Enhance Your R&I Capacities with ERA Shuttle’s Work Placements

We are excited to announce the launch of the ERA SHUTTLE project’s call for secondment applications, opened on March 4, 2025, and closing on March 31, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance research and innovation (R&I) capacities within the European Research Area (ERA), focusing on Poland, Croatia, and Malta.

What the Call Entails

The ERA SHUTTLE project facilitates temporary work placements (secondments) of R&I talents between academics from 3 partner Universities to non-academic 3 partner Host entities within the industry with the aim of fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and talent circulation. These placements are customized to meet participants’ specific needs, focusing on enhancing transferable, entrepreneurial, and research skills. The program includes capacity-building activities such as training and workshops to support the development of R&I capacities in home institutions.

Target Audience

This call is open to researchers and research managers & administrators (RMAs) formally employed at one of the partner universities:

• University of Malta
• University of Split
• University of Gdańsk

Applicants must have been employed for at least six months prior to the application and have a contract covering the secondment period plus a mandatory return phase equal to the duration of the secondment. A letter of support from the line manager or head of department is also required.

Host Institutions

Participants can choose from the following host institutions for their secondment:

• Steinbeis Wissens-und Technologietransfer GmbH: A German organization specializing in knowledge and technology transfer, offering a collaborative environment for secondments. 
• Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium (CERIC-ERIC): An Italian-based consortium with facilities also in Slovenia and Romania, providing access to advanced research facilities and fostering cross-border research collaborations. 
• Association of European Science & Technology Transfer Professionals (ASTP): A Netherlands-based association offering access to an extensive network of knowledge transfer professionals and resources to enhance R&I capacity across sectors. 

Application Process

1. Eligibility Verification: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned here.
2. Select Host Institution: Choose a host institution that aligns with your interests and career goals, (open application is also possible which allows to select the host entity later on during the application and evaluation process).
3. Prepare Application Documents: Compile your CV, a letter of motivation, a letter of support, and responses to career interest questions as per Application Form.
4. Submit Application: Complete the application form and upload all required documents through the ERA SHUTTLE website before the deadline on March 31, 2025.

For more detailed information on the application process and to access the application form, please visit the ERA SHUTTLE website or contact the relevant home University ERA Shuttle Project Managers:

• University of Split: Tonka Petričević  [email protected] ; [email protected] 
• University of Gdansk:  Dominika Butkiewicz at [email protected]
• University of Malta: Dr. Elena Sultana at [email protected]

This secondment opportunity offers a unique chance to enhance your skills, expand your professional network, and contribute to strengthening R&I capacities within the ERA. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply and be part of this transformative initiative.