Periodic Reporting for period 1 - YIA (Young International Academics Postdoctoral Programme)
Reporting period: 2023-05-01 to 2025-04-30
Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project
The Young International Academics (YIA) programme at the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu) was established with the overarching aim of supporting the career development of early-career postdoctoral researchers through interdisciplinary and intersectoral research opportunities. Since its inception, the programme has successfully launched its first and second calls and selected two cohorts of postdoctoral fellows. All ten recruited fellows are currently engaged in interdisciplinary research projects co-supervised by professors of Uni.lu. Each fellow has a tailored Career Development Plan aligning research activities with career goals. The programme also offers access to targeted training modules and workshops that strengthen interdisciplinary skills and cross-sectoral competencies.
A key objective of the YIA programme is to attract international research talent to Luxembourg by offering fellowships for self-initiated, interdisciplinary projects. To this end, the programme has effectively drawn a diverse range of international applicants through high-visibility calls disseminated across European and global academic platforms and networks. The selected fellows represent a wide variety of national and disciplinary backgrounds, underscoring the programme’s global reach and commitment to diversity. The strong number and high quality of applications received confirm the programme’s attractiveness, with many proposals showcasing innovative interdisciplinary approaches. Candidates with compelling, self-designed projects were selected through a recruitment process that prioritised excellence and interdisciplinarity, further bolstering Luxembourg’s reputation as a destination for leading international researchers.
Central to the YIA programme is its commitment to promoting a bottom-up, researcher-driven model of postdoctoral research. Fellows were given full autonomy to define their project topics according to their expertise and interests. This model has led to a portfolio of diverse projects across disciplines and sectors, reflecting the creativity and independence of the selected researchers. The evaluation and selection process explicitly prioritised scientific autonomy, innovation, and relevance, ensuring that each funded project was grounded in the academic vision of the researcher. Feedback from fellows confirmed that the freedom to shape their own research agendas was a strong motivator for applying to the programme. Continued support through personalised supervision and custom training further reinforces this researcher-centred philosophy.
The programme also strives to enhance interdisciplinarity and intersectorality in research, in alignment with the strategic goals at institutional, national, and European levels. All fellows are supported by both an academic supervisor and a co-supervisor (both from Uni.lu) from a complementary field or sector, fostering interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration from the outset. Research projects funded in both calls span diverse disciplines and actively involve stakeholders from public institutions, the industry, and civil society. Fellows are also required to complete secondments in sectors outside their core academic domain, reinforcing intersectoral exposure. This programme structure reflects broader European research objectives, including innovation, societal impact, and knowledge transfer.
Integration into the University’s Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) further facilitates interdisciplinary exchange through mentoring, collaborative events, and networking opportunities across academic and non-academic fields. This integration into the IAS embeds researchers in a vibrant interdisciplinary environment that promotes intellectual exchange and collaboration. Fellows benefit from structured mentoring with IAS senior scholars and visiting academics, along with peer support from other early-career researchers. Collaborative activities such as joint seminars, reading groups, and workshops have already emerged. Fellows also participate in the IAS public lecture series and engage in outreach activities, building skills in communication, fostering intergenerational learning, and enhancing the societal visibility of their work. Future events aim to broaden these opportunities further, reinforcing fellows’ engagement with academia and society alike.
The YIA programme provides high-quality supervision and access to an extensive research network, including over 350 academic co-supervisors and approximately 350 public-private partners. Each fellow is matched with a primary supervisor and a co-supervisor from another discipline or sector, ensuring multidimensional guidance. These arrangements not only promote academic excellence but also open doors to collaboration with government bodies, private companies, and civil society organisations. Early feedback indicates that fellows appreciate the dual-supervision model and the structured approach to interdisciplinary mentorship. Additional partnerships are cultivated through secondments and shared research activities, with ongoing efforts to formalise and expand the network of external collaborators involved in project development and training.
Another core pillar of the YIA programme is the encouragement of international, cross-generational, and cross-sectoral engagement. Fellows receive mentorship from senior scientists, IAS visiting fellows, and experienced researchers from both academic and non-academic environments. These mentoring structures are complemented by peer-to-peer learning within the broader IAS community. Preparations for mandatory secondments are well underway, with defined objectives and identified host institutions for most fellows. These secondments are designed to deepen interdisciplinary experience, strengthen transferable skills, and extend professional networks. Participation in international conferences and workshops further supports fellows’ integration into global research communities and reinforces the societal relevance of their work.
