SMART Researchers

SMART Researchers: Strategic Micro-Credentialing and Skills Recognition for a Dynamic ESRs Talent Ecosystem

Funding Program:

Horizon Europe

Call:

HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02

Type of Action:

HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA)

Duration:

1 September 2025 - 31 August 2028

Total Budget:

€ 1 875 375.00

Future-proof your research path

The early stages of a research career, especially in Widening countries, are often marked by instability, which can have lasting effects on the development of early-stage researchers (ESRs). Insufficient career support, restricted mobility, and limited recognition of skills and competencies weaken Europe’s ability to fully unlock its R&I potential, particularly in driving forward the green and digital transitions.

To make research careers more rewarding and sustainable, SMART Researchers combines training with real-world experience. The project offers guidance and recognition for key skills, giving researchers the tools they need to succeed in both academic and professional settings. Through partnerships with universities, companies, and public institutions, SMART Researchers connect research with real-world opportunities that open doors both within and beyond academia.

Our role in the project

As leaders in Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication (DEC), Foodscale Hub aims to:

Raise awareness of the project, showcasing results and societal impact, especially in Widening countries, and how EU funding supports innovative career systems for researchers;
Disseminate project findings to target groups, integrating outputs into their practices, focusing on the European Charter for Researchers, ResearchCompbased micro-credentials, and HR reform through SAPs;
Ensure long-term exploitation and sustainability of project outputs by institutionalising them across sectors to enhance career mobility and working conditions for researchers.