Phase 1
June 2025 – May 2026
- Assessing maturity level in pilot institutions and identifying gaps in institutional practices, policies, and career development pathways.
- Providing training on RCF standards for research career progression, ensuring that institutions have the necessary knowledge to address identified gaps.
Phase 2
November 2025 – November 2026
- Selecting targeted interventions that address the specific gaps and needs.
- Co-developing tailored action plans (APs) for implementing the RCF at 8 pilot institutions.
- Ensuring that the action plans incorporate standards for attractive research careers.
Phase 3
May 2026 – May 2029
- Promoting cultural change and engagement in RPOs and RFOs
- Testing and validating initial RCF interventions in a real R&I initiative with QH stakeholders (academia, industry, government, and citizens/public).
- Sharing knowledge via the Mutual Learning Platform to support RCF implementation across pilots.
- Developing and executing R&E Plans, conducting evaluation cycles to monitor progress and refine strategies.
- Assessing the impact of RCF in funding calls on career development and organizational culture in RPOs.
- Facilitating workshops with RPOs, RFOs, and QH stakeholders to align RCF policies and integrate them into funding programs.
- Evaluating RCF trial results and providing recommendations for broader integration into future funding mechanisms.
Phase 4
May 2026 – May 2029
- Communicating results and lessons learned from implementing the RCF to policymakers and the broader research community via policy briefs and stakeholder engagement.
- Developing a mainstreaming plan to promote the adoption of RCF across RPO in Europe and beyond.
- Raising awareness among policymakers, research institutions, researchers, industry stakeholders, and the broader public.
- Holding a closing summit to present the final results and engage stakeholders for future steps.