Training is another strategic focus of the YIA programme. A flexible, “à la carte” training model enables fellows to select opportunities aligned with their individual development needs. Each fellow works with their supervisors to create a Career Development Plan (CDP) that guides their training choices. Modules span a wide range of topics, including research ethics, project management, interdisciplinary methodologies, science communication, and entrepreneurship. Fellows also benefit from additional training through university services and IAS-specific offerings. Mobility support allows participation in external seminars and learning events, ensuring that training remains relevant and impactful. This customised approach maximises both employability and interdisciplinary capacity, supporting career trajectories within and beyond academia.
Finally, the YIA programme aims to build a long-term postdoctoral funding pipeline at Uni.lu leveraging the resources and networks of the IAS. Fellows are integrated early into institutional research strategies and supported in identifying future funding opportunities through national and European schemes such as the FNR and Horizon Europe. The programme's emphasis on visibility, interdisciplinary engagement, and international networks positions fellows competitively for future funding and sustained research careers.
A key objective of the YIA programme is to attract international research talent to Luxembourg by offering fellowships for self-initiated, interdisciplinary projects. To this end, the programme has effectively drawn a diverse range of international applicants through high-visibility calls disseminated across European and global academic platforms and networks. The selected fellows represent a wide variety of national and disciplinary backgrounds, underscoring the programme’s global reach and commitment to diversity. The strong number and high quality of applications received confirm the programme’s attractiveness, with many proposals showcasing innovative interdisciplinary approaches. Candidates with compelling, self-designed projects were selected through a recruitment process that prioritised excellence and interdisciplinarity, further bolstering Luxembourg’s reputation as a destination for leading international researchers.
Central to the YIA programme is its commitment to promoting a bottom-up, researcher-driven model of postdoctoral research. Fellows were given full autonomy to define their project topics according to their expertise and interests. This model has led to a portfolio of diverse projects across disciplines and sectors, reflecting the creativity and independence of the selected researchers. The evaluation and selection process explicitly prioritised scientific autonomy, innovation, and relevance, ensuring that each funded project was grounded in the academic vision of the researcher. Feedback from fellows confirmed that the freedom to shape their own research agendas was a strong motivator for applying to the programme. Continued support through personalised supervision and custom training further reinforces this researcher-centred philosophy.
The programme also strives to enhance interdisciplinarity and intersectorality in research, in alignment with the strategic goals at institutional, national, and European levels. All fellows are supported by both an academic supervisor and a co-supervisor (both from Uni.lu) from a complementary field or sector, fostering interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration from the outset. Research projects funded in both calls span diverse disciplines and actively involve stakeholders from public institutions, the industry, and civil society. Fellows are also required to complete secondments in sectors outside their core academic domain, reinforcing intersectoral exposure. This programme structure reflects broader European research objectives, including innovation, societal impact, and knowledge transfer.
Integration into the University’s Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) further facilitates interdisciplinary exchange through mentoring, collaborative events, and networking opportunities across academic and non-academic fields. This integration into the IAS embeds researchers in a vibrant interdisciplinary environment that promotes intellectual exchange and collaboration. Fellows benefit from structured mentoring with IAS senior scholars and visiting academics, along with peer support from other early-career researchers. Collaborative activities such as joint seminars, reading groups, and workshops have already emerged. Fellows also participate in the IAS public lecture series and engage in outreach activities, building skills in communication, fostering intergenerational learning, and enhancing the societal visibility of their work. Future events aim to broaden these opportunities further, reinforcing fellows’ engagement with academia and society alike.
The YIA programme provides high-quality supervision and access to an extensive research network, including over 350 academic co-supervisors and approximately 350 public-private partners. Each fellow is matched with a primary supervisor and a co-supervisor from another discipline or sector, ensuring multidimensional guidance. These arrangements not only promote academic excellence but also open doors to collaboration with government bodies, private companies, and civil society organisations. Early feedback indicates that fellows appreciate the dual-supervision model and the structured approach to interdisciplinary mentorship. Additional partnerships are cultivated through secondments and shared research activities, with ongoing efforts to formalise and expand the network of external collaborators involved in project development and training.
