The SECURE2 project officially started with a successful kick-off meeting in Sarajevo on 15–16th of September. The event gathered representatives of all 18 partner institutions from 13 European countries, including eight pilot organisations where the recommendations for the European Research Career Framework (RCF) will be tested and implemented.
Over two days, participants exchanged experiences and discussed how to translate the RCF into practice, with the shared goal of building more attractive, transparent, and sustainable research careers across Europe. Among them was Dr Dario Capezzuto, a policy officer at the European Commission (REA, DG RTD), who provided policy feedback situating SECURE2 within the wider ERA Policy Agenda and the new European Charter for Researchers. He also emphasized the Commission’s €500 million Choose Europe for Science initiative, which complements existing efforts to strengthen research careers while ensuring that resources remain dedicated to supporting early career researchers already based in Europe.
Each partner organisation presented its background, role in SECURE2, and priorities for the upcoming months. Sessions also reflected on lessons learned from SECURE1, insights from the pilot phase, and key challenges and solutions for implementation of the RCF recommendations. Partners were encouraged to draw on these lessons and consider which interventions could generate the most meaningful change in their specific contexts.
SECURE2 will test these career development recommendations for a minimum of two years in at least eight organisations across Europe. This timeframe allows the project to analyse the possibilities and effects of implementing the RCF recommendations through specially designed interventions in participating institutions. The project initiative provides an action plan and a set of options to support organisations in achieving real institutional change, promoting collaboration among researchers, managers, and administrators, while addressing the real needs of both academic and non-academic sectors. With strong commitment from all partners and stakeholders, SECURE2 is now well positioned to advance its mission of making research careers in Europe more attractive and sustainable.
