The EURAXESS Conference 2026 will take place from 28 to 30 October at Hilton Sofia in Bulgaria. Its plenary sessions will be livestreamed for all interested viewers.
The conference will focus on researcher mobility, career development and the future of the EURAXESS network. This year’s discussions will explore research careers in times of geopolitical uncertainty, Europe’s role in attracting and retaining research talent, and the balance between research security and open international cooperation.
The conference will be hosted and its discussions moderated by Darja Aksjonova, a representative of the Latvian Council of Science.
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.