Another core pillar of the YIA programme is the encouragement of international, cross-generational, and cross-sectoral engagement. Fellows receive mentorship from senior scientists, IAS visiting fellows, and experienced researchers from both academic and non-academic environments. These mentoring structures are complemented by peer-to-peer learning within the broader IAS community. Preparations for mandatory secondments are well underway, with defined objectives and identified host institutions for most fellows. These secondments are designed to deepen interdisciplinary experience, strengthen transferable skills, and extend professional networks. Participation in international conferences and workshops further supports fellows’ integration into global research communities and reinforces the societal relevance of their work.
Training is another strategic focus of the YIA programme. A flexible, “à la carte” training model enables fellows to select opportunities aligned with their individual development needs. Each fellow works with their supervisors to create a Career Development Plan (CDP) that guides their training choices. Modules span a wide range of topics, including research ethics, project management, interdisciplinary methodologies, science communication, and entrepreneurship. Fellows also benefit from additional training through university services and IAS-specific offerings. Mobility support allows participation in external seminars and learning events, ensuring that training remains relevant and impactful. This customised approach maximises both employability and interdisciplinary capacity, supporting career trajectories within and beyond academia.
Finally, the YIA programme aims to build a long-term postdoctoral funding pipeline at Uni.lu leveraging the resources and networks of the IAS. Fellows are integrated early into institutional research strategies and supported in identifying future funding opportunities through national and European schemes such as the FNR and Horizon Europe. The programme's emphasis on visibility, interdisciplinary engagement, and international networks positions fellows competitively for future funding and sustained research careers.
Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far
WP1 - Ethics requirements
The objective is to ensure compliance with the 'ethics requirements' set out in this work package.
Under WP1, the ethics-related activities have progressed well, with two out of three tasks fully completed and one currently underway. Comprehensive ethics information was made available to applicants through the Guide for Applicants and to reviewers via the Guide for Reviewers and published on the programme website ahead of both calls. All applicants were required to declare whether their proposed projects involved any ethical considerations, a requirement that was further reinforced during onboarding and information sessions.
The WP leader actively oversaw the ethics review process for both calls. All submitted Ethics Issues were reviewed, and where ethical concerns were identified, the WP leader provided confirmations, recommendations for additional documentation, or clarification requests. These assessments were integrated into the overall evaluation process, ensuring that ethical standards and scientific integrity were rigorously upheld.
Following selection, all fellows were informed of their responsibilities regarding ethics self-assessment, with Ethics Review Panel (ERP) approval required before commencing any research activities involving ethical considerations. To date, four projects have received formal ethics approval, including one that required minor modifications. Two additional projects are currently under review by the ERP.
Overall, the ethics dimension of the programme reflects a strong alignment with Horizon Europe standards. The necessary structures are in place, and continuous efforts are being made to reinforce compliance, monitoring, and awareness throughout the lifecycle of each fellowship.
WP2 – Management
Ensure proper management of all aspects of the project: financial, contractual and call management (including EC reporting).
The project has established the necessary governance structures, including the Scientific Council (SC), Programme Coordinator (PC), and Implementation Support Team (IST). Roles were clearly assigned from the project kick-off onward. Financial and risk management systems are operational, and internal coordination meetings have been held regularly. Progress and financial reports were prepared and submitted according to the Grant Agreement.
Both the first and second YIA calls were launched and closed on schedule. Selection processes were conducted transparently and in alignment with the recruitment guidelines. High-calibre applicants were identified, and successful candidates were offered fellowships. Employment contracts were signed in accordance with HR procedures.
Fellows are required to submit progress reports every year based on meetings with their supervisors.
The SC has initiated discussions on the programme’s long-term sustainability. Consideration is being given to follow-up national and EU-level funding schemes to retain outstanding fellows or build new initiatives within Uni.lu.
Ethics information was clearly communicated through the Guide for Applicants and the programme website ahead of each call. All applicants were required to declare ethical considerations in their project proposals. The Ethics Review Panel (ERP) reviewed all Ethics Issues Tables. Feedback has been given to all candidates who declared ethical issues (see above).
WP3 - Dissemination and Exploitation
The principal objective of WP is to disseminate the programme and its calls: Promote the YIA calls and programme among a very large audience of potential applicants and disseminate the research outputs generated by the YIA fellows.
