ERRIN joins European Commissioner Zaharieva's implementation dialogue on Attracting and Retaining Research Talent

ERRIN joins European Commissioner Zaharieva's implementation dialogue on Attracting and Retaining Research Talent

ERRIN was honoured to participate in the Implementation Dialogue on Attracting and Retaining Research Talent in Europe, hosted by Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva at the European Commission’s Berlaymont building on 10 July 2026. 

The high-level dialogue brought together key stakeholders to discuss how Europe can strengthen its position as a global hub for research talent. Structured around two topics, Making Europe the destination of choice for research talent and Preparing research careers for the future economy and society, this meeting explored practical ways to improve the attractiveness, competitiveness and sustainability of research careers, while adapting to evolving labour markets and societal needs.

During this exchange, ERRIN's head of project Astrid Hannes highlighted the importance of recognising researchers’ societal engagement as part of the assessment of research careers, underscoring how their contributions to society should be better valued alongside traditional academic metrics. This element is already considered by the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (COARA), advocating for the recognition of the contributions that advance knowledge and the (potential) impact of research results, implying effects of a scientific, technological, economic and/or societal nature that may develop in the short, medium or long-term and that vary according to disciplines and research types (e.g. basic and frontier research vs. applied research). We also emphasised that the EU Missions offer numerous opportunities for involving researchers to increase the impact of their research by unlocking their expertise for addressing place-based challenges, bringing added value to cities and regions tackling pressing societal issues.

ERRIN echoed the need to strengthen the knowledge valorisation skills of researchers, which are essential for supporting evidence-based policymaking and the uptake of innovative solutions across regions. In addition, ERRIN suggested better anchoring talent retention and attraction as an integrated line of action in the broader EU support for strengthening place-based innovation ecosystems. 

The dialogue, held under Chatham House Rule, provided a valuable platform for exchanging insights on how to turn existing EU initiatives into tangible improvements for researchers and employers alike. ERRIN remains committed to advancing these discussions and supporting policies that foster a thriving, inclusive and future-proof research landscape in Europe. ERRIN looks forward to the forthcoming ERA Act, aiming to tackle long-standing barriers that undermine research careers in Europe and open avenue for all actors of the European research, higher education and innovation ecosystem to benefit from Europe's research talent. 

ERRIN has been a strong supporter of the European Research Area (ERA) and has committed to five different structural policies and actions under the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027. Linking to the discussions around attracting and retaining research talent in Europe, one of them covers "Upscaling knowledge valorisation capacities" and another "Improving the articulation between R&I and Higher Education within ERA unleashing the full potential of European R&I ecosystems".