On Tuesday 29 November, the European research ministers pledged to improve support to young researchers. They called upon the European Commission to look into several options to achieve this, which are largely symbolic.
The ministers made this commitment in conclusions they adopted in the framework of the 'Competitiveness' Council, which took place in Brussels (see other articles). In these conclusions, they stress their willingness to: - promote science and research, particularly in teaching; - provide clearer and more structured career prospects, with transparent recruitment procedures; - better support young researchers, particularly women, with mentoring programmes and a better balance between research activities and teaching.
The Council also turned to the Commission to encourage it to look into the possibility of increasingly institutionalising young researchers' networks at European level. The institution is also called upon to support the voluntary return of young researchers, in order to allow them to pursue scientific careers in their country of origin. It should also look into the possibility of creating the 'Matej Bel' prize, to be awarded solely to young researchers. (Original version in French by Jan Kordys)