.It ensurescompliance,efficientresourceallocation,risk mitigation,andeffectivecollaborationamongproject partners.Masteringprojectmanagementmethodologiesand bestpracticescansignificantlyenhancethechancesof securingEUfundingandachievingimpactfulresults.
WHY SHOULD YOU MASTER AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND TOOLS FOR
TheEuropeanUnionhasseveralfundingprograms
forresearchandinnovation,suchastheHorizon Europebudgetof€95.5billion.Thesefunds emphasizecombatingclimatechange,assistingtheUNin meetingitsSustainableDevelopmentGoals,andenhancing competitivenessandgrowthwithintheEU.Masteringthe toolsandresourceswouldbeessentialwhenusinga strategytorunanEUprojecteffectively.
UnderstandingtheEUProjectLifecycle
ThetraditionalEUprojectshavebeenunderstoodtohave typicallypassedthroughthefollowingphases:call identification,partnershipbuilding,conceptualization,and proposaldevelopment.
• CallIdentification:Itinvolvestheidentificationofthe rightcallsforproposalsthatfallinlinewithyour projectidea.Thecallsareaccompaniedby comprehensivedetailsonwhichtypesofprojectsthe EUhasinterestinfunding.
• PartnerDevelopment:Thebeginningismakingthe rightconsortium,asmostprojectsintheEUare collaborativeandadiversegroupbringstogether expertiseandresourcesindifferentways.
• ConceptNoteDevelopment:Thedevelopmentofa conceptnotethatidentifiesthecoreareasofyour project,suchasobjectives,outcomes,anda preliminaryplanfortheproject.
• ProposalDevelopment:Specificsoftwaresolutions willbeabletoofferholistic,well-suitedcollaboration toolstoensurethattherequiredinformationis gatheredandcompiledinreal-timefromallthe consortiumpartnersofanEUproject.Assuch, nothingismissed.
ToolsforEffectiveProjectManagement
AnefficientprojectmanagementcanmakeHorizonEurope projectsstreamlined,transparentandresource-effective. Toolsusedbyaprojectmanagergivethelatteran advantageinthecompetition.Thesetoolsprovideefficiency byorganizingtasks,deadlines,andmilestones.Theyalso enhancecollaboration,andprojectmanagers,researchers, andstakeholderscaneasilycollaborate.Thesetoolsalso provideresourceoptimizationsincetheybalancethebudget andoptimizeworkloads.
Bestprojectmanagementsoftwarewillintegratedata consolidation,taskdelegation,documentmanagement,and securecommunicationtobeeffective.
Asingleplatformwilloptimizethetimelines,resources, andsuccessoftheprojects.
BestStrategiesforEUProjectSuccess
Several best practices can be used in managing Horizon Europe projects.
• AlignmentwithEUPriorities:Projectmanagers shouldaligntheirstrategieswiththeprioritiessetby theEU,suchasclimateaction,digitaltransformation, health,andsocialinclusion.Thisensuresthatprojects contributeeffectivelytotheoverallgoalsofHorizon Europe.
• StakeholderEngagement:Itisessentialtoengageall relevantstakeholdersineverystageoftheproject.It willincluderesearch,industrypartners,policymakers, andend-users.Co-designingprioritiesandwork programswithstakeholderswillhelpensurethatthe projectremainsrelevantandimpactful.
• ContinuousMonitoringandAdjustment:Thewayto startwithitisthroughregularmonitoringand evaluation.Projectmanagersmustmonitorthe progress,analyzetheresults,andbeabletoadjust strategieswhenneeded.Adaptabilityisunavoidablein dynamicresearchenvironments.Itleadstoproject adaptabilitytochangesinthebestpossiblemanner.
FinancialManagementandTimeMonitoring
Personnelcostsareusuallythelargestpartoftheproject budget,andpropertimetrackingisessentialinmanaging thesecosts.TheEuropeanCommissionrequiresdetailed recordsofthetimeeachemployeespendsontheprojectto justifytheclaimedexpenses.Propertimetrackingensures thattheprojectcanpassauditswithoutissues,maintaining fundingandavoidingfinancialpenalties.
Italsoensurescompliancewithcontractualobligations, demonstratingtheappropriateuseofEUfunds.Bytracking howhumanresourcesareallocatedandutilizedthroughout theproject,managerscanmakeinformeddecisionsabout workloaddistribution.Accuratetimetrackinghelpsmonitor budgetadherence,allowingadjustmentsasneeded.
DigitalToolsforResearchandInnovation
SDUhasestablisheddigitalmeansforresearchersaswell asresearchsupporterstomaketheprocesseveneasierof projectideasevaluationandoffindingtheappropriatecalls. Thesetoolsworkateverystepofthegrantapplication procedure,fromsearchingthroughthemostrelevantcallup toprovidingastrongconsortium,andlastly,adjustingyour proposaltotheprofilesofreviewersthatareactuallygoing toevaluateyourproposal.SeveralotherAppsprovidetools fortheresearchdevelopmentprocess.
ResourcesToStayonTrack
Forthepurposeofmonitoringandmanagingdata collection,aninternalmonitoringsystemneedstobe establishedtoimplementyourprojecttimelyandefficiently. Resourcescanhelpyoukeeptrackofprojecttasksand finances,manageintellectualpropertyrights,followup withdisseminationandcommunicationactivities,and monitorforeseenandunforeseenrisks.
ThefutureofsuccessfullyexecutingEUprojectsisin masteringtheavailableresourcesandtools.Knowingthe projectlifecycle,usingprojectmanagementtools, implementingkeystrategies,andensuringfinancial accountabilityenhancethechancesofsecuringfundingand achievingimpactfulresults.TheEU'scommitmentto researchandinnovation,asembodiedbyHorizonEurope, presentsfertilegroundforprojectsthatarealignedwithits prioritiesandcontributetoasustainableandcompetitive future.
www.x.com/insightssuccess
