How can Europe attract, retain, and develop the best research talent? That question was at the centre when DTU hosted the MSCA Presidency Conference 2025 in September under the Danish EU Presidency.
More than 400 researchers, university leaders, industry partners, and policymakers from 70 countries were gathered at DTU Lyngby Campus to discuss how European universities can create even stronger conditions for research, talent, and innovation in Europe.
Four strategic recommendations
The main points and recommendations from the conference’s many discussions have now been summerised in a report designed to inspire universities and EU policymakers — as well as the development of future MSCA programmes.
The report highlights four key areas, which are also reflected in DTU’s initiatives within research, education, and innovation:
- Integrate societal purpose, diversity, stability, and well-being as pillars of research careers.
- Redefine excellence so that it also rewards openness, collaboration, societal impact, and mentoring.
- Create clear and attractive career pathways through mobility across borders and sectors.
- Strengthen the role of universities as social actors that support Europe’s competitiveness, democracy, and the mutual trust between citizens, institutions, and knowledge.
“At DTU, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities are crucial to ensuring both impact and excellence in research — and to developing responsible technology for a better, fairer, and more sustainable world,” says Provost and host of the MSCA 2025 Presidency Conference at DTU, Christine Nellemann.
Here you can download and read the MSCA 2025 Presidency Conference Report.
