The TALENT4RURALSCIENCE programme, a strategic initiative of the University of Extremadura (UEx) to combat depopulation by attracting research talent, has successfully closed its call for expert evaluators with an overwhelming response from the global scientific community. A total of 96 high-level specialists have submitted their candidacies to join the independent panels that will select the 10 postdoctoral researchers set to lead cutting-edge projects in the region.
A Global and Gender-Balanced Talent Pool
The call has stood out not only for the volume of applications but also for a geographical and gender diversity that exceeds the standards of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA-Cofund). With experts representing 28 different countries, the international reach of the panel has hit 69%, featuring strong participation from Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Portugal, alongside specialists from nations such as Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, and Cuba.
In line with the UEx’s commitment to the HRS4R seal and OTM-R recruitment principles, the process ensures equal opportunity: the evaluator pool maintains nearly absolute parity, with 53% men and 47% women.
Specialised Evaluation for Three Critical Challenges
The Evaluation Panel (EP) will be organised into working groups dedicated to the three fundamental pillars the programme addresses for rural development:
- Sustainable Development and Natural Resources: 32 experts will analyse proposals on environmental management.
- Health Innovation and Technology: 30 specialists will evaluate projects in areas such as IoT, personalized medicine, and food safety.
- Education and Community Inclusion: 32 experts will focus on solutions for demographic change and social inclusion.
- Rigorous Technical Standards and Independence
The selection of the final evaluators is conducted through a competitive ranking system, which assesses academic trajectory, specific knowledge in the programme areas, previous evaluation experience, and language proficiency.
To ensure maximum impartiality, the programme mandates that all experts must be strictly external to the University of Extremadura. Each postdoctoral research proposal will undergo a rigorous review by at least three independent evaluators, ensuring that at least one member is of international nationality.
Upcoming Milestones
Following the completion of the current eligibility check for postdoctoral applicants, the scientific-technical evaluation phase will officially begin in June 2026. Selected experts will be contacted via email in the coming weeks to formalise their appointments and begin the process that will define the future of rural research in Extremadura.