As we continue our journey through this sparkling year, we now turn our focus to the careers dimension of young research universities and explore how YERUN contributes to the discussions and initiatives of making careers in academia more sustainable, fair, and attractive across Europe.
Building thriving academic careers requires more than just policy discussions: it calls for concrete actions. Through projects like SECURE and inspiring initiatives at our universities, YERUN is actively shaping frameworks that enhance career stability, mobility, and recognition. By fostering talent, supporting career progression, and creating inclusive opportunities, young research universities are making academic careers more attractive and accessible. With these efforts, YERUN is driving change and reimagining the future of academic careers.
Sparks under the Spotlight
As part of our “Sparks of YERUN” series, we turn the spotlight to Saša Zelenika, Vice-rector for Strategic Projects at the University of Rijeka, who reflects on the challenges researchers face and shares how his institution is engaging with them. From participating in initiatives such as CoARA and HRS4R to contributing to projects like SECURE, the University of Rijeka is actively involved in shaping discussions around research careers.
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The spotlight also sheds light over the interview with Karen Vandevelde, HR Director at the University of Antwerp, whose insights reflect both a deep understanding of institutional responsibility and a bold vision for cultural change in academia. In this interview, Karen addresses the warning signs emerging globally and offers thoughtful reflections on what it will take to build a talent ecosystem that truly supports researchers at every stage.
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Paper: From Talent to Societal Impact: An Evolutionary Journey for Universities
Building sustainable and rewarding research careers requires universities to rethink how talent is nurtured, assessed, and supported. Our paper From Talent to Societal Impact: An Evolutionary Journey for Universities highlighted the need for more flexible career pathways that go beyond traditional academic roles, equipping researchers with the skills to thrive in an evolving job market. This means fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting open science, and creating environments where innovation and societal impact are valued alongside research excellence. By embracing new career frameworks and strengthening connections between academia and industry, YERUN members are driving a cultural shift, one that empowers researchers, supports diverse career trajectories, and ensures long-term career sustainability in a rapidly changing world.
Published in 2021, the paper also anticipates the Sparks of YERUN series, particularly through its chapter A university for students – where talent sparks, which highlights how universities can serve as hubs of creativity, knowledge exchange, and talent development. This vision aligns closely with the initiatives showcased throughout the 2025 Sparks chapters, where we are highlighting members’ innovative approaches to the core topics of YERUN, such as Careers.
Inspiring Initiatives from YERUN Members
At YERUN, we don’t just support research careers; we’re actively reshaping them! Our members are driving bold, forward-thinking initiatives that empower researchers at every stage, which we explore in our publication The future starts today! – Inspiring Initiatives from Young European Research Universities. From University of Rijeka’s informal approach to learning that exposes older generations to fresh insights, to Tor Vergata University’s mentoring schemes that connect early-career researchers with experienced researchers, we’re fostering talent in new and meaningful ways. Programmes like Brunel University London’s Research Culture Fund are creating inclusive, collaborative environments where researchers can thrive, while NOVA University Lisbon’s entrepreneurship training helps transform innovative ideas into real-world impact. Whether it’s funding for career breaks, leadership development, or cross-disciplinary collaboration, YERUN universities are redefining what it means to succeed in research, paving the way for a more dynamic and inclusive academic future in Europe.
Lunchtime series on Early Career Researchers
To advance its work on academic careers, YERUN collaborated closely with its ad hoc group on academic careers and organised a dedicated lunchtime series on Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Held throughout June 2023, the series explored key topics such as intersectoral mobility, mentoring, the impact of funding schemes, and the challenges of implementing career policies in universities. Bringing together policymakers, HR directors, doctoral school leaders, and other experts, the discussions provided valuable insights into European efforts, including the SECURE project and CoARA initiatives. With 300 participants engaged, the series underscored the importance of fostering sustainable and rewarding research careers.
Action through projects
YERUN’s commitment to shaping more sustainable and supportive career paths for researchers across Europe goes beyond policy discussion through action-oriented initiatives, such as the SECURE project. Through its involvement, YERUN has contributed to discussions on reducing career precarity, enhancing research career frameworks, and supporting institutions in fostering long-term career development. By engaging in this dialogue, YERUN continues to advocate for systemic changes that empower researchers and strengthen the European research landscape.
The SECURE summit took place in Brussels on 6 March and brought together experts and institutions to explore key findings on Research Career Frameworks (RCF) and Tenure Track-Like (TTL) models, offering valuable insights into career stability and progression. Through engaging discussions, institutional perspectives, and policy recommendations, the event examined strategies for talent retention, mobility, and sustainability in research careers.
Watch the post-event video to revisit the key moments and insights!
Illustrations from the SECURE Summit:
Illustrations by @Kristof Braekeleire
