EURAXESS Smart Talks

ERA Talent Project funded by the European Commission
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Careers
  • Updated Monthly

The EURAXESS Smart Talks podcast for talents is your personal guide to Research Careers, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or  European Commision. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

  1. Jul 15

    Beyond Papers and Grants: Brian Cahill on Researcher Mental Health, Networks, and Institutional Change

    In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Dr. Brian Cahill — Grant Manager of the ReMO COST Action (CA19117) on Researcher Mental Health for a wide-ranging conversation about why researcher wellbeing has become one of academia's most pressing, and most overlooked, issues. Brian traces his own path into this work back to his years chairing the Marie Curie Alumni Association, where he became a first point of contact for early-career researchers hit by funding cliffs, precarious contracts, and difficult supervisor dynamics. From there, the conversation moves through the ReMO COST Action's community-building approach across policy, institutional, and individual levels; the well-documented bias of "publish or perish" evaluation criteria and the CoARA/OPUS push to reform how researchers are assessed; and practical, evidence-informed advice for researchers, mentors, and institutions — from Brian's own "build a life outside the lab" philosophy to Hochschule Bielefeld's peer-mentoring model for supporting postdocs into professorships. Whether you're an early-career researcher, a supervisor, or a research manager shaping institutional policy, this episode offers a grounded, three-level roadmap — individual, institutional, and policy — for building healthier, more sustainable research careers. Guest: Dr. Brian Cahill is Managing Director of the Center for Cooperation and Career Management at Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and a member of the Learning and Skills Analytics Lab at the Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology (TIB) in Hannover, where he manages the ReMO COST Action (CA19117) on Researcher Mental Health. He is a Board member of the SciLink Foundation and served as Chair of the Marie Curie Alumni Association from 2016 to 2018. Brian trained as a mechanical engineer in Ireland, earned his PhD in electrokinetically-driven fluid flow from ETH Zürich, and worked as a Marie Curie fellow researching droplet-based microfluidics before moving into research-career policy and researcher wellbeing. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Brian Cahill's path into researcher mental health work through chairing the Marie Curie Alumni AssociationWhy project-based, fixed-term funding creates precarity — and how it shaped the MSCA Guidelines on SupervisionThe ReMO COST Action (CA19117): building a community of practice across policy, institutional, and individual levelsLessons from institutional culture changeWhy personal relationships and interests outside research matter for wellbeing, especially for internationally mobile researchersMax Weber's 1917 warning and modern survey data on how "publish or perish" still drives career evaluationReforming research assessment: the OPUS project and CoARA (Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment)How metrics become targets — and stop measuring what they were meant to measureThe PATTERN project's open-access training on supervision, career insecurity, and transferable skillsPeer mentoring and network-building as an individual strategy, including the REBECA mentoring programmeMentoring postdocs into professorships through peer-style supervisionAligning policymakers, funders, and institutions around funding that serves researchers' real needs ⏱️ Question Timestamps  | Time | Segment | 00:00 | Podcast intro | 00:54 | Guest introduction: Dr. Brian Cahill | 01:09 | Q1: What first drew you into researcher mental health and mobility support? | 01:54 | Brian's path in: chairing the Marie Curie Alumni Association, funding cliffs facing PhD candidates, and the resulting MSCA Guidelines on Supervision | 05:31 | Q2: How much does funding and "publish or perish" culture drive researcher mental health? What is the ReMO COST Action? | 07:04 | Brian on ReMO's three-level strategy (policy, institutional, individual) and case studies from Toronto and Barcelona | 10:34 | Q3: What tips and lessons can researchers take away? | 10:51 | Brian's advice: personal relationships and a life outside research, especially for mobile researchers | 12:39 | Q4: A 1917 Max Weber quote and a survey on how professors are really evaluated — your reaction? | 13:28 | Brian on how evaluation metrics shape behaviour, plus the OPUS project and CoARA research-assessment reform | 15:47 | Q5: What resources would you recommend to listeners? | 16:05 | Brian on the PATTERN project's training modules and ReMO's open resources | 17:38 | Q6: What would you suggest researchers do at an individual level? | 18:09 | Brian on peer networks, mentoring, and the REBECA programme | 19:42 | Q7: What should institutions do differently? | 20:11 | Brian on mentoring postdocs into professorships, and aligning funders, policymakers, and institutions | 24:43 | Closing thanks Send us a message!

