We’re moving forward with a major transformation in how project data is managed. For years, key information—such as financial data, schedules, resources, and technical activities—has been stored in isolated Excel files and department-specific systems, creating silos and making it difficult to report, collaborate or get a unified view of projects. The new Project Management Platform (PMP) addresses this by centralizing all project-related data into a single, structured database. PMP will interconnect with existing tools like CET, APT and Power BI, enabling automated data exchange, unified reporting, advanced analytics, and real-time dashboards. This integration not only streamlines project tracking and reporting but also improves data quality and decision-making across teams. The platform is currently in its final development phase, with a planned launch in June 2025, followed by training sessions, documentation, and support to help teams transition smoothly.

Etienne Scaioni

📌 About the Initiative:
At our recent Project Management Meet Up, we shared an early look at the Project Lifecycle Framework—a practical, OpenSE inspired, flexible approach currently being developed to better support the variety of sub-projects run within the EN Department.

Because not all projects have the same challenges nor objectives, the framework introduces three levels of typology to help teams apply just the right amount of structure:

• Level 3 – Big, complex projects that need large PM support
• Level 2 – Medium-sized efforts that benefit from a lighter structure
• Level 1 – Simple, focused projects where minimal process is enough

To make this easier in practice, we’re also building a Sub-Project Matrix—a quick-reference tool to help both newcomers and Project Managers get a rough sense of where their project fits. And coming with it: custom toolkits for each project phase, including clear processes, procedures, templates, and guidelines to make managing projects smoother and more efficient.

The framework is still evolving—and will continue to be revised and improved in the weeks to come, through collaboration with project managers across the department.

✅ What are the main objectives of this initiative?

• A user-centered, dynamic framework, co-created with teams and shaped through ongoing feedback.
• 🛠️ A complete toolkit of practical resources, tailored to real project needs.
• ⚖️ A model that balances standardization with flexibility, ready to grow with us.
• 🚀 A shared baseline of PM skills and practices to speed up onboarding and boost delivery.
• 📘 Clear, accessible documentation to help newcomers contribute with confidence—faster.
  

💡 Key Tips from the Session:

• Be clear early—on scope, roles, objectives, and revisit them regularly.
• Use the framework as guidance, not a constraint. Stay flexible.
• Choose tools and rituals that work for your team—and skip the ones that don’t.
• Visual is powerful—boards and roadmaps often work better than long reports.
  

🚀 In Closing:
This new approach isn’t just about adding structure—it’s about making project management work better for everyone involved. It’s still a work in progress, and we’re excited to keep shaping it together.

Lisa Berkani

For over 20 years, Maria Elena Angoletta and her team have been at the forefront of developing digital Low-Level RF (LLRF) systems, pioneering new ways of controlling the beams in circular machines. This is not merely a tale of technical innovation but a deeply human story of collaboration, passion, and resilience in the face of challenges.
The journey began in 2003, with CERN partnering with Brookhaven National Labs (BNL). At the time, CERN’s RF group lagged in digital technology, but the team dove into prototyping hardware, conducting beam tests, and training extensively. Their determination paid off, and in 2005, they deployed the first digital LLRF system in LEIR. This milestone marked the first use of such technology for circular machines at CERN. The system’s innovative design included powerful real-time digital signal processing capabilities and a modular architecture, based upon motherboards and daughtercards.
Combined with an innovative wide-band High-Level RF (HLRF), developed with Japanese KEK colleagues, the LLRF took over roles traditionally implemented in the HLRF, becoming the “brain” of the whole RF system. The initial scepticism about some of its cutting-edge features—such as the embedded generation of timings, reference functions and observation signals—soon turned into acceptance and then into a new standard for future developments.
This initial success paved the way for a broader vision of applying the modular and adaptable LLRF family to all small synchrotrons at CERN. These machines, with their high synchrotron frequencies and fast beam reactions, demanded precise and swift feedback loops. Digital solutions offered unmatched advantages, from repeatability and diagnostics to easier maintenance. The modular approach also supported a streamlined workflow across different facilities.
In 2009, a collaboration with MedAustron marked the genesis of the second-generation LLRF family. Building on lessons from LEIR, this iteration was more powerful and flexible, supporting new features like real-time data exchange between orbit and LLRF systems. It was deployed across CERN facilities, including the PSB, ELENA, and AD, as well as in MedAustron’s medical synchrotron.
Yet, this story isn’t just about hardware and firmware. It’s about people—the engineers, students, and collaborators who brought these systems to life. Long nights spent solving last-minute challenges, like testing new hardware until dawn to ensure the right operation of the accelerators. She recalls moments of camaraderie, celebrating successes with her team over snacks and drinks, and the bittersweet transitions as team members moved on.
This human element is the cornerstone of CERN’s success. The shared passion for pushing technological boundaries has helped overcome tight deadlines and resource constraints. It’s a spirit that has driven the team to adapt their systems for new applications, such as medical synchrotrons under CERN’s NIMMS initiative and advanced beam diagnostics.
If you want to learn more about Maria Elena’s legacy of innovation and teamwork read the full article HERE. Her story will hopefully inspire others to tackle challenges with creativity, resilience and determination, proving that even the most complex systems are built not just with technology, but with heart.

Introduction
MeisterTask is a Kanban-based task management tool that facilitates streamlined project organization. Developed as an alternative to tools like Trello, it is particularly effective in managing tasks for teams and projects requiring high levels of collaboration. Beatriz Arias Alonso, FCC Quality Officer, and Patrycja Laidouni, FCC Environmental Studies lead, have shared insights from their experiences with MeisterTask after attending the CERN Project Management Meetup. They highlight its ability to simplify workload management while offering a user-friendly interface.

Key Features

General Attributes
MeisterTask offers robust functionality, including task responsibility allocation, drag-and-drop task movement, and seamless task import and synchronization with calendars. Features like automatic Gantt chart visualization and task scheduling enable better planning, while automation options allow for streamlined task assignment, time tracking, and recurring task creation. Accessibility is also a key strength, with compatibility across web browsers and mobile apps.

Customization and Notifications
Customization options abound, enabling users to tailor project sections, tags, and notifications to suit their needs. Real-time synchronization ensures up-to-date information is always accessible, though offline capabilities are lacking. MeisterTask also supports external collaborations by allowing guest access with administrator-defined permissions.

Integrations and Multi-Project Management
MeisterTask integrates with tools like MS Outlook, Slack, Google Drive, and Jira. Multi-project functionality allows users to manage parallel tasks efficiently while keeping their personal agenda organized.

Task-Level Attributes
At the task level, MeisterTask offers extensive details: unique task IDs, deadlines, start and end dates, subtasks, comments, and activity logs. Users can also establish dependencies between tasks, ensuring clarity in project progression.

Conclusion
While other tools may provide more advanced features, MeisterTask strikes a balance between simplicity and versatility. It is an intuitive and efficient choice for project management, suitable for diverse teams and industries. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any team’s toolkit.

See here the full article

BEATRIZ ARIAS ALONSO, ATS-DO
FCC QUALITY OFFICER

PATRYCJA LAIDOUNI, ATS-DO
FCC RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES