Boosting the career development of young researchers
On 3–4 December 2025, the COST Association held the Cross-Cutting Activities mid-term conference in Brussels, gathering CCA core members, the wider network, and external experts to review ongoing work and shape future CCA initiatives aimed at supporting the career development of young researchers.
On the first day, 3 December, all working groups presented their activities and the deliverables achieved to date. The programme focused mainly on presentations and exchanges among the four CCA working groups.
Working Group on young researchers. Lead by Ivana Herglová & Patricia Clement.
Working Group on career advisory and support services. Lead by Mostafa Moonir Shawrav & Yvonne Morgan.
Working Group on building a young researchers’ community in COST Actions. Lead by Ahmed Rassili & Stellamarina Donato.
Working Group on gender equity and fostering diversity in research. Lead by Adna Ašić & Verity Elston.
The programme on 4 December centred on strategic discussions, identifying the additional support young researchers need and exploring how the CCA can play a leading role in this debate while shaping its 2026 activities to strengthen these support measures. To enrich the discussion, three external speakers joined the conference to share their perspectives and engage with CCA members on how the CCA can help address ongoing challenges.
External perspectives were provided by Ms Emmanuelle Gardan, Director at the Coimbra Group of Universities and a recognised expert and advocate for sustainable research careers, alongside Dr Fiona McBride, Senior Researcher Developer at the University of Liverpool, who briefed the CCA on the Prosper project, which presents an innovative model for postdoctoral career development.
The CCA network also had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Edward Ricketts, Project Officer at the Research Executive Agency (REA), who shared insights into the various opportunities offered by the MSCA Doctoral Networks to young researchers.
The conference closing session put the spotlight on the first joint CCA deliverable, “20 Years of the European Charter for Researchers: Time to Turn Principles into Systemic Change,” prepared by the network under the guidance of CCA co-Chair Dr Nicola Dengo.
Finally, the wider network members also played an active role in the event, with Dr Annelies van de Ven, Policy Officer at the MSCA unit, European Commission, leading a breakout session: Empowering Emerging Researchers: Designing research policies and programmes that strengthen researcher autonomy, and Dr Simon Marti, Head of the EUA Council for Doctoral Education (EUA-CDE), presenting the latest EUA survey results.
The views of the participants on COST Cross-Cutting Activity
“The CCA brings together both Early Career Researchers (ECRs), experienced career development practitioners, and insight from the wider network members, giving us a unique perspective. That is why we can add real value by moving from having policies and tools to their successful implementation in ways that genuinely benefit ECRs. Many effective practices already exist, but they are scattered across institutions and countries. Through our international network, we can identify what works (and under which circumstances), consolidate good practices, and provide ready-to-implement recommendations for stakeholders across Europe.”
Dr Joanna Rutkowska – Postdoctoral researcher, University of Zurich, Switzerland
CCA co-Chair
“The CCA can add real value by making career development resources truly accessible to researchers. Many initiatives exist, but they often do not reach those who need them most. In the CCA, we aim to understand why that gap persists and find solutions by developing guidelines and recommendations to improve visibility, relevance and engagement. Early-career researchers should not only know about these opportunities. They should actively benefit and shape their careers with confidence and support.”
Dr Patricia Clement, Postdoctoral researcher, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
CCA WG co-Chair
“It is inspiring to watch the COST cross-cutting activity on career development for young researchers progressing. The resources currently being developed, especially the mapping of previous projects on career development of early-career researchers (ECRs), the overview of career instruments, and best practices, will create a solid reference base for ECRs and other stakeholders alike. The survey that is currently gathering feedback from ECRs, supervisors and career development practitioners on how career pathways evolve offers all stakeholders the opportunity to provide their views. A mentoring network connecting ECRs is already being set up with the first COST Actions, designed to strengthen peer support. The project also analyses how gender and intersectionality influence career development – a part of the CCA that already delivered a webinar. I view it as a particular strength of the CCA that the different project parts together will form a comprehensive and coherent package of tangible resources for the community“.
Dr Simon Marti – Head of the EUA Council for Doctoral Education
CCA wider network member
“The CCA can add real value by creating a unified framework that strengthens career development and community-building for young researchers across all COST Actions. It can harmonise best practices in mentoring, mobility, and skills training, ensuring equal access to opportunities regardless of discipline or geography. By connecting early-career researchers through shared platforms and cross-action activities, the CCA can reduce fragmentation and foster long-term networks. It can also promote inclusiveness, leadership opportunities, and visibility for young scientists. Ultimately, the CCA can empower a new generation of European researchers to collaborate, innovate, and thrive within a supportive and coherent ecosystem.”
Dr Ahmed Rassili – Senior project leader at Centre for Research in Metallurgy Group, Belgium
CCA WG co-Chair
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About the CCA The primary aims of the Cross-Cutting Activity on career development for young researchers are to create a community of practice, improve communication, and ensure consistent human resources strategies across Europe. Many tools have been developed to support career development, but they are not widely known, so how can we make these tools more accessible, visible, and interoperable between countries? The project will run until December 2026.
