Researchers get a career boost via EURAXESS Network in Albania
The Agency for Research, Technology and Innovation (ARTI) is leading the charge in Albania to support the EU’s commitment to removing barriers to free circulation of knowledge and strengthening cross-border mobility of researchers, students and academic staff. Standing in its way is the lack of a national strategy to increase or improve mobility, a dearth of information about mobility, ineffective exploitation of research outcomes and a brain drain. To address this issue, the EU-funded AL-ES.NET (Albanian EURAXESS Service Network) project established a EURAXESS Services Network at ARTI to provide free and personalised assistance on the challenges faced by researchers and their families when relocating to Albania. The Services Network brings together universities, research institutions, companies and governmental agencies to facilitate researchers, mobility and career development. In total, 60 awareness campaigns were organised to promote the Network. AL-ES.NET provided access to a complete range of information and support services for European and non-European researchers wishing to develop their career. A web portal was set up in 2014 to serve as a gateway to the Network. A mobility handbook was produced with information on administrative procedures regarding visa issues and Albania’s taxation, education and health systems. A guide for incoming researchers is also available that offers practical information about daily life and guidelines for dealing with employment and work formalities. A help desk was created to provide assistance and information on researcher mobility and career development. In addition, workshops and training sessions were held on various mobility career development issues. Thanks to AL-ES.NET Albania now has a fully functional EURAXESS Services Network. This one-stop shop will simplify the process for researchers coming to Albania or going abroad, while increasing their mobility and career development. The project work ensures growth and innovation via greater researcher mobility and integration into the European Research Area (ERA).
Keywords
Researchers, Albania, EURAXESS Services Network, mobility, AL-ES.NET