The League of European Research Universities (LERU) has released a report setting out the priority issues that need to be addressed to improve the attractiveness and excellence of research careers.

The Position Paper “Harvesting talent: strengthening research careers in Europe” sets out the priority issues that need to be addressed to improve the attractiveness and excellence of research careers.

It is crucial that some of the best intellects in each generation continue to be attracted to research careers, and are given every opportunity to grow in ambition and creativity. To realise that potential, researchers must be immersed in a research-rich and well-equipped environment with stimulating local and international connections to other researchers, disciplines and organisations. They also need to be given independence and responsibility at an early stage.

Because most researchers are trained in universities, it is vitally important that universities provide well-designed, well-funded and well-supported jobs that are embedded in clear career structures where pathways from one career phase to the next are clearly signalled, whether they remain in or venture outside of academia.

These are the conclusions of an in-depth investigation of research careers among the members of LERU, an association of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities.

For more information, please click here or here

To download the document, please click here