The EURAXESS Conference 2026 will take place from 28 to 30 October at Sofia University in Bulgaria. EURAXESS is a European network that helps researchers move to another country, find research jobs and develop their careers. It brings together 43 European countries. Every two years, the conference brings together European Commission representatives, national coordinators and service centres to discuss researcher mobility, career opportunities and the future of the network.
This year, the conference will focus on research careers in an uncertain world. Discussions will explore how Europe can be a reliable partner for researchers, how to balance research security with open international cooperation, and what Europe offers to attract and retain talent.
The conference will be hosted and its discussions moderated by Darja Aksjonova, a representative of the Latvian Council of Science.
All interested viewers will be able to watch the conference’s plenary sessions live on the conference website.
Livestream programme
Wednesday, 28 October: introduction
- 15:00–15:30 Conference opening. Opening addresses will be delivered by Prof. Eliza Stefanova, Rector of Sofia University; Prof. Georgi Valchev, Bulgaria’s Minister of Education; and Slaven Mišljenčević from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.
- 16:05–17:00 Panel discussion: “Research Careers in Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty”.
- 17:00–18:00 Introduction to EURAXESS: network structure, services and tools.
Thursday, 29 October: workshops and a meeting with the Commissioner
Most of the day will be dedicated to workshops for network members. Topics will include visas and residence permits, welcoming international researchers and supporting their families, career development, research security and support for researchers at risk. A conversation with Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, is planned for the afternoon.
Friday, 30 October: from discussion to action
- 09:00–09:30 Opening of the day and an interactive poll, during which participants will share their key takeaways.
- 09:30–10:00 Address by a European Commission representative.
- 10:00–11:30 Closing plenary session: “From Discussion to Action”. Working group leaders will present the workshop outcomes.
- 11:30–11:50 “Looking Ahead”. Slaven Mišljenčević from DG RTD will outline the EURAXESS network’s priorities and next steps.
- 11:50–12:00 Conference closing, led by Prof. Krasen Stefanov.
Researchers, staff at research organisations and all other interested viewers are invited to follow the plenary sessions online.