The YIA call preparation was successfully completed ahead of both calls. All necessary documents, including guidelines, application templates, and evaluation criteria, were created and published on the programme website. The online submission tools were set up to ensure a smooth application process. These documents were thoroughly reviewed to ensure clarity and accessibility for international applicants.
The YIA calls were promoted globally through targeted outreach, including publication on relevant academic platforms, social media, research networks, and university/IAS channels. Efforts were made to ensure wide dissemination and engagement with a diverse pool of international candidates, highlighting the opportunity for secondment and intersectoral research. The calls were disseminated widely in both European and international research communities.
The results of the YIA call will be disseminated in alignment with the Open and FAIR principles. Results are about to be communicated to both the academic community and the public via the programme’s website, newsletters, social media and press releases. The research outputs from the selected fellows are in the process of being made available.
A Plan for Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication (PDEC) is being developed, which includes strategies for promoting the outcomes of the YIA projects. Key activities are being communicated through the University of Luxembourg’s website, social media channels, and external media outlets. Furthermore, the multi-IAS workshops on Interdisciplinary Research at Uni.lu provide a platform for fellows to present their research to both academic and non-academic audiences.
WP4 - Evaluation and Selection
The Objective of WP4 was the organisation and management of the evaluation and selection process in 3 phases for each of the 2 calls, to select and recruit 10 excellent interdisciplinary postdoctoral researchers. All the activities of this WP aimed at ensuring quality, transparency and fairness to the evaluation process while avoiding any potential conflict of interest (end in M11 and M17).
External reviewers for the YIA calls were successfully selected according to the established criteria. A transparent and fair selection process ensured that two reviewers from the primary discipline and one to two reviewers from the complementary discipline or sector evaluated each interdisciplinary application. This diverse mix of reviewers facilitated comprehensive and balanced evaluations, providing a broad perspective on the quality and impact of the proposed projects.
The IST successfully conducted training for all members of the IAS Scientific Council to ensure consistency, fairness, and accuracy in the evaluation process. Comprehensive training materials, including a guide and training information sessions, were provided to all external reviewers and members of SC. Special attention was given to gender diversity awareness and ensuring evaluators were equipped with the tools to conduct independent evaluations.
The evaluation process was successfully implemented in two phases. In the first phase, external reviewers assessed eligible applications. The second phase, which involved a final review and ranking by the IAS Scientific Council, included a pitch presentation and a scientific debate for the 15 top-ranked candidates, to ensure a thorough discussion of each proposal. A final ranking of 5 fellows by call, including a reserve list of 2 fellows, was determined based on the outcomes of the pitch and debate.
The IST provided essential support throughout the evaluation, selection, and ranking process. This included eligibility checks, assigning applications to external reviewers, and recording evaluation scores from the panels. The IST also organized the pitch presentation and scientific debate and prepared ranking lists. Administrative follow-up and communication with applicants were handled efficiently to ensure smooth progression through the selection process.
WP5 - Training and Career Development
This WP5 provides all recruited fellows with top quality supervision for research, training and support in order to increase the fellows’ career development and employability.
The implementation of individual research projects for all YIA fellows has proceeded as planned. Each fellow has been provided with the necessary training, as outlined including opportunities to attend tailored workshops and courses. Network-wide events have been successfully organized, offering fellows the chance to share insights and collaborate. Mandatory secondments will start soon in alignment with research, training, and career development goals, further enhancing fellows' skills and broadening their professional networks.
Each YIA fellow has worked with their designated supervisors to create a tailored Career Development Plan (CDP). This plan incorporates both interdisciplinary supervision and career development strategies. The supervision structure has been set up to provide consistent guidance throughout the fellowship period, ensuring that each fellow receives appropriate mentoring in their research and career development.
YIA fellows have been actively engaged in organizing scientific events within the IAS community. The events have been aligned with the goals of the YIA programme, providing fellows with experience in event management, peer-mentoring, and networking. These events have contributed to strengthening the fellows’ visibility and provided them with valuable experience in scientific communication and collaboration.
The objective is to ensure compliance with the 'ethics requirements' set out in this work package.
Under WP1, the ethics-related activities have progressed well, with two out of three tasks fully completed and one currently underway. Comprehensive ethics information was made available to applicants through the Guide for Applicants and to reviewers via the Guide for Reviewers and published on the programme website ahead of both calls. All applicants were required to declare whether their proposed projects involved any ethical considerations, a requirement that was further reinforced during onboarding and information sessions.
