Fellowship initiative boosts Estonia’s R&D potential
With EU funding, the ERMOS (Estonian research mobility scheme) project enriched the research environment of research and development (R&D) institutions in Estonia. Three calls for proposals attracted 45 researchers at the beginning of their careers to continue research in Estonian R&D establishments through two- or three-year grants. The scheme targeted non-Estonian researchers and researchers currently working and residing outside Estonia. ERMOS was open to international applicants in order to integrate or reintegrate them into a career in a Member State or Associated Country following a mobility scheme. Fellows represented 20 nationalities, 9 of whom were Estonians using the programme for reintegration. The project increased the number of fellows by almost twofold, and boosted the level of research significantly, including researchers with international experience. Fellows were encouraged to participate in the Estonian research community by taking part in other collaboration groups and schemes. Many researchers successfully applied for Estonian national grants (personal research funding), developed the national programme in various fields, became associate professors, or continued their career in other countries as researchers, lecturers, associate professors, postdocs or researchers in private enterprises. By developing and diversifying Estonian R&D potential through mobility and exchange of experience, ERMOS broadened and deepened the individual competences of young researchers and supported their careers. It also contributed to overcoming the fragmentation of national calls by bringing them in line with European schemes. Project efforts and outcomes have also strengthened research links between Estonia and Member States, Associated Countries and Third Countries.
Keywords
Estonia, Estonian Science Foundation, ERMOS, research mobility, research and development
