Researchers and policymakers from across Europe convened online on February 20, 2025, for a seminar focused on “Retaining and Attracting Research Talent in Europe: Challenges, Strategies, and Solutions.” The event, organised by EMERGE as part of the EXPER project, addressed the critical issue of talent retention and attraction, particularly in less powerful European regions.
The seminar began with participants testing their presentation skills, facilitated by Asociación Emerge. Alice Gervasoni officially welcomed attendees and introduced the EXPER project, which aims to bolster research and innovation in regions facing specific challenges.
A key theme throughout the day was the distinction between brain drain and academic mobility. Asociación Emerge advocated for a shift towards “brain circulation,” arguing that this model fosters knowledge transfer and benefits both the regions sending talent and those receiving it. They highlighted the specific struggles faced by the Canary Islands and Azores, citing geographical isolation and limited career opportunities as contributing factors to a significant outflow of young talent in 2023. This exodus has created a “talent development trap,” underscoring the urgency of addressing these systemic issues.
Maria Jose Caballero from the Galician Innovation Agency shared insights into the region’s initiatives for talent and knowledge transfer, noting a 28% increase in R&D investment in 2023. She stressed the importance of collaboration between universities and research centres in Galicia to attract and retain researchers. Claudine Leysinger from the University of Zurich presented the Graduate Campus, a program designed to support early-career researchers through skills courses, funding opportunities, and other resources.
Other presentations included Carmen Méndez from Vizcaya Talent, who discussed programs aimed at attracting international talent to the Basque Country, and Wieland Müller from the University of Rostock, who outlined the Graduate Academy’s role in supporting young researchers. Vera Martinelli presented the Bologna for Talent initiative, which assists both national and international talent in integrating into the local community.
The discussions highlighted the dual challenge of attracting new talent while simultaneously retaining existing researchers, particularly given the growing trend of postdoctoral researchers choosing industry roles over academic careers.
Key Topics Covered:
- The EXPER project and its focus on talent retention and attraction.
- The socioeconomic impacts of brain drain and the benefits of brain circulation.
- Challenges faced by isolated regions like the Canary Islands and Azores.
- Talent and knowledge transfer initiatives in Galicia, including the Opportunius and Ignitia programs.
- Support services offered by the Graduate Campus at the University of Zurich.
- Vizcaya Talent’s collaborative efforts to integrate international researchers.
- The Graduate Academy at the University of Rostock and its support for young researchers.
- The Bologna for Talent program and its role in talent attraction and retention.
The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, leaving participants with actionable insights and a renewed focus on addressing the complex challenges of research talent retention and attraction in Europe. The insights shared will be instrumental in translating knowledge into concrete policies for regional development, particularly for regions like the Canary Islands.
