Summary: The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in the second half of 2023, organized a conference of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the title "MSCA: Diverse Research Careers to Tackle Global Challenges". This conference, organized by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, took place in Toledo on November 14 and 15. The main objective was to foster the connection between science and policymaking to better address societal challenges and increase the visibility of the MSCA as a key instrument in this connection.
Specific Objectives of the Conference:
- Promote discussion on the relevance of science in policymaking to tackle global challenges and how the MSCA program can support researchers and policymakers.
- Provide information on the current state of key actions carried out in the ERA Policy Agenda related to promoting attractive and sustainable research careers.
- Facilitate open and interactive sessions on the main features of the MSCA to generate suggestions that can be implemented in the MSCA Work Programme 2025-2027.
- Foster collaboration and synergies among key European and international actors in the field of human resources, mobility, and research career development.
Participation: The conference was attended by 176 people from 38 countries in person and more than 2,500 online views during the two-day event.
Main Contents of the Conference:
- Opening Speech: This presentation focused on the importance of science in policymaking to advance global challenges as a channel to set the scene for the entire conference.
- Policy Panel 1: Analyzed how science is contributing to shaping EU policies to tackle global challenges by showcasing two specific examples. This was complemented by a overview of the MSCA programme features allowing to foster these connections.
- Policy Panel 2: Analyzed the most relevant policies of the European Research Area (ERA) to support the diversification of researcher careers and their employability, highlighting the features of the MSCA program that align with these policies. This promotion of diversification directly connects with the potential roles of researchers to contribute to a better connection between science and public policies
- Parallel Workshops:
- Workshop 1: Addressed the intersectoral dimension of the MSCA, highlighting collaboration between the academic and non-academic sectors.
- Workshop 2: Focused on how the MSCA can foster international networks of scientists and contribute to solving global and local challenges.
- Workshop 3: Discussed inclusion in the MSCA and how to promote diverse and inclusive research careers.
The full sessions can be visualized in the conference website.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
- It is essential to develop favorable ecosystems with interconnected actors for effective science in policymaking.
- Researchers must have resources and knowledge to navigate the policymaking process.
- Efforts in science for policymaking should be recognized and rewarded within research careers.
- The MSCA should continue to foster the participation of public administrations and other key actors in the program.
- The European Commission is recommended to showcase existing good practices and continue recognizing science for policy activities as part of the research career.
This report highlights the importance of the interaction between science and policy and offers recommendations to strengthen this relationship through the MSCA program.