Across Europe, researchers are at the front line of innovation, addressing pressing societal issues and driving scientific progress. Yet, in many regions, opportunities for career development and institutional support remain uneven.
The ARCOE project (Advancing Research Careers through Organisational Excellence) is addressing this challenge by strengthening research ecosystems and building inclusive career pathways.
Funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, ARCOE brings together a consortium of partners from nine European countries. The project’s mission is to empower researchers by providing access to skills, networks, and opportunities needed to improve their careers, while also guiding institutions to adopt transparent, ethical, and sustainable talent management practices. By focusing on both individuals and organisations, ARCOE ensures a balanced and long-lasting impact on the European research landscape.
At the heart of ARCOE is the Virtual Talent Innovation Ecosystem Hub, a digital platform designed to connect researchers, institutions, and HR professionals across Europe. The Hub will provide tailored training opportunities, career development services, and digital networking spaces. It will also support cross sector mobility, helping researchers to build bridges between academia and industry. With a focus on long-term sustainability, the Hub is intended to serve as a lasting resource beyond the project’s duration.
Beyond digital tools, ARCOE aims to promote organisational transformation. The project encourages a culture of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency by supporting universities and research organisations in aligning with the principles of the European Charter & Code and working towards the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) award. These actions help create environments where researchers can thrive and where institutions can compete globally as attractive employers of research talent.
Over the course of its implementation, ARCOE will engage researchers across Europe, strengthen institutional capacity, and facilitate new collaborations between academia and industry. By combining career development, institutional reform, and cross-sector cooperation, the project contributes to a more resilient and competitive European Research Area. Through these efforts, ARCOE is laying the foundation for a future in which researchers are better supported, institutions are more inclusive, and Europe is well prepared to address the challenges of tomorrow.
Find out more about ARCOE: www.arcoe.eu