Young European Researchers Invited to Participate in EU TalentON Event

Pilot funding opportunity will enable young early career researchers to attend an event in the Netherlands focused on finding solutions contributing to the goals of the five EU Missions under Horizon Europe.

The European Commission, in partnership with Leiden 2022 European City of Science, has launched the TalentON scheme to enable young early career researchers (ECRs) to attend a four-day event focused on finding solutions contributing to the goals of the five EU Missions from Horizon Europe. The competition forms part of the European Year of Youth.

Participants will be divided into teams, each of which will focus on a challenge related to one of the five EU missions, namely: fighting cancer; adapting to climate change; protecting the ocean seas and waters; living in greener cities; and ensuring healthy soil and food.

Participants will receive the necessary tools to create innovative and marketable solutions with societal impact, and benefit from workshops, company visits, lectures, creative guidance and cultural experiences. At the end of the event, each team will pitch their solution to a professional jury and the public. Winners will receive sponsored prizes from the EU, industry and mentors.

The event is scheduled to run from Wednesday 14 September 2022 (16:00) until Sunday 18 September 2022 (09:00). The preliminary programme is as follows:

  • 14 September – arrival, checking into hotel and first informal dinner.
  • 15 September – formal opening ceremony, first programme day and drinks.
  • 16 September – second programme day, public presentations.
  • 17 September – pitching to jury, award ceremony, farewell dinner and closing party at the Night of Discoveries.
  • 18 September – breakfast and farewells.

Applicants must be aged between 21 and 30 and should be an academic Master’s or PhD student connected to a European university, or otherwise generally connected to academia.

All costs of participants, including travel, accommodation and meals will be covered.

Interested applicants should complete the application form by the 1 July 2022 deadline.

(This report was the subject of a ResearchConnect Newsflash.)