TANDEM · Talent and Extended Mobility in the European Innovation Union

Mobility represents a key factor at the early stages of researchers’ careers. Over the last years the European Union has started a number of initiatives to facilitate mobility in the European Research Area, most prominently the EURAXESS Services Network. The TANDEM proposal aims at strengthening these activities by adding a complimentary focus on dual career aspects.In growing numbers young researchers are on the move as dual career couples. Therefore universities and research institutions are challenged to accommodate the needs and ambitions of dual career couples if they want to attract the most talented young researchers. Thus the attractiveness of universities and research institutions is no longer defined just by an excellent research environment, but by additional practical integration factors and most of all career prospects for both partners.TANDEM will analyze the basic requirements for the successful implementation of Dual Career and Integration Services (DCIS) and develop a systematic and modular approach to these services which will allow universities and research institutions in the ERA to put together a customized set of DCIS according to their specific needs, goals, social and cultural border conditions. Besides, TANDEM will focus on brain circulation and how DCIS change a brain drain into a brain gain situation.While it is true that both men and women are affected by mobility, it is acknowledged that it is more difficult for women to successfully pursue a scientific career when they have to reconcile work and home responsibilities. By implementing well structured DCIS it will be possible to prevent young women researchers from abandoning a promising scientific career just because they are faced with insurmountable obstacles. Thus TANDEM will contribute to a more gender-balanced and diverse scientific workforce in Europe and thereby promote the goals of the European Innovation Union for the social and economic benefit of the European Society.