EURAXESS Smart Talks

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May 2026

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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.

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June 16, 2026Episode 3424 min

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-researchersGuestElisa 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 CoveredThe 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 activitiesTimestamps00:00 – 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!

May 28, 2026Episode 3323 min

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

About This EpisodeWhat 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.GuestDr. 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 CoveredEarly 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 TakeawaysWithdrawal 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 & LinksEURAXESS Portal: https://euraxess.ec.europa.euFollow EURAXESS on social media for more episodesSend us a message!

March 19, 2026Episode 3258 min

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 & Segments00:00:02 – Welcome to the episode 00:00:35 – Introduction of guests and topicInterview with Siiri Kolka00:01:40 – 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 Hasković00:19:36 – 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/WIDERAInterview with Kārlis Krēsliņš00:35:25 – 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 Reflections00:55:20 – Siiri’s final remarks and key takeaways 00:58:30 – Episode wrap‑upSend us a message!

March 6, 2026Episode 3131 min

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 touchSend us a message!

February 25, 2026Episode 3025 min

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 CoveredDr. 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 Questions00:00 – 00:01 | Intro00:53 – 01:18 | Guest Introduction01:24 – 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!

February 11, 2026Episode 2916 min

Crossing Borders and Bridging Disciplines with Dr. Antonino Puglisi

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Dr. Antonino (Nino) Puglisi — a Chartered Chemist, seasoned researcher, and European advisor at UK Research and Innovation. With more than 20 years of international experience across Italy, the UK, Austria, and Turkey, Nino shares a deeply personal and insightful journey of how research mobility shaped his scientific career, worldview, and professional identity.From postdoctoral adventures abroad to leading impactful projects on polymer chemistry and rare diseases, Nino discusses the transformative role of mobility, the value of interdisciplinary thinking, and the importance of supportive communities such as the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA). He also reflects on the challenges researchers face — from isolation to funding instability — and offers practical advice for early‑career scientists navigating international paths.Whether you're a researcher considering mobility, a policymaker, or simply curious about how chemistry, culture, and policy intertwine, this episode offers an inspiring, thoughtful, and honest perspective on what it means to build a career across borders.⏱️ Questions & TimestampsBelow are the main questions asked during the conversation, based on the transcript’s time markers.00:01:41 – Introduction of the guest“Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain your current research or professional role?”00:02:49 – First experience with research mobility“What was your first experience with research mobility, and what motivated you to take this step?”00:05:31 – Impact of mobility“How has moving across borders shaped your career path and personal development?”00:07:39 – Opportunities created by international mobility“What are the biggest opportunities that international mobility creates for researchers?”00:09:40 – Challenges of mobility“What are the main challenges you experienced or observed in international mobility?”00:10:44 – Institutional support“How can institutions and policymakers better support researchers in overcoming mobility-related challenges?”00:12:20 – Networking and collaborations“How has mobility influenced your collaborations and professional relationships?”00:13:56 – Advice for early‑career researchers“What advice would you give to early-career researchers considering mobility as part of their path?”00:14:44 – Future of research mobility in Europe“How do you imagine the future of research mobility in Europe, especially from your perspective as an NCP?”Send us a message!

