Get to know the 108 selected participants to EU TalentOn 2024!

Over the last few months, hundreds of young scientists from across Europe and beyond have applied to become part of EU TalentOn, the European Union Contest for Early-Career Researchers. 

The evaluation process was taken very seriously. Following an initial selection through peer review by other applicants from different EU Mission Arenas, the applications with the best grades were further assessed by experts in relevant fields of research. We had to select the 108 best applications from 1,276 registered participants from 38 European countries.

After a thorough evaluation, the 108 participants were selected, who will get together in Katowice (Poland) from 9 to 14 September. They will compete in teams to come up with the best scientific solutions to societal challenges linked to the five EU Missions – Adaptation to Climate change, Cancer, Ocean, Cities and Soil and win monetary prizes to turn their ideas into reality. You can find the full list of participants here.

We would like to thank everyone who applied and to congratulate them for the very high level of their applications. 

Background

EU TalentOn is an initiative of the European Commission. The first edition took place in 2022, the European Year of Youth, in Leiden (Netherlands), as a biennial science event for early career researchers, aged 21 to 35. It aims to challenge young talented researchers to find solutions to help solve the most pressing global issues. The four-day contest brings together early career researchers and features an extensive programme, co-created with academia, innovators and industry. It aims to bridge the gap between young talent, science and industry.

Divided into small teams, these early career researchers will receive the necessary tools to create innovative and marketable solutions, and will have the opportunity to follow workshops, company visits, lectures, master classes, personal guidance and cultural experiences.

At the end of the contest, each team will pitch their solution to a professional jury and the public. Winners will receive prizes from the European Commission.