MSCA Presidency Conference 2025: Attracting and retaining talent in Europe

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Denmark will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2025. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU), as requested by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, will organise the annual Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Presidency Conference. The event will be held 18-19 September 2025, at DTU Campus in Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen. Project and conference organisation will be managed by the DTU under the umbrella of the Danish Presidency, which oversees all high-level research and innovation conferences organised during the presidency semester. With the title MSCA Attracting and Retaining Talent in Europe (ART), the conference has the overall aim of fostering human-centred discussions on purposefulness, motivation, expectations and demands from current and future generations of researchers in their working-life – and how we can attract and retain an excellent workforce in research in Europe. The conference will give specific emphasis to purposefulness, motivation, and means to foster a diverse and inclusive work culture, including well-being. As the academic landscape continues to evolve, the conference aims to examine how universities can adapt to meet the expectations of early-career researchers (ECR), including Millennials and Gen Z, who seek balance between professional growth and personal well-being. By bringing together key stakeholders, the conference will explore the purpose-driven motivation of future generations and share insights on promoting academic fairness, diversity, and equality. Contributing to the competitiveness and attractiveness of European universities, in collaboration with industry and public bodies, to future generations of top talent, this discussion will support the continued excellence of European research and innovation.