The WP leader actively oversaw the ethics review process for both calls. All submitted Ethics Issues were reviewed, and where ethical concerns were identified, the WP leader provided confirmations, recommendations for additional documentation, or clarification requests. These assessments were integrated into the overall evaluation process, ensuring that ethical standards and scientific integrity were rigorously upheld.
Following selection, all fellows were informed of their responsibilities regarding ethics self-assessment, with Ethics Review Panel (ERP) approval required before commencing any research activities involving ethical considerations. To date, four projects have received formal ethics approval, including one that required minor modifications. Two additional projects are currently under review by the ERP.
Overall, the ethics dimension of the programme reflects a strong alignment with Horizon Europe standards. The necessary structures are in place, and continuous efforts are being made to reinforce compliance, monitoring, and awareness throughout the lifecycle of each fellowship.
WP2 – Management
Ensure proper management of all aspects of the project: financial, contractual and call management (including EC reporting).
The project has established the necessary governance structures, including the Scientific Council (SC), Programme Coordinator (PC), and Implementation Support Team (IST). Roles were clearly assigned from the project kick-off onward. Financial and risk management systems are operational, and internal coordination meetings have been held regularly. Progress and financial reports were prepared and submitted according to the Grant Agreement.
Both the first and second YIA calls were launched and closed on schedule. Selection processes were conducted transparently and in alignment with the recruitment guidelines. High-calibre applicants were identified, and successful candidates were offered fellowships. Employment contracts were signed in accordance with HR procedures.
Fellows are required to submit progress reports every year based on meetings with their supervisors.
The SC has initiated discussions on the programme’s long-term sustainability. Consideration is being given to follow-up national and EU-level funding schemes to retain outstanding fellows or build new initiatives within Uni.lu.
Ethics information was clearly communicated through the Guide for Applicants and the programme website ahead of each call. All applicants were required to declare ethical considerations in their project proposals. The Ethics Review Panel (ERP) reviewed all Ethics Issues Tables. Feedback has been given to all candidates who declared ethical issues (see above).
WP3 - Dissemination and Exploitation
The principal objective of WP is to disseminate the programme and its calls: Promote the YIA calls and programme among a very large audience of potential applicants and disseminate the research outputs generated by the YIA fellows.
The YIA call preparation was successfully completed ahead of both calls. All necessary documents, including guidelines, application templates, and evaluation criteria, were created and published on the programme website. The online submission tools were set up to ensure a smooth application process. These documents were thoroughly reviewed to ensure clarity and accessibility for international applicants.
The YIA calls were promoted globally through targeted outreach, including publication on relevant academic platforms, social media, research networks, and university/IAS channels. Efforts were made to ensure wide dissemination and engagement with a diverse pool of international candidates, highlighting the opportunity for secondment and intersectoral research. The calls were disseminated widely in both European and international research communities.
The results of the YIA call will be disseminated in alignment with the Open and FAIR principles. Results are about to be communicated to both the academic community and the public via the programme’s website, newsletters, social media and press releases. The research outputs from the selected fellows are in the process of being made available.
A Plan for Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication (PDEC) is being developed, which includes strategies for promoting the outcomes of the YIA projects. Key activities are being communicated through the University of Luxembourg’s website, social media channels, and external media outlets. Furthermore, the multi-IAS workshops on Interdisciplinary Research at Uni.lu provide a platform for fellows to present their research to both academic and non-academic audiences.
WP4 - Evaluation and Selection
The Objective of WP4 was the organisation and management of the evaluation and selection process in 3 phases for each of the 2 calls, to select and recruit 10 excellent interdisciplinary postdoctoral researchers. All the activities of this WP aimed at ensuring quality, transparency and fairness to the evaluation process while avoiding any potential conflict of interest (end in M11 and M17).
External reviewers for the YIA calls were successfully selected according to the established criteria. A transparent and fair selection process ensured that two reviewers from the primary discipline and one to two reviewers from the complementary discipline or sector evaluated each interdisciplinary application. This diverse mix of reviewers facilitated comprehensive and balanced evaluations, providing a broad perspective on the quality and impact of the proposed projects.
The IST successfully conducted training for all members of the IAS Scientific Council to ensure consistency, fairness, and accuracy in the evaluation process. Comprehensive training materials, including a guide and training information sessions, were provided to all external reviewers and members of SC. Special attention was given to gender diversity awareness and ensuring evaluators were equipped with the tools to conduct independent evaluations.
