The “Choose Europe for Science” initiative, launched by the European Commission in 2025, is not just a research fund; it presents a new research vision where scientific freedom is protected, career security is ensured, and innovation is supported.
The European Union is opening a new chapter for scientific freedom, career stability, and innovation. This strategic initiative, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2025, invites global scientists to Europe. The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s position in the global scientific race. While research budgets are being heavily cut in countries like the U.S., Europe is clearly showing that it is ready to fill this gap.
“Choose Europe for Science” is structured around four main goals:
To legally safeguard the freedom of scientific research
To attract researchers to Europe with a new €500 million support package
To remove barriers to innovation
To establish strong connections between researchers and institutions
In line with these goals, the European Union is also activating key tools under Horizon Europe:
MSCA Choose Europe Pilot Call: Scheduled to open in fall 2025, this call, with a budget of €22.5 million, supports projects that offer long-term employment to post-doctoral researchers. With a salary of around €6,700 and additional career development support, it makes conducting research in Europe more attractive.
ERC Super Grants/ERC+: This new mechanism, implemented for the first time with the ERC-2025-AdG call, provides additional funding for “start-up” activities such as setting up laboratories and building research teams for researchers relocating to Europe. Another new funding tool, ERC+, with 7 years duration and a large budget, will be open to individual researchers at all career stages from EU Member States and Associated Countries.
EURAXESS Platform: Positions to be opened under Choose Europe for Science (MSCA and ERC-funded projects) will be published on EURAXESS. On the EURAXESS platform, researchers will be able to easily follow and apply for new funding and job opportunities. New positions published via the platform which is led by TÜBİTAK in Türkiye, will be accessible with a single click.
A Strategic Opportunity for Türkiye
This new scientific vision of Europe opens an important window of opportunity for researchers and institutions in Türkiye. While applications to MSCA and ERC calls are encouraged, developing long-term employment models for post-doctoral researchers can enhance Türkiye’s visibility in the international scientific arena.
In addition, with support mechanisms such as TÜBİTAK’s 2232 and 2236 programmes, a foundation is being laid to facilitate the return of researchers from abroad to Türkiye. In this way, the aim shifts from “brain drain” to qualified “brain circulation.”
In the long term, the “Choose Europe for Science” initiative may:
Strengthen Türkiye’s integration into the EU R&D system
Increase the rate of high-impact publications
Further solidify Türkiye’s place in the European research landscape
Europe promises researchers not just a career, but a meaningful and sustainable scientific journey.
For more information:
https://commission.europa.eu/topics/research-and-innovation/choose-europe_en