"Early-career Researchers Concerned About Europe's Premier Transdisciplinary Science Conference"

In a world where science, policy, and society intersect, one event has stood out as a beacon of opportunity and advancement for early-career researchers in Europe. The EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) has been a vibrant stage where scientists, policymakers, businesspeople, journalists, and citizens have come together to engage in discussions about European science and its impact on broader society. This grand gathering has not only provided a platform for networking and career development but has also given voice to the challenges faced by those at the threshold of their scientific journeys.

As the preparations for this year's ESOF edition in Katowice, Poland, reached a crescendo, the future of this pivotal conference took an unexpected turn. EuroScience, the driving force behind ESOF, filed for bankruptcy, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the event's continuation. For early-career researchers like Fernanda Bajanca and Ana Slavec, who have found inspiration and growth through ESOF, the potential loss of this unique forum is a devastating blow.

ESOF, which debuted in Stockholm in 2004, has been a melting pot of career talks, training workshops, high-level discussions, and networking opportunities. For many young researchers, attending ESOF has been a transformative experience, opening doors to new possibilities and forging connections that have propelled their careers forward. Ana Slavec, in particular, found a mentor and collaboration opportunities that have been instrumental in her professional journey. The impact of ESOF resonates not only in individual success stories but also in collective endeavors to address pressing issues within the research community.

One such initiative that emerged from ESOF discussions was the Declaration on Sustainable Researcher Careers, a call to action for better employment conditions and career prospects for early-career researchers. This declaration, born out of collaborations between organizations like Eurodoc and the Marie Curie Alumni Association, embodies the spirit of ESOF—a spirit of unity, advocacy, and progress.

Now, as the fate of ESOF hangs in the balance, stakeholders are grappling with the possibility of its demise. The financial challenges faced by EuroScience, coupled with uncertainties around EU funding and organizational sustainability, have cast a shadow over the future of this iconic conference. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, voices like Karen Stroobants emphasize the need to preserve the ethos of ESOF in whatever shape it may take in the future.

The legacy of ESOF extends beyond the confines of a conference hall; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, dialogue, and community in driving scientific innovation and societal change. As early-career researchers lament the potential loss of this cornerstone event, they also stand as torchbearers of its values, ready to carry forward the spirit of ESOF into new horizons of discovery and impact.

Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/early-career-researchers-lament-potential-loss-europe-s-largest-transdisciplinary