The evaluation process was successfully implemented in two phases. In the first phase, external reviewers assessed eligible applications. The second phase, which involved a final review and ranking by the IAS Scientific Council, included a pitch presentation and a scientific debate for the 15 top-ranked candidates, to ensure a thorough discussion of each proposal. A final ranking of 5 fellows by call, including a reserve list of 2 fellows, was determined based on the outcomes of the pitch and debate.
The IST provided essential support throughout the evaluation, selection, and ranking process. This included eligibility checks, assigning applications to external reviewers, and recording evaluation scores from the panels. The IST also organized the pitch presentation and scientific debate and prepared ranking lists. Administrative follow-up and communication with applicants were handled efficiently to ensure smooth progression through the selection process.
WP5 - Training and Career Development
This WP5 provides all recruited fellows with top quality supervision for research, training and support in order to increase the fellows’ career development and employability.
The implementation of individual research projects for all YIA fellows has proceeded as planned. Each fellow has been provided with the necessary training, as outlined including opportunities to attend tailored workshops and courses. Network-wide events have been successfully organized, offering fellows the chance to share insights and collaborate. Mandatory secondments will start soon in alignment with research, training, and career development goals, further enhancing fellows' skills and broadening their professional networks.
Each YIA fellow has worked with their designated supervisors to create a tailored Career Development Plan (CDP). This plan incorporates both interdisciplinary supervision and career development strategies. The supervision structure has been set up to provide consistent guidance throughout the fellowship period, ensuring that each fellow receives appropriate mentoring in their research and career development.
YIA fellows have been actively engaged in organizing scientific events within the IAS community. The events have been aligned with the goals of the YIA programme, providing fellows with experience in event management, peer-mentoring, and networking. These events have contributed to strengthening the fellows’ visibility and provided them with valuable experience in scientific communication and collaboration.
Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)
The YIA programme is designed to generate both immediate and long-lasting impacts on the Uni.lu its institutional capacity, and its contribution to addressing key European and global challenges. These impacts span research excellence, international visibility, capacity building, societal engagement, and alignment with Horizon Europe and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The YIA programme is designed as a strategic investment in research excellence, interdisciplinarity, and international collaboration. Its overarching goal is to foster a new generation of postdoctoral researchers capable of addressing complex global challenges through scientific innovation and societal engagement.
• Recruitment of exceptional talent: The YIA programme attracted 10 outstanding, bold, and interdisciplinary postdoctoral researchers equipped with both high-level scientific skills and strong public engagement capabilities. These individuals bring fresh perspectives and creativity to Uni.lu’s research ecosystem. Fellows bring diverse research expertise, backgrounds, and networks, directly contributing to the university’s global reputation.
• Establishment of a vibrant research community: The programme lays the foundation for a dynamic and interconnected community of YIA fellows, characterised by interdisciplinary collaboration, international mobility, and mutual learning across disciplines and sectors. YIA fellows have invigorated the IAS’s scientific and networking activities, participating in secondments, conferences, scientific visits, and collaborative research events.
• Contribution to societal problem-solving: By supporting research aligned with Horizon Europe and the SDGs, the YIA fellows contribute to solving pressing societal challenges in areas such as sustainability, digitalisation, health, and social inclusion. This positions them as key actors in the next generation of EU scientists. YIA fellows serve as catalysts for a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and gender equality in research, inspiring peers across faculties through shared initiatives, co-authorships, and participation in cross-disciplinary events.
• Talent retention in Luxembourg and the Greater Region: The programme fosters a supportive and stimulating research environment, helping to retain top-tier international talent in Luxembourg and surrounding regions, thereby reinforcing regional innovation capacity. The programme is significantly enhancing Uni.lu’s regional and EU integration, especially through reinforced participation in IAS networks and interdisciplinary communities.
• Enhanced employability and career prospects: Through high-quality supervision, targeted training, and exposure to intersectoral environments, the YIA programme increases the employability and career advancement opportunities of its fellows, enhancing Uni.lu’s attractiveness to global talent.
• Strengthening the IAS and research culture: The YIA initiative provides a major impetus for the continued development of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) – Luxembourg, establishing it as a hub for excellence, interdisciplinarity, and innovation, and promoting a robust, inclusive research culture across the university.
