The SMART Researchers Project starts on September 22 as part of the Horizon Europe programme. The project connects partners from Serbia, Greece, Croatia, and Latvia to strengthen support for early-stage researchers (ESRs) through career services, micro-credentials, and training that link academic and industry needs.
1. Project Introduction
The SMART Researchers Project (Strategic Micro-Credentialing and Skills Recognition for a Dynamic ESRS Talent Ecosystem) is a three-year Horizon Europe initiative aimed at strengthening research career development in Widening countries. It addresses challenges faced by early-stage researchers (ESRs), including limited career support, restricted mobility between sectors, and a lack of formal recognition for skills and competencies.
The project focuses on building long-term, institutional solutions that make research careers more structured and transparent. Activities include aligning human resources practices with the European Charter for Researchers, introducing ResearchComp-based micro-credentials and certifications, and providing ongoing training opportunities. These efforts are intended to prepare researchers to contribute to Europe’s green and digital transiti
2. Kick-off Details
The project begins on September 22 with a consortium-wide kick-off meeting, launching coordinated work across Serbia, Greece, Croatia, and Latvia.
The consortium combines academic institutions, non-academic research organizations, training providers, policy institutes, and businesses to link practical implementation with policy development. Three national clusters will coordinate activities within each country, focusing on institutional transformation, training program design, and policy recommendations.
During the initial phase, partners will conduct institutional HR audits to identify gaps in recruitment, career progression, and mobility practices. Findings from these audits will inform Strategic Action Plans (SAPs), which will be implemented through newly established or upgraded Career Support Centres. These early steps will set the groundwork for the project’s training, certification, and mentorship activities.
3. Key Activities
The SMART Researchers Project is structured around activities that strengthen research career development for early-stage researchers (ESRs).
Career Support Centres (CSCs): Participating institutions will establish or upgrade CSCs to provide structured career services, including individual guidance, mentoring, HR coaching, and links to opportunities across academia, industry, and the public sector.
ResearchComp-based Micro-Credentials and Certifications: Seven modular learning pathways will be created, covering 38 sub-competencies from the European Research Competence Framework. ESRs can earn micro-credentials for individual skills and full certifications by completing all modules in a competence area.
Training Programs: A mix of in-person, hybrid, and online training formats will be developed using the ADDIE model. These programs will address technical and transferable skills, such as project management, communication, and entrepreneurship.
Digital Resource Hub and Competence Lab: These platforms will provide continuous access to training materials, self-assessment tools, and collaborative learning spaces, supporting long-term career development.
Networking and Events: ESR Career Weeks and the SMART Researchers Grand Prix will create opportunities for collaboration across sectors, raise awareness of research career pathways, and allow ESRs to present their work to varied audiences.
These activities are designed to remain in place beyond the project period, offering ongoing benefits to research communities.
4. Sparky’s Role
Sparky is one of the non-academic partners contributing industry knowledge to ensure that training and certifications meet current market needs. The team will assist in shaping training content related to data science and research-focused business roles.
Sparky will also take part in hosting events, including the first SMART Researchers Grand Prix in Croatia, which will bring together researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers. This collaboration supports stronger links between academic research and its application in industry.
5. Next Steps & Updates
The initial phase of the project will focus on institutional HR audits, baseline assessments, and the preparation of Strategic Action Plans (SAPs) for career development. These steps will lead to the establishment of Career Support Centres and the start of pilot training programs.
Project updates, training opportunities, and event announcements will be shared through the project website, newsletters, and social media channels. Reports and policy briefs will be published to share findings and encourage adoption by other institutions and policymakers across Europe.