February 4, 2026Episode 2826 min

How Deindustrialization Shapes Politics: Lessons from an ERC Starting Grant

In this episode of Euraxess Smart Talks, we speak with Anne‑Marie Jeannet, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Milan and Principal Investigator of the ERC Starting Grant project DESPO – Deindustrializing Societies and the Political Consequences.Anne‑Marie reflects on her journey into social science, her unconventional academic path from the humanities to quantitative sociology, and her experience applying for—and winning—an ERC Starting Grant. She shares candid insights into rejection, persistence, and how research ideas evolve through failure.The conversation dives deep into the political consequences of deindustrialization, challenging dominant assumptions that link economic decline directly to voting behaviour. Drawing on findings from her ERC project, Anne‑Marie explains why community, family, memory, and industrial nostalgia matter more than annual economic indicators—and why her project took an unexpected but productive turn when its central hypothesis did not hold.This episode is especially valuable for early‑career researchers, offering practical advice on ERC applications, proposal writing, interviews, project deviations, amendments, and the realities of managing a large grant—particularly during disruptions such as COVID‑19 and institutional mobility.⏱️ Question & Segment Timestamps00:00 – 01:50 | Introduction Welcome to Euraxess Smart Talks and introduction of Anne‑Marie Jeannet and the DESPO project.01:50 – 03:35 | Academic background How Anne‑Marie transitioned from history and the humanities into social science and sociology.03:35 – 06:50 | Applying for the ERC Starting Grant How she decided to apply, early rejections, persistence, and improving the proposal over time.06:50 – 08:40 | What makes a strong ERC idea? Why ERC projects are about big ideas and new avenues, not small research gaps.08:40 – 10:35 | Deindustrialization and politics How her project reframed the political effects of deindustrialization beyond jobs and unemployment.10:35 – 11:55 | External shocks and project reality Political changes, COVID‑19, and whether the project followed its original plan.11:55 – 14:20 | When the core hypothesis fails Why finding “no effect” changed the direction of the research—and why that matters.14:20 – 15:30 | Industrial nostalgia The paradox of longing for factory work that people do not want to do themselves.15:30 – 16:55 | Media, memory, and romanticizing the past How collective memory and media narratives shape perceptions of industrial history.17:00 – 19:30 | Deviations, amendments, and ERC flexibility How to legally and scientifically manage changes to an ERC project.19:30 – 22:55 | Advice for early‑career researchers Proposal writing, abstracts, mock interviews, and learning from ERC winners.22:55 – 24:55 | Portability and institutional challenges Moving institutions with an ERC grant and why starting grants can be slower than expected.24:55 – 26:15 | Closing reflections Final thoughts on challenges, transparency, and success in large research projects.Send us a message!

January 26, 2026Episode 2732 min

Dr. Jennifer Kefauver on Mechanobiology, Mobility, and MSCA Fellowships

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Daria Aksjonova and Jovan Aranđelović sit down with Dr. Jennifer Kefauver, a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellow whose career spans world‑class research centers in the US, Switzerland, and Spain.Jennifer shares her journey from earning her PhD at Scripps Research—studying mechanically activated ion channels in Nobel Prize–winning laboratories—through her interdisciplinary postdoctoral work in structural and membrane biology, to her current research on rare laminopathies at the Spanish National Research Council.Together, we explore how mechanical forces shape cell behavior, why mechanobiology matters for human health, what it's like to transition from the US to Europe as a researcher, and how MSCA fellowships can open doors to international careers. Jennifer also reflects on work culture differences, navigating immigration bureaucracy, language challenges, and the role of public healthcare and parental leave in shaping a sustainable academic life.Whether you're an early‑career scientist considering mobility or simply curious about the frontiers of mechanobiology, this episode is filled with practical insights, honest reflections, and inspiration.🧩 Key Topics CoveredJennifer’s academic path: from Scripps Research to the University of Geneva and SpainMechanobiology explained: how cells sense and respond to mechanical forcesStructural biology, membrane protein purification, and cryo‑EMThe value and challenges of Marie Skłodowska‑Curie FellowshipsWork culture differences between the US, Switzerland, and SpainThe impact of public healthcare, and social protectionsThe burden of administrative tasks and immigration bureaucracyThe importance of language learning for integrationAdvice for early‑career researchers on mobility, networking & choosing projectsFuture plans: stabilizing in Spain and pursuing ERC funding⏱️ Questions & Timestamps00:02:34 — Jennifer, could you tell us about your career path in academia and why you applied for the MSCA grant? 00:06:11 — How did you identify your research topic and select your host lab for the MSCA fellowship? 00:07:01 — Can you explain your research field and what mechanobiology means in practical terms? 00:09:00 — What are the challenges of doing experiments and simulations at the cellular scale? 00:11:57 — Is there real‑world applicability for your fundamental mechanobiology research? 00:12:57 — How might therapeutic approaches—like gene therapy or epigenetic drugs—play a role in treating these rare diseases? 00:14:51 — What are the differences between rare diseases and their treatment challenges? 00:15:02 — How would you compare the research environment in the US vs Europe? 00:17:17 — How did work culture differ between the US, Switzerland, and Spain? 00:18:52 — What was your experience with healthcare, maternity leave, and social protections in Spain? 00:21:01 — How difficult was the immigration and bureaucratic process? 00:23:05 — How important was learning the local language in Switzerland and Spain? 00:25:02 — Did your research progress according to plan during your MSCA projects? 00:26:32 — What are your future career plans? 00:27:38 — Do you have advice for other researchers considering mobility to Europe? Send us a message!

