This Horizon Europe call supports research on how Europe can better attract and retain university students, researchers and highly skilled workers from outside the EU. Projects should analyse the factors influencing their choice to move to and remain in Europe, such as academic quality, career prospects, salaries, living conditions, cultural appeal, political context, integration, family reunification and access to innovation ecosystems. They should also assess existing policies, mobility programmes and Talent Partnerships, explore how to mobilise the professional potential of humanitarian migrants already in the EU, and provide practical recommendations for public authorities, universities and research institutions. Proposals should use rigorous quantitative methods, which may be complemented by qualitative and social sciences and humanities research, and must consider gender and disability dimensions. The call follows a single-stage application process and funds Research and Innovation Actions. The project duration is not predetermined in the topic documentation and must be justified in the proposal.

Objective: To provide evidence and practical policy recommendations that help the EU attract and retain international talent and strengthen its research, innovation and economic competitiveness.

• Applications must normally be submitted by a consortium of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country, with at least one established in an EU Member State.
• Universities, research organisations, public authorities, companies, civil society organisations and other eligible legal entities may participate, subject to Horizon Europe rules.
• Entities from non-associated third countries may participate, although they are not always eligible for EU funding unless specifically provided for or considered essential for the action.
• The proposal may focus on students, researchers, highly skilled workers or a combination of these groups.
• Projects should apply rigorous quantitative methods and may complement them with qualitative approaches and relevant social sciences and humanities research.
• Gender and disability dimensions must be addressed when analysing the attraction and retention of talent.
• Cooperation with higher education institutions, research organisations, non-academic organisations, industry and social partners is strongly encouraged.
• Selected projects are expected to cooperate and cluster with other relevant EU-funded projects.
• The Joint Research Centre may participate as a beneficiary receiving zero funding or as an associated partner, but it cannot take part in preparing or submitting the proposal.
• Applicants must have sufficient operational and financial capacity and comply with Horizon Europe's admissibility, ethics, open science and security requirements.
• Public bodies, research organisations and higher education institutions from EU Member States and Associated Countries must have a Gender Equality Plan where required under Horizon Europe rules.
• Funding will take the form of a lump sum.

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