Behind every scientific breakthrough is a project team making it happen..

PMO North: Behind the Science - Delivering Complex Projects

Join the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Association for Project Management (APM), and PMO North for a unique event that brings project professionals together to explore an active scientific research facility and build valuable connections with peers across the project community.

Hosted at the Daresbury Laboratory in Warrington, home to one of the UK's leading scientific and engineering facilities, this event offers a rare opportunity to gain insight into how major research and infrastructure projects are developed and delivered. The programme includes guided site tours and thought-provoking talks highlighting innovation, collaboration, and the changing landscape of project management.

Whether you are an established practitioner or aspiring to deepen your project management expertise, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced professionals. Discover proven approaches to managing world-leading scientific and engineering programmes, and network with like-minded individuals from across the profession.

Don't miss this opportunity to join fellow project professionals for an inspiring afternoon of discovery and networking.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Association for Project Management (APM), and PMO North are delighted to invite project professionals to a unique event exploring the delivery of complex scientific and engineering projects. Combining an exclusive site tour with expert-led talks and networking opportunities, this event offers a rare insight into the challenges, innovation, and collaboration involved in managing projects within a world-leading science and technology environment.

Attendees will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and discover how multidisciplinary teams work together to plan, coordinate, and deliver highly complex programmes. Through guided facility tours, attendees will gain first-hand insight into the scale of these projects, the diverse expertise involved, and the approaches used to respond to changing requirements and priorities.

Prior to the tours, a programme of engaging talks will explore innovation in project management, highlighting how the challenges and opportunities presented by an ever-evolving scientific and engineering environment can generate valuable lessons and best practices. Speakers will share their experiences, perspectives, and practical knowledge, providing attendees with fresh ideas to take back to their own teams and projects. The event will also provide plenty of time to meet and connect with fellow project professionals.

Whether you work in project management, programme management, portfolio management, a project management office, or a related discipline, this is an excellent opportunity to broaden your professional network and exchange ideas with others from across the project community. This event is suitable for professionals at all stages of their careers, from those beginning their project management journey to experienced practitioners looking to deepen their knowledge and gain a new perspective on the delivery of major scientific and engineering initiatives.

Join us for an inspiring and informative experience that brings together practical learning, innovative thinking, and meaningful professional connections.

Agenda -

13:00 – Registration and refreshments

13:30 – STFC Introduction

13:45 – Presentations:

PMO North:

13: 45 - Simon Horton MIGSO-Pcubed,

14:15 - Jim Livesey PMO North

14: 45 - Science and Technology Facilities Council

15:15 – Break

15:30 – Daresbury Facility Tours

16:30 - APM Closing talk

16:45 - Networking

17:30 - Close

PMO North Sessions Overview:

PMO North: Digital Innovation Portfolios in Practice Simon Horton

Join us for an open and engaging discussion on the realities of establishing a Digital & Technology Innovation Portfolio within a complex, federated organisation.

Rather than focusing on portfolio theory, this session will explore the challenges many organisations are facing today, including:

•Balancing pace with control – enabling innovation and rapid delivery while maintaining appropriate governance and oversight.

•Leading from the corporate centre – creating alignment, visibility, and prioritisation across a federated business without stifling local ownership and autonomy.

Through practical examples, lessons learned, and shared experiences, we'll explore what works, what doesn't, and how organisations are navigating these challenges in the real world.

Whether you're in PMO, Portfolio Management, Change, Technology, or Business Leadership, you'll leave with fresh perspectives, practical insights, and the opportunity to learn from peers facing similar challenges

PMO North: Challenging Conventional Thinking - What Drives Innovation in Project Environments Jim Livesey

What if the biggest risk to your projec

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