New report on research careers released by CESAER 12/12/2024

On 11 December 2024, the association of universities of science and technology in Europe (CESAER) released a report entitled 'Research careers: A critical choice for Europe'. This report presents the results, insights, and recommendations from a 2024 CESAER research careers survey, combining a data-driven analysis of survey outcomes from 24 universities with expert assessments, landscape analyses, and detailed case studies. It also provides guidance for a 'Choose Europe' initiative and calls for its launch as a pilot under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions in 2025.

The full report is available here (PDF).

"The future of Europe’s research landscape depends on our ability to unite efforts across all institutions and stakeholders. As an association, CESAER is committed to advocating for stable and rewarding research careers, ensuring that Europe remains a magnet for the world's brightest minds. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic action at the highest levels, we can create an environment where research careers thrive and contribute significantly to societal progress and technological advancement."

-- Orla Feely, President of CESAER and President of University College Dublin

"Researchers are the backbone of Europe’s knowledge economy, yet their careers often face instability and uncertainty. It is imperative that we address these challenges head-on, with robust EU actions to enhance the attractiveness of research careers in Europe, above all for young researchers. By improving working conditions, launching targeted funding instruments, and ensuring clear, sustainable career pathways, we can empower young researchers to reach their full potential, thereby strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in science and technology. It will be the only way to avoid the current European brain drain (primarily to United States) and guarantee brain gain and effective brain circulation in Europe by 2035."

-- Manuel Heitor, CESAER Envoy on Research Careers, Co-Chair of CESAER Task Force Human Resources and Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico

"Universities are at the heart of nurturing talent and driving innovation. To fulfil this role effectively, we must ensure that research careers within our institutions are not only viable but highly desirable. This requires a commitment to modernising career structures, embracing inclusivity, and fostering a supportive environment where researchers, particularly early-career professionals, can flourish. Through these efforts, we can contribute to a more dynamic, equitable, and competitive research landscape in Europe."

-- Tanya Bondarouk, Co-Chair of CESAER Task Force Human Resources, Dean and Professor of Human Resources Management and Technology at University of Twente