Creating framework conditions for sustainable research careers Dagmar M. Meyer Marie Curie Fellowship Association

„Europe needs more Researchers!“ Attract more people into science and research Attract more people into science and research  more efforts at all levels of school and university education  strategies for brain gain from outside Europe Make sure you don‘t lose those that are already in the system! Make sure you don‘t lose those that are already in the system!

Optimal use of human resources? Excellence as the only thing that counts? Excellence as the only thing that counts?  strive for very high quality research and reward it appropriately, but:  an army not only consists of Generals  make best use of people‘s potential rather than discouraging them  provide appropriate framework for the development of this potential!

Differentiation and diversification At individual level: At individual level:  allow for diverse profiles that may change over time  accept non-standard career paths and utilize the potential they bear At institutional level: At institutional level:  new types of institutions with different focuses

Create supportive environment Treat researchers as professionals Treat researchers as professionals  contracts with decent level of pay and social security  appropriate resources to do their job! Opportunities for professional development Opportunities for professional development  independently of contractual situation  change of mentality and a broader understanding of „investment in the future“

Combining flexibility with stability More stability through longer term contracts More stability through longer term contracts  open-ended contracts and regular evaluations rather than life-long civil servent status Allow for sustainable work-life balance Allow for sustainable work-life balance  flexible arrangements to combine personal life with professional life