  2. Jul 8

    Stress-Testing Resilience: An MSCA Postdoc Journey in Manufacturing AI with Tanel Aruväli

    In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Dr. Tanel Aruväli, an MSCA postdoctoral fellow originally from Estonia (TalTech), now researching at the University of Malta. Tanel shares the story behind his research on simulation-based stress testing for resilience assessment in manufacturing companies — explaining what "resilience" really means for a factory floor using a simple ruler analogy, and how VUCA-era disruptions (geopolitical tension, supply chain shocks, energy crises) make this work more relevant than ever. Beyond the science, Tanel opens up about the practical side of an MSCA mobility: choosing where to go with a family in tow, what makes a good supervisor, how his proposal evolved through multiple rounds of feedback, and where AI tools do (and don't) belong in grant writing. He also reflects candidly on relocating to Malta with his children, navigating a new school system, and what comes next after the fellowship — ERC grants, commercialization, or staying in academia. A grounded, honest conversation for any researcher weighing a mobility move or preparing an MSCA application.  Key Topics Covered What "resilience" means in manufacturing, and how stress testing/simulation is used to assess itThe VUCA framework and current disruptions affecting manufacturing (geopolitics, supply chains, energy, inflation)Choosing a mobility destination: balancing family, institution/equipment, and supervisor fitThe supervisor's role in shaping and validating an MSCA proposalStructuring a successful MSCA application (excellence, impact, implementation)Using AI/LLM tools responsibly in proposal writing — where they help and where they don'tRelocating internationally with a family: schooling, timing, and language considerationsCareer paths after an MSCA fellowship: ERC grants, commercialization, or academic continuationSTEM vs. social sciences/humanities industry collaboration opportunitiesQuestion Timestamps 01:27 – Can you tell us about your research topic and how you decided to apply for the MSCA postdoctoral fellowship?04:22 – What was the hardest part of deciding where to go for your mobility?05:58 – How did your supervisor help you during the mobility process?09:31 – What was your approach to a successful application — was excellence, impact, or implementation the hardest part?12:49 – What's your experience with AI tools in proposal writing, and how can they be used ethically while keeping the proposal human-led?15:14 – You moved to Malta with your family — what were the challenges and opportunities for them?18:05 – What are your career plans after this mobility?Send us a message!

  3. Jul 1

    Surfing the Waves of Discovery: Exploring Hidden Water on Other Worlds

    Today we take you beyond Earth to the icy moons, dusty plains, and hidden subsurface oceans of our Solar System. Our guest is Professor Elena Pettinelli, a physicist and planetary scientist from Roma Tre University. Prof. Pettinelli is the Principal Investigator of the ERC-funded project SWIM (Surfing radio Waves to detect liquid water in the solar system), which investigates planetary subsurfaces using electromagnetic waves. With publications in Nature and Science, she is a world-renowned researcher who also directs the Master’s Programme in Science Communication at Roma Tre.  In this episode, we dive deep into why searching for water beyond Earth is the essential first step in looking for potential life. We discuss her transition from applied physics and seismology to planetary science, the importance of science communication, and her perspective as a woman in a male-dominated field. Prof. Pettinelli also shares an incredibly candid look into her successful, first-try application for the ERC Advanced Grant, offering invaluable advice for young researchers on managing failure, ambition, and the high-risk, high-gain nature of scientific funding.  Project SWIM: https://www.swim-erc.eu/ You can also watch a VIDEO of this episode: https://youtu.be/_Vw7V4kyudw Key Topics Covered The SWIM Project: Using radio waves to scan beneath the crusts of planets and moons to detect liquid water. The Search for Life: Why finding liquid water is the fundamental first step in searching for potential chemical markers and the development of life in the Solar System. Space Missions & European Collaboration: How Prof. Pettinelli's work supports the ESA's mission. Science Communication: The critical balance between formal scientific education and accessible communication, and why researchers must learn to communicate their work effectively to the public. Securing an ERC Grant: A behind-the-scenes look at applying for the ERC Advanced Grant, including the rigorous interview presentation, the importance of peer feedback, and handling intense panel questions. The Future of Space Exploration: The practical, terrestrial benefits derived from space research, the potential of the Moon as a scientific base, and the extreme challenges of human missions to Mars. Episode Timestamps  | Timestamp | Topic / Question  | 0:40 | Introduction to the episode and guest Professor Elena Pettinelli.  | 1:47 | Could you explain the SWIM project to non-physicists? What does it mean?  | 3:14 | Why is finding liquid water beyond Earth so important, and what bigger questions does it help answer?  | 4:30 | How do you bring all the physics, astronomy, and high-tech together while keeping your team motivated?  | 5:58 | How does your work fit into the larger European space community and ESA collaborations?  | 10:28 | Can subsurface exploration be done in other ways besides using radio waves?  | 11:29 | What were the turning points and important moments in your development as a researcher?  | 14:22 | Did you always know physics was the field you wanted to pursue?  | 15:32 | Have you faced any challenges being a woman in a heavily male-dominated field?  | 17:40 | How did you get involved in science communication, and how does it empower your research?  | 20:51 | Where do you think education ends and science communication begins?  | 23:58 | What was the decisive moment that motivated you to apply for the ERC Advanced Grant?  | 32:00 | Were there any unexpected questions during your ERC panel interview?  | 34:37 | How did getting the grant change your research and open up new perspectives?  | 36:12 | What key advice do you have for early-stage researchers looking to apply for grants?  | 38:44 | How do you advise researchers to balance the "high-risk, high-gain" aspect of ambitious projects?  | 40:44 | In which direction do you believe planetary investigations are going in the next 10 to 15 years?  | 49:15 | What results do you expect to deliver in the next five years?  Send us a message!

