Newsletter
Uncover the transformative power of science diaspora networks in converting 'brain drain' into 'brain circulation.' Learn how these networks foster robust international collaborations and effectively influence science policy, bridging the gap between global scientists and their home countries.
A Common Goal: Connection Across Borders
In a lively panel discussion on Expat Communities: Science Policy & International Mobility, representatives of international science diaspora organisations came together to reflect on the evolving role of mobile researchers, the importance of scientific networks, and the challenges of creating policy change from the grassroots up.
I opened the panel by sharing the experience and achievements of the Czexpats in Science initiative. Czexpats in Science builds a network of Czech researchers abroad and connects them with home institutions and policymakers. “We use the power and experience of the community to positively influence science policy in our country,” I explained. One of the flagship events is a Christmas conference that gathers diaspora scientists when they are likely to return home. “We also promote the achievements of our scientists abroad and support their networking. And we share their experience to foster international mobility.”
Poland’s Approach: Turning Brain Drain Into Circulation
Jakub (Kuba) Orłowski, representing the Polonium Foundation, brought in the Polish experience, reflecting on over a decade of building community among Polish researchers abroad. From those early efforts, the organisation now spans multiple continents. They run the Polonium Network, conduct diaspora research, organise the Science: Polish Perspectives conference series, run a mentoring programme, and advocate for policies that keep scientists connected. In the panel, Kuba explained the inclusivity of their events, which, though primarily targeting the Polish diaspora, welcome all interested parties and are conducted in English to ensure broad participation and enhance connection- building among attendees.
“We know from our surveys that at most 40% of Polish researchers abroad are thinking of coming back, and that percentage drops off the longer they spend abroad,” Kuba said. There are various ways to establish connections with Polish universities and the Polish industry, and in that way, contribute to the economy and society. “Even if they do not return physically, they can still contribute by collaborating with institutions, mentoring younger scientists, or participating in public science initiatives.”
Expat communities panel - from left: Eliška Koňaříková (Czexpats in Science), Norbert Bencze (DOSZ), Jakub Orłowski (Polonium Foundation), Radoslav Paulen (Žijem vedu), and Pablo Tomatis (MCAA Argentina Chapter).
Hungary: Building Community Across Cultures
Norbert Bencze, speaking for the 30 years long existence of the Association of Hungarian PhD and DLA Candidates, emphasised the importance of community for international students and early-career researchers. One key programme, the ambassador system, supports international PhD candidates in Hungary, the vast majority of whom come from outside Europe. Norbert noted the initial challenges that universities and communities faced in accommodating international students, particularly those from non- European cultural backgrounds. “It was a big shock,” he remarked.
In parallel, they have launched Homecoming Knowledge, a new initiative to connect Hungarian scientists abroad without necessarily asking them to return permanently. “No one ever asked them: What would you like to do? How could you contribute in another way?” Norbert emphasised. “We would like to build bridges between international PhD candidates and the Hungarians.”
The Slovak Perspective: Popularisation and Policy
Radoslav (Rado) Paulen represented the Slovak group Žijem vedu—“I live the science”. A Marie Curie fellow who returned to Slovakia, he spoke about their dual focus on popularising science and pushing for better research conditions. As an example of areas for improvement, he cited his return to Slovakia, noting the administrative challenges he faced there, which were absent in Germany and the UK.
“We run a platform for Slovak scientists abroad and for the Slovaks who want to go abroad. We share open positions, what are the needs in respective countries, or what changes are in the legislation,” he shared. The group also produces podcasts that translate new scientific research into digestible public content—‘scientific canapés,’ as Rado put it.
Žijem vedu tries to have its word in whatever initiatives are happening in Slovakia, whatever the stakeholders, or decision- makers do, when they are trying to improve anything. “We try to make sure that they improve something and not make it worse, because that also can happen sometimes,” he sums their influence up.
LATAM Voices: Building Science Policy and New Connections
Pablo Tomatis, Chair of the MCAA Argentina Chapter, offered a different regional lens. He highlighted the LATAM Conference, a bottom-up initiative aimed at uniting Latin American alumni of the MCAA. He recounted how a mere idea evolved into a significant event, attracting 45 scientists along with support from embassies, ministries, and Euraxess Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The event helped map the Latin American scientific diaspora and sparked further editions in Brazil, Colombia, and upcoming Mexico.
Brazilian participant Julia Chiossi noted: “You do not have many people with PhDs [in Brazil], let alone international PhDs who came back. So, these people are in a special status— they could really make a difference.”
Takeaways: Action From the Grassroots Up
Several panellists agreed that the path forward lies in circulation, not repatriation. As Rado Paulen said: “It is not about bringing people home. It is about creating systems that let them contribute wherever they are.”
As the panel wrapped up, a few clear messages stood out:
- • Network, network, network.
• Do not lose hope, and join your community.
• All top-down initiatives will be lifeless unless they are paired with grassroots voices.
• Evidence-based information is crucial for shaping policies that support the scientific diaspora.
• All those initiatives are a marathon, not a sprint.
From Hungary to Argentina, Czechia to Poland, the call was clear: support your scientists wherever they are. Enable them to connect, share knowledge, shape policy, and strengthen their communities. Whether through online platforms, webinars, local embassies, Christmas meetups, or mentorship programmes—what matters is building bridges.
Eliška Koňaříková
Bluesky
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MCAA Newsletter Editor-in-Chief
newsletter.editor@mariecuriealumni.eu