This workshop focuses on education, training, and skills development as foundational pillars for a resilient and competitive research ecosystem. As research systems face increasing complexity, interdisciplinarity, and pressure to deliver societal impact, traditional academic training models are no longer sufficient. Researchers must be equipped not only with deep disciplinary expertise, but also with transversal skills including data literacy, collaboration across sectors, project leadership, ethics, communication, and innovation management.

The workshop examines how education systems at undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels can evolve to better prepare researchers for diverse career paths across academia, industry, policy, and entrepreneurship. Particular attention is given to the mismatch between current training structures and actual career outcomes, as well as to the role of lifelong learning in rapidly evolving research and technology landscapes.

Academic speakers will present evidence on skills gaps, curriculum innovation, and pedagogical models that foster creativity, critical thinking, and responsible research practices. Industry and policy speakers will highlight workforce needs, expectations for research-trained professionals, and successful models of academia–industry co-designed education. The workshop also addresses inclusivity, international mobility, and equitable access to high-quality research training.

The goal of the workshop is to develop actionable recommendations for universities, funding agencies, research organisations, and policymakers to modernise research education and build sustainable human capital for the future.

Extended Key Takeaways & Outputs

• A clear mapping of skills required for modern research careers
• Evidence-based recommendations for reforming doctoral and postdoctoral training
• Best practices for integrating transferable and interdisciplinary skills into curricula
• Models for effective academia–industry co-designed education
• Guidance for institutions and funders on building inclusive, future-ready research capacity