  4. Jun 16

    Beyond Burnout: Building Institutional Support for Researchers' Mental Health

    In this episode, we talk with Dr. Elisa Garcia Garcia, of EURAXESS Spain (Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, FECYT), about one of academia's most under-addressed issues: researchers' mental health. Drawing on her own move from bench researcher to research manager, Elisa breaks down what "institutional support" really means in practice, introduces SATIS — a new self-assessment tool helping universities audit their own mental-health support across eight key areas — and shares results and lessons from the REBECA mentoring programme, which tackles career uncertainty, one of the biggest stressors researchers face. The conversation moves from policy frameworks and EU-wide recommendations down to concrete, low-cost interventions that institutions of any size can start putting in place today.  Link to additional resources: https://www.euraxess.es/spain/self-assessment-tool-institutional-supportive-measures-mental-health-researchers Guest Elisa Garcia Garcia, PhD — Project Officer at the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and Trainer/Career Advisor with EURAXESS Spain. A former researcher herself, she now works on researcher mobility, career development, and institutional well-being policy across the EURAXESS network. Key Topics Covered The hidden mental health toll of academic careers: chronic stress, heavy workloads, and competitive culture, seen from both the researcher and the research-manager sideThe WHO definition of mental health and why EURAXESS frames its work around well-being, not just illnessSATIS: a self-assessment tool helping institutions benchmark their support across 8 areas — policy and leadership, coordination, evidence-based planning, promotion, prevention, intervention, and monitoring/visibilityReal institutional models referenced, including Luxembourg University's interconnected support network and input gathered from Spanish, French, and Portuguese EURAXESS partners while building SATISThe REBECA mentoring programme: addressing career-path uncertainty as a major stressor, and what worked (and didn't) about delivering it onlineWhy even non-clinical interventions — mentoring, career guidance, peer support — measurably improve researchers' sense of well-beingWhat's next: leadership training for junior group leaders/PIs, and embedding mental-health measurement into everyday EURAXESS activitiesTimestamps 00:00 – Episode intro and recap of the EURAXESS Smart Talks series00:54 – Meet the guest: Elisa Garcia Garcia (EURAXESS Spain)01:58 – Q1: What does EURAXESS offer for researchers' mental health, and what resources are available?05:54 – Q2: What do we mean by "institutional" support — research managers, PIs, or dedicated units?10:21 – Q3: For institutions without an established system, what guidance and materials exist to help them get started? 16:19 – Q4: Lessons from delivering mentoring and support sessions online vs. in person19:24 – Does it actually work? Measuring the real impact of these interventions on researchers' mental health23:13 – Closing thoughts, thanks, and where to find the resources mentionedSend us a message!

  5. May 28

    Mindful Connections: Academia, Communication, and AI in Mental Health

    About This Episode What does it really take to stay mentally well in academia? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gábor Kismihók — a researcher at the intersection of learning analytics, career development, and wellbeing — for an honest, grounded conversation about mental health in the research community. From the early warning signs supervisors should watch for, to the role of institutional culture, personal career decisions, and the rise of AI, this episode covers the full landscape of what it means to be a whole human being inside a research career. Guest Dr. Gábor Kismihók Internationally recognized researcher working at the intersection of research careers, learning analytics, and wellbeing. His work focuses on understanding and improving mental health, skills development, and sustainable career pathways in academia and beyond. Key Topics Covered Early warning signs of mental health struggles in researchersThe power of communication and open lab cultureInstitutional responsibilities toward researcher wellbeingThe deeply personal nature of a research career identityOnboarding and first impressions for joining a research groupDr. Kismihók's personal PhD journey between Budapest and AmsterdamHow AI is reshaping research culture — and the risks it bringsWhether AI chatbots can play a role in mental health supportWhat it means to preserve human value in an AI-driven worldFinal advice for early career researchers struggling silentlyQuestion Timestamps  | Timestamp | Question / Topic  | 00:01:28 | What are the early warning signs that a researcher is struggling with their mental health? | 00:03:10 | What strategies do you suggest to help researchers handle mental health challenges? | 00:05:32 | As a PhD yourself — how do you personally stay mentally healthy during high-pressure periods like deadlines, grants, or mobility phases? | 00:07:58 | Do you have opinions on what institutional procedures or resources can help researchers struggling with mental health? | 00:11:19 | As a young researcher, what was your own onboarding experience? Was there a structured process with your supervisor? | 00:13:47 | What changes in culture, structure, or policy do you see as most important for research in the next few decades? | 00:16:53 | Do you see artificial intelligence as a possible solution for mental health support in academia? | 00:20:24 | To conclude — what message would you give to early-career researchers who are struggling silently? Key Takeaways Withdrawal is a signal. When a researcher goes quiet — stops participating in lab discussions, disappears from shared routines — that is often the first visible sign something is wrong.Talk. Always. Dr. Kismihók's core strategy as a non-psychologist is deceptively simple: open a conversation. Whether it's a colleague, a friend, or a family member — sharing the burden matters more than who you share it with.Research is creative work, not factory output. Institutions that treat researchers purely as productivity units miss the deeply personal relationship people have with their work. Culture matters as much as policy.AI brings both opportunity and risk. While AI tools can support literature reviews and data analysis, the speed of AI-generated content is already overwhelming human-led quality assurance systems — and increasing isolation risks.AI chatbots have a role — but a limited one. For researchers with no access to professional support, talking to an AI chatbot may help. But it is not a substitute for human connection or quality wellbeing services.You are allowed to leave. For PhD researchers in harmful environments: you are talented enough to find a fulfilling path elsewhere. Leaving is a valid, courageous option.Resources & Links EURAXESS Portal: https://euraxess.ec.europa.euFollow EURAXESS on social media for more episodesSend us a message!

  6. Mar 19

    Understanding the ERA Dimension of Horizon Europe: Strategies, Insights & Real Project Experiences

    How does the European Research Area (ERA) translate from policy vision into concrete opportunities for researchers and institutions—especially those in widening countries? In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we dive deep into the ERA dimension of Horizon Europe and explore how to build competitive, high‑impact WIDERA proposals. You’ll hear expert insights from: Siiri Kolka – National Contact Point, ERA specialistDamir Hasković – Coordinator of the Next Tech Talents projectKārlis Krēsliņš – Project partner and university representativeTogether, they unpack the ERA pillars, discuss what makes a successful ERA proposal, and share hands‑on experiences from the recently funded Next Tech Talents initiative—focused on strengthening deep‑tech ecosystems and improving researcher career pathways in Europe. Whether you’re a researcher, proposal writer, project manager, or institutional leader, this episode helps you understand the ERA logic, avoid common pitfalls, and recognize how ERA‑funded actions support systemic change across Europe.  Timestamped Questions & Segments 00:00:02 – Welcome to the episode 00:00:35 – Introduction of guests and topic Interview with Siiri Kolka 00:01:40 – What is the ERA dimension of Horizon Europe and why does it matter? 00:12:06 – What makes a competitive ERA proposal? 00:14:00 – Why is understanding the ERA policy agenda crucial? 00:17:20 – How should applicants think about consortium composition? 00:18:55 – What should applicants check when calls have a “portfolio approach”? Interview with Damir Hasković 00:19:36 – How did you organize your proposal-writing journey for Next Tech Talents? 00:23:11 – What makes an impact section convincing? 00:25:55 – What is the Next Tech Talents project about? 00:31:02 – Who is in your consortium and why? 00:33:20 – Tips for applicants preparing proposals under ERA/WIDERA Interview with Kārlis Krēsliņš 00:35:25 – First impressions and reflections on ERA insights shared today 00:37:20 – Why did your institution join this consortium? 00:40:01 – Your role in the proposal and how it translated into project duties 00:46:00 – Can ERA projects lead to national reforms (doctoral schools, career models)? Closing Reflections 00:55:20 – Siiri’s final remarks and key takeaways 00:58:30 – Episode wrap‑up Send us a message!

