The ERA Talent Platform
The ERA Talent Platform – one-stop gateway for researchers and innovators in Europe and beyond.
The ERA Talent Platform is a comprehensive online gateway designed to support researchers and innovation professionals at every stage of their careers. As part of the European Commission’s vision for A New ERA (European Research Area) for Research and Innovation, the platform plays a key role in enhancing career development conditions, attracting and retaining global talent, and strengthening Europe’s position in the international research landscape.
What the ERA Talent Platform offers:
Integrated access to key services
The platform brings together a wide range of tools and initiatives, including:
• The EURAXESS networks and portals
• The HR Excellence in Research award
Support for career development and mobility
By centralising access to resources and services, the ERA Talent Platform empowers researchers to plan and advance their careers across sectors and borders. It also supports institutions in attracting and retaining top talent.
A space for collaboration and knowledge sharing
The platform fosters collaboration among researchers, innovators, citizens and policymakers, offering access to the latest data, policy updates, and resources through the ERA Policy Platform.
Explore the ERA Talent Platform
Discover how the European Research Area is shaping the future of research and innovation.
The European Charter for Researchers A foundation for excellence in research careers
The European Charter for Researchers is a strategic instrument designed to foster the development of attractive, sustainable and inclusive research careers across Europe. It serves as a cornerstone of the European Research Area (ERA), supporting the creation of a competitive and open European labour market for researchers.
Endorsed by EU Member States on 8 December 2023 as one of the Annexes (Annex II) to the proposal for a Council Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain talent in research, innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe, the Charter replaces the 2005 version and the accompanying Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. It responds to concerns and recommendations raised by the Commission and the Council and introduces a renewed framework for research careers, aligned with contemporary challenges and opportunities in the global research and innovation landscape. It also introduces a clear definition of the term ‘researcher’, ensuring consistent recognition of the profession across Europe.
Key principles and structure
The Charter comprises 20 core principles, classified under 4 thematic pillars:
• Ethics, Integrity, Gender and Open Science
• Researchers’ Assessment, Recruitment and Progression
• Working Conditions and Practices
• Research Careers and Talent Development
These principles define the rights and responsibilities of researchers, employers, funders, and policymakers, and aim to ensure that the professional environment supports the generation, transfer, and dissemination of knowledge and technical development, while promoting career development and mobility.
Scope and target groups
The Charter is addressed to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including:
• Researchers in all sectors – academia, public and private organisations performing research
• Employers of researchers in the public and private sector
• Funders of research and researchers in the public and private sector
• Policymakers concerned with policies relevant to the Charter
It applies to all types of research – frontier, targeted, strategic, applied and close to market – and disciplines, including STEM and social sciences and humanities (SSH).
Career development and networking
The Charter aims to:
• Enhance the attractiveness and stability of research careers in Europe
• Promote intersectoral mobility and the acquisition of transversal skills
• Ensure equitable working conditions, including work-life balance and social protection
• Address inequalities in research careers related to gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or social origin
• Recognise the diverse roles of researchers, including supervision, mentoring, management, and administration
By establishing a shared framework of standards and expectations, the Charter encourages all actors in the research ecosystem to act professionally, responsibly and collaboratively, thereby contributing to the excellence and competitiveness of European research.
Explore the European Charter for Researchers
Visit the EC website for more information on the European Charter for Researchers.