On 18–19 May 2026, SECURE2 partners gathered in Szczecin, Poland, for the 2026 Steering Committee Meeting hosted by the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin (ZUT). The two-day meeting provided an opportunity to review progress achieved during the project’s first year, discuss ongoing activities and coordinate the next steps towards strengthening sustainable research careers across Europe.
The meeting opened with discussions on the latest European policy developments relevant to research careers, followed by dedicated sessions on the implementation of the SECURE Research Career Framework (RCF), institutional analysis and co-creation activities supporting pilot actions across partner organisations. Throughout the meeting, consortium members exchanged experiences, shared progress and explored opportunities for further collaboration.
A dedicated session brought together researchers and representatives of Eurodoc, ICoRSA and the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) to discuss key challenges and opportunities related to research careers. The discussions focused on strengthening support mechanisms for researchers and promoting the implementation of the Research Career Framework within the European Research Area.
The second day focused on updates from project work packages, exploitation activities, cooperation with sister projects and reflections from members of the Advisory Board. Partners reviewed achievements to date, assessed ongoing activities and discussed future actions aimed at maximising the long-term impact of SECURE2 and supporting institutional reforms across participating organisations.
Beyond the formal programme, the meeting also provided valuable opportunities for networking and strengthening cooperation among project partners. A guided tour of Szczecin and social activities offered an informal setting for continuing discussions and building connections across the consortium.
The Steering Committee Meeting reaffirmed the consortium’s shared commitment to supporting the implementation of the Research Career Framework and advancing institutional reforms that contribute to more attractive, sustainable and inclusive research careers throughout the European Research Area.
