Funding and career opportunities for university researchers: Europe has its say

Europe is at the forefront of research. Innovation is at the heart of the many funding and career opportunities offered to young researchers. All these opportunities were presented during the event held on March 27 and 28 at Politecnico di Torino. The event is part of the European Commission's Back to School initiative, which encourages European officials to return to their universities of origin. During these visits, they discuss the work led at EU institutions, using practical examples and demonstrations to explain their experiences.

Politecnico hence welcomed Mikhail Simonov, Head of Sector Raw Materials at the European Health and Digital Executive Agency-HADEA. His speech highlighted the numerous career opportunities promoted by the European Commission, showing the different paths that researchers can take to work in EU institutions. Simonov began by providing a general overview of the functions and characteristics of the main European bodies. He then outlined the steps required to become independent experts, who play a crucial role within these institutions. This role includes activities such as project evaluation, impact studies, and analysis aimed at supporting public policies.

Part of the meeting was focused on funding opportunities for research and innovation offered by the European Union. Simonov shared his direct experience within HADEA, the agency tasked by the European Commission with managing crucial programs related to health, food safety, digital technologies and networks, industrial capabilities, and space, such as Clusters 1 and 4 of Horizon Europe. He then explained in depth how the funding works, highlighting the behind-the-scenes efforts of the executive agencies in managing funds and supporting research projects. In particular, he focused on funding opportunities in the field of Raw Materials, a sector of great importance today.

The European official also met with PoliTO students to illustrate career opportunities in technical and scientific fields, starting from his own professional background and showing how the skills acquired during university studies can be applied in various European contexts. The event was an opportunity to highlight, with a focus on the dynamics governing European institutions, the fundamental role of scientific research and innovation in EU policies. It also served to open up new academic and professional growth prospects for researchers and university students.