Casting a spotlight on research mobility: Obtacles and possing solutions offered by the TANDEM project
Research mobility provides an excellent means for young researchers to advance their career, foster collaboration and networking and facilitate knowledge transfer across disciplines, sectors and countries. Recognizing the benefits of research training, collaboration and networking associated with mobility schemes across Europe and the world, early career and experienced researchers are today increasingly seeking their participation in established research or training networks. Such networks, like for instance those supported by the successful FP7 People Programme (Marie Curie Actions), have improved the attractiveness of the research profession and helped Universities and research performing organizations to retain researchers across fields and sectors in an increasing global competition for scientific talent.
Despite the benefits on career progression junior researchers are also faced with several challenges when undertaking mobility. Universities and research institutions have to address and understand mobility obstacles if they want to successfully attract talented young researchers. The TANDEM project which has been funded by the EU analyzed the basic requirements for successful implementation of Dual Career and Integration Initiatives and developed a modular approach to these services. Last June I had the privilege to be invited as a panellist in an international conference dedicated to Dual Career and Integration which took place on 5 and 6 June 2014 at ETH Zurich within the frame of the TANDEM project and was organized by the Office for Faculty Affairs and the Euraxess office, EU GrantsAccess.
(http://www.euraxess-tandem.eu/fileadmin/content/protected_downloads/official_documents/Tandem_Conference_Programme_v.4.pdf) .
Along with other young academics we shared experiences on being mobile as a research during a panel discussion under the general theme "On the move - obstacles and possible solutions". Panelists provided insights on how to better understand mobility and what the concept really entails for researchers. In my opinion, mobility should not be seen as a goal itself or an end point but rather as a means to add professional value and advance the career of junior or experienced researchers. A recent policy brief which brings the title “New concepts of research mobility” and was published by the European Science Foundation (ESF, 2013) analyzes the four dimensions of research mobility and discusses the major challenges for researchers.
1. International Mobility: Physical mobility across countries 2. Intersectoral Mobility: Mobility across academia, organizations and international institutions 3. Interdisciplinary Mobility: Mobility across research fields 4. Virtual Mobility: International, intersectoral research collaboration without need of physical mobility
The results of the TANDEM project maybe useful for researchers and research performing organizations alike, most particularly for the latter, in their search for evidence informed guidance in devising individually tailored strategies for the recruitment and retention of excellent researchers.
For more information about the TANDEM please visit: http://www.euraxess-tandem.eu/project/