In-kind Field Coordinators prepare for the next three years

Mar 11, 2019
The group of in-kind Field Coordinators from Partner Institutes collaborating with ESS held their first meeting under BrightnESS² on 21 February 2019. The aim of the workshop was to formally kick-off activities planned within the project.

In picture above: In-kind Field Coordinators from regional hubs spread across Europe gathered for a workshop hosted at BrightnESS² partner Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ). Photo: Courtesy of FZJ.

JÜLICH – The network of Field Coordinators was established under BrightnESS, the predecessor of BrightnESS². The Field Coordinators have played an important role in strengthening communication between ESS and its in-kind partners. Approximately 85% of the total technical components of ESS are delivered through in-kind contributions. This endeavor requires extraordinary levels of support and collaboration. BrightnESS² aims to further develop the usefulness of the network and support the partners’ in-kind work as they transition from contracting and design activities, through manufacture into installation and commissioning.

The February workshops hosted by Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany served two purposes. Firstly, it was an opportunity for the Field Coordinators to get together and share their views with Mauro Zambelli who is leading Work Package 3: In-kind contribution management. They were also introduced to Sharon Cosgrove who was recently appointed as the Associated Director for Strategy at ESS.

The meeting formally kicked-off activities of Work Package 3, offering a platform for participants to better define the needs and opportunities in the coming three years of BrightnESS². The Field Coordinators discussed different ways to achieve the set milestones and develop deliverables. The group also revisited its working practices, and made proposals for readjustments which could strengthen collaboration within the network and streamline workflows.

“In the frame of BrightnESS², the Work Package devoted to in-kind contributions plays an even more strategic role than before. In fact, in the framework of BrightnESS (2015-2018), it was important to set up the network of Field Coordinators with the primary goal to assist the formulation of relevant Contracts and Technical Annexes. The challenge we face now is to foster the implementation of such contracts towards the actual in-kind delivery of equipment and instrumentation to ESS,” said Mauro Zambelli.

All participants reaffirmed their commitment to the project. Thanks to the workshop, the Field Coordinators have now an even deeper understanding of the upcoming challenges and opportunities related to in-kind processes. In the next three years, they will hold regular meetings to coordinate work, share lessons learned, and analyse the impact of in-kind activities on ESS and its Partners.

Partners: 
FZJ