This guide discusses the importance of effective research project management in the academic sciences. It outlines the consequences of poor management, exemplified by the BepiColombo mission, which faced significant budget overruns and delays. The document emphasizes that managing a research project requires a combination of organizational and leadership skills, which scientists develop through experience. It details key areas of management, including team meetings, information flow, and maintaining project scope. The guide also presents various management tools that can assist researchers, such as citation management software, shared calendars, and collaborative platforms like LabGuru. As competition for funding and resources increases in academic sciences, the guide stresses that a well-structured project plan is essential for achieving research goals and ensuring project success.