Conference on Research Careers 2023

The mobility of researchers is a driver of excellence in research. However, researchers face difficulties in preserving their pension benefits when moving.

RESAVER is a pan-European Occupational pension fund for researchers, developed with the support of the European Commission, that allow researchers to remain affiliated to the same pension solutions while moving between countries.

RESAVER helps foster mobility, increases the attractiveness of employers and contributes to the creation of an appealing labour market for researchers.

EURAXESS is a one-stop shop for researchers and innovators seeking to advance their careers and personal development by moving to other countries. The unique web portal offers jobs, funding and hosting opportunities, career development guidance, free tools and much more.

It provides tailored information and support, free of charge, to researchers, entrepreneurs and research performing organisations.

Currently, EURAXESS network counts 43 European countries and 9 worldwide hubs..

The implementation of the Charter & Code principles via the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) makes research institutions and funding organisations more visible and attractive to researchers looking for a new employer or for a host for their research project.

The European Commission recognises with the 'HR Excellence in Research Award' the institutions making progress in aligning their human resources policies to the principles of the Charter & Code, based on a customised action plan/HR strategy.

The Charter has been extensively revised and is currently under discussion at Council level. Its adoption is targeted on December 2023.

Action 4 of the ERA Policy Agenda (Promote attractive and sustainable research careers, balanced talent circulation and international, transdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility across the ERA) is of key importance to make research careers in Europe more attractive, in line with the May 2021 Council Conclusions on research careers. The implementation of the action is advancing at a fast pace, in cooperation with Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and stakeholders.

On 13 July, the Commission adopted the proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European framework for research careers – which includes the new Charter for Researchers – and launched ResearchComp (European Competence Framework for Researchers) website. Additional initiatives are ongoing, including the development of an observatory on research and innovation careers.