On the 22nd of April 2026, the DeepTechSeeds project participated in OCX26 in Brussels, contributing to the session “A European Talent Ecosystem for Early Career Researchers.” The session brought together representatives from the European Commission and NCSR “Demokritos” to discuss the evolving European Research Area (ERA), the future of research careers, and the development of a stronger and more connected European talent ecosystem.
The session opened with Dario Capezzuto, Policy Officer at the European Commission, who presented the European Research Area and ongoing efforts to strengthen research careers across Europe. Dr. Stijn Delaure, Project Officer at the European Commission, then addressed the concept of Talent Ecosystems for the ERA and the strategic priorities shaping Europe’s talent agenda.
Representing DeepTechSeeds, Harilaos Koumaras, PhD, Project Coordinator and Research Director at NCSR “Demokritos”, presented “A European Talent Ecosystem for Early Career Researchers: The DeepTechSeeds Framework.” His presentation introduced the DeepTechSeeds project and its framework as a practical approach to nurturing, empowering, and retaining Europe’s next generation of researchers and scientific leaders.
Stefanos Plastras, Deputy Project Coordinator and Research Associate at NCSR “Demokritos”, introduced the newly established ERA Talent Ecosystem Working Groups (WGs), highlighting their role in coordinating activities, aligning relevant stakeholders, and supporting a more connected and resilient European research workforce.
The session explored the foundations of a European Talent Ecosystem for Early Career Researchers, connecting the broader ERA policy landscape with practical initiatives designed to improve research careers and foster collaboration across the European research and innovation ecosystem. The applicability of the ERA Working Groups was also illustrated through the Horizon Europe UNITY-6G project, demonstrating how the Working Groups could contribute to facilitating the career paths of Early Career Researchers working in areas such as open-source research and innovation.
Through its participation in OCX26, DeepTechSeeds contributed to the ongoing dialogue on how Europe can create a more supportive, interconnected, and sustainable environment for Early Career Researchers, helping strengthen career pathways and retain the talent needed to drive Europe’s future research, innovation, and deep-tech landscape.
Link: https://www.ocxconf.org/event/2026/agenda
