Culture collections have a long tradition in training people that directly, or indirectly, are interested in microbial taxonomy and in microbial preservation and management. Academic (PhD and Master), advanced as well as bespoke courses on related topics in this field are regarded of true added value for the educational and microbial research community in Europe. In addition, only with modern and appealing approaches we can reverse the strong decline in numbers of trained microbial taxonomists in Europe that has been observed over the last decades. Gaps in microbial resource management training and potential synergies have been identified and the establishment of an educational community to create a knowledge-based training network and implement lifelong educational and continuing professional development courses for people working within culture collections have been developed. Training courses involved both theoretical and wet laboratory experiences in microbiology not only covering elements of taxonomy and identification of microorganisms but also isolation, characterisation, preservation and use of microbial resources are of the importance. To support these actions e-learning materials for training activities and distance courses need to be implemented with innovative approaches. On top of this, MIRRI is involved on the RItrain (The Research Infrastructure Training Programme, http://ritrain.eu/) Horizon 2020 project. RITrain envisages improve and professionalize the training of managerial and leadership staff in research infrastructures (RIs). This is vital for the future success of Europe because access to excellent RIs underpins the success of today’s research and innovation. The successful management and leadership of research infrastructure requires a complex collection of competencies, especially for those working across national borders. A flexible, modular executive master’s degree is under development for RI managers and leaders, including executive directors of RIs, heads of finance and administration, heads of Human Resources and communication.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
