On August 1, 2024 the implementation of the “TALENTify: Transnational Acceleration and Learning for Enhancing Networking and Talent Circulation Hub” project begins. The main objective of the project is the establishment of a talent exchange hub (TALENTify) in Plovdiv which will focus on specific aspects of scientific career, such as supporting the mobility and relocation of scientists, facilitating the attraction, admission and retention of researchers in the European Research Area (ERA). The activities of the Hub are designed to contribute to creating conditions for career development of researchers, attracting new talents and building an environment supporting scientific entrepreneurship. The project will involve universities, scientific organizations and business structures through joint events and initiatives that will help shape the city’s research vision. At national and local training events, participants will become familiar with the mentoring programs REBECCA and “Shape the Future of a Researcher Coming to Europe”, as well as with networking opportunities based on UniWeliS.

The successful implementation of the activities is expected to bring about greater recognition of the researcher’s profession, improvement of working conditions for researchers, introduction of new opportunities for career development and enhancing the value of a research career. Access to career advice will be provided, along with strengthening participation in networks, support for women in science and establishing their role, in line with the priorities of the Horizon Europe research programs and the European Charter for Researchers.

The project’s duration is 15 months, from August 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.