ICoRSA - 11 November 2024

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ICoRSA
November 11, 2024

Stay informed with the latest updates and opportunities in the global research community. In this edition, we highlight the launch of the European ERA Talent Platform, insights from the Annual EU Research Report, opportunities for professional development, and much more. Dive in to explore upcoming events, new reports, and key initiatives shaping the future of research careers.

Happy reading!

ICoRSA Dissemination and Communication Leader in One More Project

ICoRSA has recently taken on the role of Dissemination and Communication Leader in the PHAROS project. This role positions ICoRSA to drive engagement, awareness, and visibility around PHAROS’s mission to tackle ocean conservation challenges. PHAROS, a Horizon Europe initiative, aims to protect marine ecosystems, combat pollution, and build a sustainable blue economy by 2030. Through innovative demonstrations in the Atlantic and Arctic, PHAROS focuses on restoring biodiversity and reducing human impacts on the ocean. As the lead for outreach, ICoRSA will play a key part in sharing PHAROS’s progress and fostering collaboration across stakeholders.

Young Academy Europe, EURODOC, MCAA and ICoRSA at the World Science Forum 2024, November 19-23, 2024 

Young Academy Europe, EURODOC, MCAA, and ICoRSA will host two side events at the upcoming World Science Forum in Budapest, running from November 19 to 23, 2024. This forum focuses on the role of science in addressing global challenges. 

The first event, titled “Engaging Researchers and Researcher Associations in Science Advice, Diplomacy, and Science for Peace,” will take place on November 19 from 14:00 to 15:30 CET at the Reading Room, Hungarian Academy of Sciences. This session will highlight the vital role of researchers and research associations in shaping policy by offering scientific insights. It will cover effective engagement strategies in science diplomacy and science for peace, along with case studies, practical insights, and discussions on the limits and risks of this work. 

The second event, “How to Make Academic Careers Attractive and Sustainable” is scheduled for November 20 from 14:00 to 15:30 CET at the Ceremonial Hall, Pesti Vigadó (2nd floor). This session will explore the challenges faced in research careers and showcase policy initiatives focused on career sustainability. 

ICoRSA will be represented by Dr. Rosarii Griffin, Legal Secretary, and Sal Music, Head of Dissemination and Communication. Participation in the World Science Forum is by invitation only.

For inquiries or interest in these side events, please contact [email protected]. 

Participate: ICoRSA International Postdoc Survey 

ICoRSA third international postdoc survey aims to explore the working conditions and social rights of researchers worldwide. This 2024 survey covers key areas such as demographics, contractual conditions, career expectations, professional development, and participation in governance. 

We invite postdoctoral researchers across all sectors and career stages to share their experiences. Your input is vital in advocating for better working conditions and social rights for researchers. 

Take the Survey and share in your networks: Click here to participate. 

News about Research Associations 

CAPS/ACPP 5th National Postdoc Survey 

ICoRSA’s member, the Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars (CAPS/ACPP) has launched its 5th National Postdoc Survey to evaluate the following aspects of the Canadian postdoc experience: i) working conditions; ii) satisfaction; iii) career development; and iv) the impact of COVID-19. The survey targets Canadian postdocs working in Canada, Canadian postdocs abroad, and former postdocs who meet these criteria. 

This study continues the series of previous surveys conducted by the association. You can review the results of past surveys here. 

To participate in the survey: 

  • To receive a survey link without registering as a CAPS member, fill out this survey registration form: https://lnkd.in/ggMuXVQy 

UKRSA & Vitae

UKRSA and Vitae selected the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network to host the 2025 National Postdoctoral Conference, an event celebrating and empowering postdoctoral researchers across the UK. 

The event will feature sessions from Fellows of the British Academy, university partners, policy stakeholders, and Early Career Researchers themselves. This diverse expertise will offer insights and practical skills for researchers looking to excel in academia and beyond. 

The conference will be held at the British Academy on 19 September 2025.   

Stay informed about the event: https://ukrsavitae.wixsite.com/ukrsa  

Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc)  

MCAA and Eurodoc announced a joint statement in response to the Horizon Europe interim evaluation report, led by Manuel Heitor. This statement outlines a shared vision for strengthening the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and highlights the importance of recommendations from the independent expert group. 

Key highlights from the joint statement: 

  • Increased Budget: Advocating for a significant boost in the MSCA budget to strengthen the European R&I landscape. 

  • Independence of MSCA: Emphasizing the need for MSCA’s independence to maintain its effectiveness and credibility. 

  • Enhanced Career Prospects: Calling for improved career prospects and working conditions for researchers. 

  • Streamlined Research Assessment: Supporting simplified applications and modernized research assessment based on #CoARA principles to reduce administrative burden and foster innovation. 

Access the joint statement here: https://zenodo.org/records/13944737  

Initiative Science Europe Main Recommendations for Horizon Europe and FP10 reports 

The Initiative Science Europe (ISE) published its main recommendations for Horizon Europe and FP10 in collaboration with partner stakeholders as ICoRSA: 

  • The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and European Research Council (ERC) are essential for fostering groundbreaking, curiosity-driven research across Europe, attracting global talent, and boosting EU visibility. Despite high demand, both programs face funding constraints. ISE urges increased support for these initiatives, alongside stronger support for collaborative basic research in Horizon Europe and FP10 to fully complete the R&I cycle. 