• Mainstreaming interdisciplinarity and internationalisation: The programme helps embed interdisciplinary collaboration and international exchange as core values of Uni.lu reinforcing its identity as a forward-looking, globally engaged institution.
• Boosting academic standards and output: By bringing in highly qualified fellows from around the world, the YIA programme contributes to a measurable increase in research excellence, visibility, and scientific output at Uni.lu. The programme is expected to generate approximately 60 peer-reviewed publications, many of which address complex societal challenges such as health, digitalisation, sustainability, and governance. A projected +5% increase in citation rates of Uni.lu’s research is anticipated due to the high quality and interdisciplinary relevance of these publications.
• Enhancing regional and national reputation: The programme elevates the international standing of Uni.lu Luxembourg, and the Greater Region as attractive destinations for world-class research, reinforcing their roles in the European Research Area.
• Fostering a global and intergenerational research forum: Finally, the YIA programme fosters the emergence of an intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and international research forum that supports the continuous exchange of ideas, collaboration, and mentorship, contributing to long-term institutional growth and societal relevance.
The YIA programme is designed as a strategic investment in research excellence, interdisciplinarity, and international collaboration. Its overarching goal is to foster a new generation of postdoctoral researchers capable of addressing complex global challenges through scientific innovation and societal engagement.
• Recruitment of exceptional talent: The YIA programme attracted 10 outstanding, bold, and interdisciplinary postdoctoral researchers equipped with both high-level scientific skills and strong public engagement capabilities. These individuals bring fresh perspectives and creativity to Uni.lu’s research ecosystem. Fellows bring diverse research expertise, backgrounds, and networks, directly contributing to the university’s global reputation.
• Establishment of a vibrant research community: The programme lays the foundation for a dynamic and interconnected community of YIA fellows, characterised by interdisciplinary collaboration, international mobility, and mutual learning across disciplines and sectors. YIA fellows have invigorated the IAS’s scientific and networking activities, participating in secondments, conferences, scientific visits, and collaborative research events.
• Contribution to societal problem-solving: By supporting research aligned with Horizon Europe and the SDGs, the YIA fellows contribute to solving pressing societal challenges in areas such as sustainability, digitalisation, health, and social inclusion. This positions them as key actors in the next generation of EU scientists. YIA fellows serve as catalysts for a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and gender equality in research, inspiring peers across faculties through shared initiatives, co-authorships, and participation in cross-disciplinary events.
• Talent retention in Luxembourg and the Greater Region: The programme fosters a supportive and stimulating research environment, helping to retain top-tier international talent in Luxembourg and surrounding regions, thereby reinforcing regional innovation capacity. The programme is significantly enhancing Uni.lu’s regional and EU integration, especially through reinforced participation in IAS networks and interdisciplinary communities.
• Enhanced employability and career prospects: Through high-quality supervision, targeted training, and exposure to intersectoral environments, the YIA programme increases the employability and career advancement opportunities of its fellows, enhancing Uni.lu’s attractiveness to global talent.
• Strengthening the IAS and research culture: The YIA initiative provides a major impetus for the continued development of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) – Luxembourg, establishing it as a hub for excellence, interdisciplinarity, and innovation, and promoting a robust, inclusive research culture across the university.
• Mainstreaming interdisciplinarity and internationalisation: The programme helps embed interdisciplinary collaboration and international exchange as core values of Uni.lu reinforcing its identity as a forward-looking, globally engaged institution.
• Boosting academic standards and output: By bringing in highly qualified fellows from around the world, the YIA programme contributes to a measurable increase in research excellence, visibility, and scientific output at Uni.lu. The programme is expected to generate approximately 60 peer-reviewed publications, many of which address complex societal challenges such as health, digitalisation, sustainability, and governance. A projected +5% increase in citation rates of Uni.lu’s research is anticipated due to the high quality and interdisciplinary relevance of these publications.
• Enhancing regional and national reputation: The programme elevates the international standing of Uni.lu Luxembourg, and the Greater Region as attractive destinations for world-class research, reinforcing their roles in the European Research Area.
• Fostering a global and intergenerational research forum: Finally, the YIA programme fosters the emergence of an intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and international research forum that supports the continuous exchange of ideas, collaboration, and mentorship, contributing to long-term institutional growth and societal relevance.