From the beginning of the project in July 2019 until now, significant progress has been made in selecting and supporting early-stage researchers. The project, which has concluded on February 2025, consisted of two calls launched by FBLC in July 2020 and July 2021, respectively. In each call, 30 doctoral fellowships were awarded through an open, transparent, and merit-based three-stage selection process.
To ensure a broad and effective reach, both calls were disseminated internationally following a tailored Communication and Dissemination Plan. This plan included the creation of a programme website, a logo, a slogan, promotional videos, and templates for official documents. Additionally, information days were organised, and participation in specific events was ensured. The plan also leveraged targeted advertising in scientific journals, portals, and social media, along with mailing campaigns directed at the scientific and academic community. Distribution lists included the FBLC alumni network, the FBLC evaluators database, and participating host organisations. Furthermore, host organisations were provided with the Junior Leader dissemination kit to act as multipliers of the calls’ information. As stipulated in the Grant Agreement (GA), each call was also published on the Euraxess website.
A key achievement of the project has been the successful implementation of a rigorous and high-quality evaluation and selection process, which forms the core of the Postdoctoral Junior Leader programme. The entire programme has been managed under the principles of Excellence, Openness, Transparency, Fairness, Efficiency and speed, Confidentiality, Ethics, and Security. FBLC has efficiently overseen both selection processes to identify the best early-stage researchers in STEM fields. To ensure excellence, external and independent experts from diverse disciplines, expertise, sectors, and geographical origins were chosen from FBLC’s extensive database, which includes over 2.000 profiles—many of whom are H2020 evaluators. This dynamic database has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of the selection process.
The selected researchers have already begun to establish their personal development career plans, incorporating transnational, intersectoral, and interdisciplinary mobility opportunities. These efforts have contributed significantly to fostering the next generation of leading researchers in STEM disciplines, aligning with the project's overarching objectives.
In conclusion, the project's outcomes demonstrate its significant impact on the scientific community and innovation. The publication of 248 open access articles, the completion of 38 dissemination actions, and the creation of 3 patents underscore the project's success in advancing research, fostering knowledge exchange, and contributing to technological progress. These achievements not only reflect the project's alignment with its objectives but also its lasting influence on the STEM research landscape.
