This day-long event provided Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN co-ordinators with invaluable guidance on the rules governing the operation of these projects. The talks provided an insight into the project requirements for communication, research ethics and more besides. Most usefully, the day provided an opportunity to meet with our Project Officer, who is our point of contact with the European Commission. We also met the co-ordinators of the other ‘environment’ projects and formed some informal connections that have already been helpful!