From October 23rd to the 24th, 2024, the EXPER project consortium convened at the University of Calabria, Italy, for the second General Assembly. This meeting, held at the ARIIS (Area Ricerca, Innovazione e Impatto Sociale) facilities in the University of Calabria (UNICAL), marked a pivotal gathering as the project approaches its final stages. Representatives from each work package (WP) were present from across 4 different EU countries, participating in engaging discussions on project achievements and next steps.
The assembly began with a review of actions taken within each WP, with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) providing a project overview. Highlights included WP2’s strategies and action plans, WP3’s progress on the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), and the replication of the CLAB model by UNICAL. The focus on gender equality and diversity in Task 3.3, led by Consulta Europa, underlined the project’s commitment to inclusive growth. EMERGE tackled the challenge of brain drain in WP3, while the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC) shared advancements in establishing and coordinating SCWGs in WP4. ATRINEO covered WP5’s goals of skill-building and research excellence.
WP6, led by ULPGC, showcased their work on monitoring and assessing the impact of implemented action plans. This vital work ensures the sustainability and effectiveness of project outcomes across participating regions. In WP7, Consulta Europa presented updates on the communication and dissemination efforts, underscoring the importance of visibility and engagement with wider audiences.

Day two focused on final steps, timelines, and preparations for the project’s concluding conference, involving all partners in shaping the project’s legacy. A guided tour of Cosenza’s historic centre led by UNICAL enriched the assembly, fostering strong connections among team members.
Ultimately, the General Assembly at UNICAL facilities underscored the consortium’s dedication to fostering research excellence in Europe’s peripheral regions, setting a clear path for the final stages of the EXPER project.