  • ISE recommends increasing support for collaborative basic research in Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe and FP10 to close existing gaps in the research and innovation (R&I) cycle. Balancing basic research with applied research and innovation will foster continuous knowledge exchange and better serve industrial needs. ISE suggests integrating collaborative basic research into R&I Actions to address global challenges, creating a cycle that builds on each round of innovation and elevates European competitiveness. 

  • Simplified access for "Widening countries," improved conditions for early-career researchers, and leveraging European academic associations for science-based policy guidance. Priorities include interdisciplinary research, science diplomacy, and flexibility for participants. 

  • Read more about the reports here. 

News in Research and Innovation policies  

Future European FP10: Expert group Report Align, act, accelerate Research, technology and innovation to boost European competitiveness  

The interim Evaluation Report for Horizon Europe The "Align, Act, Accelerate" led by a group of independent experts chaired by Professor Heitor, provides 12 key recommendations to maximise the impact of EU R&I for the remainder of Horizon Europe and the next framework programme FP10.  

Key recommendations include: 

  • Advance the fifth freedom of free movement of research, innovation, knowledge and education. 

  • Increased budget for the next Framework Programme to €220 billion. 

  • Fund all applications reviewed as excellent using the existing funding schemes as the EU Framework Programme, Structural and Member States funds. 

  • Stimulate industrial RD&I investment through a dedicated council, the Industrial Competitiveness and Technology Council. 

  • Address societal challenges with a new advisory council. 

  • Reinforce competitive excellence and retain talent through the MSCA programme and the European Research Council. 

  • Reduce the prescriptive calls. 

  • Eliminating non-core, redundant and underperforming programmes. 

Read more about the report here. 

Listen now to the Hearing of Commissioner-designate for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva to the European Parliament 

In confirmation hearings, the European Parliament assesses Commissioners-designate on their qualifications, independence, and commitment to the EU. The process begins with a review of financial interests to avoid conflicts. Candidates answer written questions, and their credentials are published. During live hearings, they present their agendas and respond to MEPs’ questions. If necessary, they may be asked for additional information. Final evaluations are reviewed by Parliament leaders, who may request further details or close the hearings. An unapproved candidate may be replaced.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, commissioner-designate for start-ups, research and innovation confirmation hearing  

focused on simplifying EU funding processes, especially for start-ups and SMEs. She supports a "trust first, evaluate later" model, two-phase applications, and increased private investment. Zaharieva backs double-blind evaluations to address assessment bias and aims for more autonomy in EU research bodies, like the European Innovation Council (EIC). She seeks to protect R&I funds, bolster AI and dual-use research, and address "brain drain" in lower-participation countries, while advocating minimum standards for researchers across the EU.  

The recording is available here. 

Opportunities for ICoRSA members 

ICoRSA as a member of the International Science Council (ISC) can nominate member and member organisations to the following initiatives:  

  • Call for Co-Chair of the Global Ocean Observing System Expert Panel on Biology and Ecosystems (deadline: 29 November, 2024). All interested ICoRSA members may send their nominations via email to [email protected] by November 22, 2024. 

  • Call for special accreditation for non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders to attend the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (deadline: 13 December). All interested ICoRSA members may send their nominations via email to [email protected] by November 29, 2024. 

Conferences

VITAE webinar on Researcher careers across borders: supporting careers beyond academia, November 21, 2024 

Vitae’s upcoming webinar will highlight initiatives and best practices to help researchers explore careers outside academia. Featuring speakers from across Europe, the event aims to build international connections among researcher development professionals and will introduce a new Europe-wide peer learning program. 

Date and Time: Thursday, 21 November 2024, at 9:00 am GMT 

Format: Online and free for all 

Learn more about the event here.  

Conference on Research Careers 2024 

Organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation it will gather researchers, professionals, stakeholders and policy makers to address the recent policy initiatives on Research Careers. 

Date and time: November 26, 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 CET 

Access the webpage of the event and watch the livestream.  

Upcoming Events on ERA Action 4: Boosting Research Careers and Leveraging EU Policy Initiatives  

These events are organized by the  INSPIRING ERA project and will address the European Commission policy action on promoting attractive and sustainable research careers in the European Research Area.  
 
1. INSPIRING ERA Exchange on Action 4: Research Careers 
Wednesday, 13 November | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (CET) | Online 
Event Details: https://www.inspiring-era.eu/event/european-online-event-on-action-4-research-careers/ 
 
2. Boost Your Career: New EU Tools and Support for Attractive Research Careers 
Wednesday, 4 December | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (CET) | Online 

Relevant readings  

Tenure Tracks in European Universities  

This newly published open-access book provides an in-depth analysis of current trends, developments, and challenges in implementing new academic career models across European higher education. It offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of university careers, featuring examples of tenure track models in European countries such as Austria, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. Through a multifaceted approach, the book reflects on the future trajectory of universities and the shifts required to support academic careers in Europe.