  7. Mar 6

    Radiance & Research Mobility: Dr. Juliane Sauer on Shaping MSCA Support

    In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Dr. Juliane Sauer, Director and founding member of OXYGENEUM, and former MSCA National Contact Point for Switzerland. With over a decade of experience supporting researchers across Europe, Juliane shares her journey from academia to consultancy, her leadership in the Net4Mobility project, and her current role in the ambitious Radiance initiative. Together, we explore how Radiance is working to harmonize support for MSCA National Contact Points (NCPs) across countries, improve researcher mobility, and leverage digital tools—including matchmaking platforms and AI—to strengthen collaboration. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or simply curious about how the EU fosters scientific careers and international cooperation, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of research support. 🔑 Key Topics Covered •Juliane Sauer’s career path: from communication scientist to EU research consultant •The Radiance project: scope, funding, and goals •Ensuring consistency among MSCA NCPs across countries •Peer learning, benchmarking, and tailored training approaches •Quantitative & qualitative evaluation methods for NCP support •Adapting to diverse target groups: doctoral networks, postdocs, industry partners •Matchmaking platform for researchers and institutions •The role of AI in supporting—but not replacing—human expertise ⏱️ Question Timestamps •00:57 – Introduction to Dr. Juliane Sauer’s background •02:38 – What is the Radiance project and its objectives? •05:56 – How will consistency among NCPs be ensured across countries? •09:10 – Evaluating success: indicators and feedback mechanisms •10:06 – Adapting Radiance to different MSCA schemes and target groups •13:30 – Tailoring support for widening and third countries •13:33 – The matchmaking platform: how it works and why it matters •16:00 – Exploring AI tools: balancing automation with human touch Send us a message!

  8. Feb 25

    Mobility That Matters: How Moving Shapes a Scientist’s Career

    In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Daria Aksenova and Jovan Aranđelović sit down with Dr. Monika Golińska—a biochemist, cancer researcher, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow whose work bridges leading European institutions including the Medical University of Łódź and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. Dr. Golińska shares her journey from early student exchanges to leading a cutting‑edge project investigating the link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer through advanced spatial biology and photoacoustic imaging. She opens up about the realities of research mobility, the value of intersectoral experience in healthcare policy, and the challenges researchers face in building sustainable careers across borders. Whether you're an early-career researcher considering mobility or a seasoned scientist navigating nonlinear career paths, this conversation offers insights, advice, and thoughtful reflections on the future of research in Europe. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Dr. Monika Golińska’s path into research and early motivationsFirst experiences with international mobility and Erasmus exchangesChallenges of relocating: bureaucracy, adaptation, and institutional cultureThe impact and value of Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA)Intersectoral mobility: transitioning into the UK National Health ServiceTransferable skills between academia, healthcare, and policyReturning to academia and rekindling a passion for researchWork-life balance for mobile researchersCareer precarity, risk-taking, and planning next steps after fellowshipsSuggestions for more sustainable mobility programsThe future of European mobility and support networks for researchers ⏱️ Detailed Timestamps & Guiding Questions 00:00 – 00:01 | Intro 00:53 – 01:18 | Guest Introduction 01:24 – 02:41 | Q1: “Tell us more about yourself and your career mobility.” 02:41 – 04:06 | Q2: “What was your first experience with research mobility?” 04:07 – 05:31 | Q3: “How challenging is adapting to a new country?” 05:31 – 07:00 | Q4: “What role do European mobility programs play?” 07:00 – 09:22 | Q5: “Have you experienced intersectoral mobility?” 09:22 – 11:20 | Q6: “What was the impact of working in healthcare?” 11:20 – 13:16 | Q7: “What drew you back to academia?” 13:16 – 15:00 | Q8: “How responsive is policy to research evidence?” 15:00 – 18:02 | Q9: “What are the opportunities and drawbacks of mobility programs?” 18:02 – 19:41 | Q10: “How can researchers deal with career uncertainty?” 19:41 – 21:25 | Q11: “How do we stay healthy during mobility?” 21:25 – 24:03 | Q12: “What’s the future of mobility in Europe?” 24:03 – 25:01 | Closing   Send us a message!

See All (43)

Ratings & Reviews

About

The EURAXESS Smart Talks podcast for talents is your personal guide to Research Careers, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or  European Commision. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Information

  • Creator
    ERA Talent Project funded by the European Commission
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 EURAXESS Smart Talks
  • Show Website
    EURAXESS Smart Talks