SECURE Project at ESOF 2024: Focusing on Research Career Progression

One of the most important international scientific conferences in Europe, the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF), was held from June 12 to 15 in the Polish city of Katowice, under the slogan “Life Changes Science.” This occasion was perfect for showcasing the SECURE project to a varied audience. Once again, the conference convened a diverse assembly …

Research Careers and Research Assessment at EU Level: A Path to Sustainable Excellence

Today, Europe faces significant socio-political and economic challenges. Increasing global competition, geopolitical tensions, and an era dominated by technological advancements and artificial intelligence require a robust and dynamic response. At the heart of this response lie researchers, who are the backbone of the research and innovation system. They are crucial to maintaining the continent’s competitive …

SECURE Introduces Tenure Track-Like Models Draft

Intending to improve researcher careers across Europe, the SECURE project has released its initial iteration of Tenure Track-Like (TTL) Models through Work Package 3 (WP3). The primary objective of WP3 is to provide comprehensive examples of TTL models, offering recommendations on various aspects such as funding schemes, recruitment strategies, employment practices, training opportunities, and career …

ICoRSA’s Global Approach to Research Empowerment

Research is the driving force behind innovation, tackling societal challenges, and nurturing economic growth. In Ireland, as in many other parts of the world, the research sector faces both opportunities and obstacles. The International Consortium of Research Staff Associations (ICoRSA) stands as a crucial player in this dynamic landscape, advocating for researchers’ interests and championing responsible research practices on …

Driving Change: SECURE Unveils Draft Framework for Research Careers

The SECURE project has introduced a significant milestone by releasing the first draft of the Research Career Framework (RCF), underscoring its commitment to improving research conditions and opportunities in Europe. This development is a direct response to the new European Framework for Research Careers (EFfRC), aiming to align with existing initiatives and improve the overall …

Fostering Research Culture: SECURE Panel at MCAA 2024 Conference

The annual conference and general assembly of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) took place at the University of Milano, Italy, from the 14th to 16th of March 2024. This year’s annual conference theme celebrated a decade of MCAA’s efforts in the research sector in Europe and worldwide, and raised the questions on the interplay …

Getting precarity back on the agenda – Update from the United Kingdom

Vitae as a consortium member of the SECURE project are delighted to welcome the report released by the University and College Union (UCU) last month and echo the call to improve the level of support for researchers facing precarity.  Insecure employment for research staff appears to be endemic. While the sector is concerned with shifting the dial …

SECURE Project Annual General Assembly held at University of Rijeka

The European project SECURE (Sustainable Careers for Researcher Empowerment) continues its commitment to enhancing the attractiveness and mitigating precarity in academic research careers. The University of Rijeka (Croatia) hosted the annual meeting of the SECURE project on February 8th and 9th, where the project partners deliberated on the SECURE Research Career Framework & Tenure Track-like …

Research in Spain: current situation and emerging trends

Currently, we are navigating a period of change due to the global economic crisis of recent decades, which has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite these economic challenges and budgetary constraints, Spain has managed to advance in the research sector compared to previous years. According to the Regional Competitiveness …