The EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) in Katowice, Poland, provided the stage for a significant discussion on the new European framework for research careers. The event featured prominent speeches and panels, including a panel session by members of the SECURE project and other collaborators in the field of research, who gathered to delve into pressing issues and potential solutions for the research community.
Gareth O’Neill, moderator or the SECURE panel session, introduced the framework, emphasizing its aim to tackle key challenges in research careers such as precarity and mobility. “Our goal is to create a sustainable and supportive environment for researchers across Europe,” said O’Neill.
Dario Capezzuto from the European Commission provided insights into the policy landscape, underscoring the significance of the European Research Area and collaborative efforts to enhance research careers. “The council recommendation is a crucial step towards improving the working conditions and career prospects for researchers,” Capezzuto noted.
“Collaboration at the national level is key to the successful implementation of these recommendations,” added Luisa Henriques, an advisor at the Foundation for Science and Technology, offering the member state perspective and discussing how national policies can align with the new framework.
Clare Viney, CEO of Vitae, focused on the importance of tenure and career development. “We need to ensure that researchers have clear and attainable career paths to promote long-term engagement and innovation,” Viney emphasized.
The Secretary General at YERUN – Young European Research Universities Network, Silvia Gómez Recio, discussed the role of universities in supporting researchers. She stated, “Universities play a pivotal role in fostering a conducive research environment.”
Highlighting the researcher’s perspective, Sebastian Dahle from the European Council for Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (EURODOC) emphasized the critical need for practical implementation. “It’s essential that we translate these policies into concrete actions that benefit researchers on the ground,” Dahle stressed.
The panel was dedicated to discussing activities and progress within the SECURE project, highlighting its significance in mainstreaming the new European research career standards. Attendees were encouraged to participate actively, with QR codes provided for accessing detailed documents and slides. The session concluded with a call for further engagement and sharing of the best practices to ensure the effective implementation of the new standards for research careers. The SECURE project, which aims to translate the framework into actionable steps for universities and funders, also had a prominent presence at the conference with its booth stand.
