The ERA-CAREERS project started on September 1, 2026, and will run until August 31, 2029. Its goal is to support institutions and research ecosystems across Europe in creating better-quality, more sustainable, and more attractive conditions for the career development of researchers, through a more effective implementation of the European Charter for Researchers.

ERA-CAREERS responds to some of the key challenges researchers face today: from inadequate working conditions and underdeveloped support systems for professional development, to the need for a more effective implementation of European standards in practice.

Through the cooperation of institutions, researchers, and other actors in the research and innovation ecosystem, the project will contribute to creating an environment that fosters professional development, knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inclusive policies.

The main objective of the project is to enable institutions to translate the principles of the European Charter for Researchers into concrete policies and practices, while simultaneously contributing to the creation of more attractive and sustainable research careers through participatory needs analysis and the co-creation of solutions.

ERA-CAREERS Drives Change Through Four Key Directions:

1. Understanding challenges in research careers By establishing five national and three thematic clusters, the project will map the key challenges and opportunities that shape the development of research careers across Europe. A participatory approach will enable the gathering of insights and evidence that will form the basis for further learning, cooperation, and the creation of more effective policies.

2. Skills enhancement through the Learning and Certification Centre With the development of a digital Learning and Certification Centre, researchers, career development experts, and institutional leaders will have access to flexible and modular educational programs tailored to their different roles and needs. The programs will focus on translating the principles of the European Charter for Researchers into concrete tools and practices that can be applied in the daily work of institutions.

3. Connecting communities and exchanging good practices By forming a Pan-European Community of Practice, as well as four additional thematic communities, ERA-CAREERS will enable a more intensive exchange of knowledge and experiences between institutions and other relevant actors. These communities will provide a space for the joint development of solutions, exchange of experiences, and the promotion of successful models of support for research careers.

4. Shaping policies for a sustainable future for researchers Data, evidence, and experiences gathered during the project will be translated into concrete recommendations, policy briefs, and strategic documents. The project results will also be presented at the Research Careers Summit, aiming to contribute to the long-term adoption and more effective implementation of the European Charter for Researchers across Europe.

Partnership and Impact The Science and Technology Park of Montenegro (STP MNE) is one of the 18 international partners in the ERA-CAREERS project. By participating in this European project, STP MNE further strengthens its role in developing the research and innovation ecosystem of Montenegro and connecting it with European initiatives.

The project has been recognized and funded by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) under the Horizon Europe program, which confirms the strategic importance of its mission to strengthen research careers and institutional capacities across Europe. Through ERA-CAREERS, STP MNE will contribute to the creation of a higher-quality and more stimulating environment in which researchers can develop their competencies, build sustainable careers, and more actively participate in the European research and innovation area.

Project Budget: 1,998,987.50 €

All information about the project can be found on the following pages:

• Website: https://eracareers-project.eu/

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