In 2005, the European Commission adopted a European Charter for Researchers and a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. These two documents, addressed to researchers as well as employers and funders in both the public and private sectors, are key elements to make research careers in Europe more attractive.

​CHARTER & CODE FOR RESEARCHERS

Many European institutions are in the process of developing a special Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) to implement the Charter and Code. When job-hunting, look for the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ award – it means an employer has put a strategy in place to provide an attractive working environment.

​HRS4R

Even if you haven't thought about retirement yet, it is a good idea to get started now to ensure a comfortable pension. Moving between jobs and countries can cause complications regarding your pension. Find out more about your pension rights in Europe, including the pan-European pension scheme for researchers: RESAVER.

​More information on Pensions

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) support researchers at all stages of their careers, irrespective of nationality. Researchers working across all disciplines are eligible for funding. The MSCA also support industrial doctorates, combining academic research with work experience in companies. Researchers can benefit from innovative training that enhances their employability and career development. In addition to research funding, researchers can benefit from experience abroad and in the private sector. Visit the MSCA website to get more information about various funding schemes and application requirements.

MSCA website

Do you have or plan a research mobility programme and are looking for some extra funding to expand it or give it an international dimension? COFUND offers additional funding for new or existing regional, national and international programmes to provide an international and intersectoral dimension to research training and career development. Doctoral programmes as well as fellowship programmes for experienced researchers can be supported. Transnational mobility opens up new horizons for researchers.

The European Research Council (ERC) funding schemes are open to top researchers of any nationality or age who wish to carry out their frontier research in the 40 Member States of the European Union or associated countries. ERC offers different types of grants: Starting Grants, Consolidator Grants, Advanced Grants and Proof of Concept. Check the ERC website for more information.

ECR website