Support to young researchers

How can we attract young students to a career in science and how can we retain them?

With a view to address this question, on 29 November 2016 the Council adopted conclusions on measures to support young researchers and raise the attractiveness of scientific careers. The conclusions built on the Bratislava declaration that was presented to EU research ministers last summer with the objective of supporting new generations of researchers and scientists who are called to be key drivers of Europe's prosperity.

Science, technological development and innovation are the engine of welfare and development in Europe. In a complex and fast-changing world, researchers can contribute to a better understanding of society and to addressing its big challenges. In this context, new generations of researchers and scientists are key to Europe's future research. There is a need to boost the attractiveness of scientific careers for young people, to support young researchers in their careers, foster their talent and offer them attractive career development opportunities. The overall aim should be to create better conditions for young researchers both at European and national level.

The Council noted that a modernised research environment will contribute to better addressing societal and economic challenges. It also acknowledged that there are important barriers for early-stage researchers in entering, remaining and fully contributing to the scientific community; it stressed the need to take measures to support them, such as providing opportunity for inter-sectorial public-private sector mobility and international mobility, dual-career opportunities and PhDs in cooperation with industry.

The Council called upon the Member States to further promote science and research careers; to encourage universities and research institutions to establish clearer and more structured career paths and to foster transparent recruitment procedures; to promote mentorship activities of senior researchers from universities, research institutions, academies of sciences and industry; to encourage the national funding agencies to consider analysing if and how funding schemes can be improved; to facilitate and promote participation of early stage researchers in bilateral and multilateral S&T cooperation schemes and projects and to encourage adequate support for PhD candidates. Finally, it invited the Member States, in accordance with their national legislation, to ensure appropriate social security coverage to all researchers, including doctoral candidates, who are engaged in remunerated research activity.

The Council agreed to take stock of progress by the end of 2018, together with the Commission and on a regular basis thereafter, within the existing monitoring processes.

Background information:

• Council conclusions on Measures to support early stage researchers, raise the attractiveness of scientific careers and foster investment in human potential in research and development
• Bratislava Declaration of Young Researchers