December 17, 2025Episode 2646 min

Experiences of American researchers in EU: Social humanities field in focus

Anthropologist and legal scholar Dr. Niklas Hultin (Associate Professor, George Mason University) joins EURAXESS Smart Talks to unpack what it really means to build a career at the intersection of anthropology, law, history, and international relations—with a focus on security practices in West Africa. We explore his transatlantic journey (Sweden ↔ United States), consulting and expert-witness work, and practical advice for early-stage researchers considering moves between the EU and the US. Expect candid reflections on funding landscapes, teaching vs. research roles, work–life balance, language and cultural adaptation, and why you should “never let someone say no for you” when applying for grants or opportunities.⏱️ Question Timestamps (Guide)Note: Timestamps reference the episode transcript’s timecodes.00:01:29 — Introduction to field & academic journey “Could you introduce us to your field of study and your academic journey?” 00:03:43 — Was academia the first choice? Why move to Sweden’s government agency?00:06:44 — Teaching vs. research: preference and why Integrating both, liberal-arts background, and post-COVID teaching reflections. 00:13:00 — EU vs. US: funding structures & work–life balance NSF experience, relative acceptance rates impression, foundations, and cultural norms around weekend work/admin. 00:18:46 — Is weekend work “normal” in the US? Flexibility vs. workload; classroom hours and publishing expectations. 00:22:16 —Teaching, research, and service—how it’s framed vs. the reality. 00:24:02 — Advice for US researchers moving to Europe Language requirements, cultural communication, immigration logistics, family considerations. [ 00:31:00 — Is it easier to move EU→US or US→EU? Prestige, institutional recognition, and field-specific patterns. 00:34:00 — Challenges & opportunities shaping the career path Networking, grant-writing courage, and the Cambridge postdoc “no → yes” story. 00:40:00 — Why return to the US?00:41:20 — Full-time professor vs. external engagement University support for consulting/expert-witness work and public engagement. 00:42:50 — Final advice & key takeaways for early-stage researchers Apply widely, stay active in your field’s discourse, embrace transatlantic opportunities. 00:45:50 — Closing and credits Hosts, editor, and dedication. Send us a message!

December 4, 2025Episode 2535 min

Dual Careers, Global Mobility & Scientific Life with Prof Jessica Cauchard and Dr Michael Levant

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks we speak with a remarkable dual-career academic couple: Dr. Michael Levant, a physical chemistry and microfluidics researcher at TotalEnergies, and Prof. Jessica Cauchard, Full Professor for Embodied Intelligent Interaction at TU Wien and a pioneer in human-drone interaction.Together, they share their deeply personal and highly practical journey across countries, disciplines, and career systems. From navigating the “two-body problem” to balancing family, mobility, professorship hiring cultures, and industrial vs. academic pressures, this conversation offers a rare look into what it takes to build two successful research careers while living abroad.This episode is a warm, insightful, and honest look at the human side of scientific careers.🔑 Key Topics CoveredCareer paths & research identitiesThe dual-career challenge (“two-body problem”) Navigating academic vs. industry positions across countries. Mobility experiences in different countries Cultural differences in higher education, research support, and hiring systems. TU Wien’s dual-career program How Jessica’s professorship offer emerged and how the program supported their move. Balancing parenthood with global career transitions Visa concerns, childcare access, and adjusting start dates. Industry vs. academia cultures Confidential research, publication pressure, KPIs, and expectations. Language learning, cultural integration & communication What makes academic life easier in a new country. Advice for early-career researchers on mobility Why leaving the comfort zone accelerates growth. Cross-disciplinarity within a dual-career household Unexpected synergies between microfluidics, HCI, robotics, and interaction design. ⏱️ Timestamps 01:31–04:00 — Research Backgrounds04:00–07:00 — Industry vs. Academia Pathways10:55–13:00 — Research Support & Mentoring Cultures13:00–16:00 — Finding two fulfilling positions, timing, relocation. 13:20–15:20 — TU Wien 15:40–17:00 — Becoming Parents While Relocating17:00–20:00 — First Impressions of Austria21:00–23:30 — Publish or Perish vs. Confidential R&D24:20–26:00 — Cross-Disciplinary Inspiration at Home29:30–31:00 — Language Skills & Adaptation30:30–33:00 — Advice for Early-Career Researchers33:00–35:00 — Cultural Differences in Confidence & Networking35:00 — Closing & CreditsSend us a message!