Today, the Commission announced the first 51 students selected to be Young Observers in the Horizon Europe evaluations. Master’s level students from universities across Europe have joined the initiative to witness the robust, impartial evaluation of proposals under the EU’s research and innovation programme, and the Research Fund for Coal and Steel.
Launched on 1 April 2022, this unique opportunity is offered under the Horizon Europe calls Youth 2022 initiative. It is one of the flagship initiatives of the European Year of Youth, which aims to support young people to engage in opportunities that can boost their personal and professional development.
Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said:
I am very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from students to become Young Observers in Horizon Europe. This will enable them to build their research and innovation skills for their future and to witness how EU institutions function first hand. I would like to encourage more master’s students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.
As observers, young students are given the opportunity to develop valuable skills – through the training they receive and the experience from the participation – that they may use later in their careers, for example as research and innovation experts and evaluators, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and engaged citizens.
Students currently enrolled in a master’s programme, in any discipline, at a university in an EU Member State can apply. Students from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds or belonging to vunerable and marginalised groups are particularly encouraged to submit an application.
The evaluations cover many topics, such as mitigating the effects of the climate crisis, improving the lives of migrants in Europe, and increasing cybersecurity. The areas addressed feed into major EU policies such as the European Green Deal, the Digital Decade, and the EU Missions in Horizon Europe.
For twelve different evaluations in 2022, 51 Young Observers have been selected (59% female, 41% male). The Young Observers study at 47 different universities across the European Union (Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Ireland, Romania, Denmark, Hungary, Finland, Czechia, Croatia, Netherlands, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece).
The call for applications of Young Observers is open until 21 December 2022.
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EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation
