The University of A Coruña (UDC) hosted the first edition of the EMERGE Open Career Days, bringing together early career researchers, academics, employers, industry representatives, and public sector organisations for two days of networking, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
Organised as part of the EMERGE European University Alliance, the event strengthened connections between research, industry, government, and society while creating new opportunities for collaboration across Europe. The Career Days form part of EMERGE’s long-term commitment to supporting research careers, increasing employability, and encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation.
Throughout the programme, participants attended keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to strengthen both academic and professional skills. Early career researchers had the opportunity to present their work, engage directly with potential employers, receive career guidance, and explore pathways for collaboration beyond academia.
The event also highlighted the importance of building stronger links between universities and external stakeholders. Representatives from industry, public institutions, and research organisations shared their perspectives on emerging challenges, career opportunities, and the growing demand for researchers who combine academic excellence with transferable skills and societal engagement.
The EMERGE Open Career Days reflect the Alliance’s ambition to create an interconnected European research ecosystem where knowledge moves across institutions, disciplines, and sectors. By bringing together researchers and employers from different countries and professional backgrounds, the initiative contributes to the development of a more collaborative, inclusive, and internationally connected research community.
The Career Days are one of the flagship activities of the EMERGE Research Campus. They provide PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early career academics with opportunities to showcase their research, expand their professional networks, develop essential soft skills, and explore careers across academia, industry, government, and civil society. The initiative is scheduled to take place at several EMERGE partner universities during the lifetime of the Alliance.
As EMERGE continues to develop new opportunities for mobility, research collaboration, and community engagement, initiatives such as the Open Career Days demonstrate how the Alliance is building stronger connections between higher education and society while supporting the next generation of European researchers.
