EU member states weigh in on academic careers, holistic approach remains essential

The European University Association welcomes this text, and in particular its call for parity of esteem between the different missions of higher education to also be reflected in career evaluation and progression practices.

Moreover, it is important to recognise the engagement of academics in international initiatives, which is often not sufficiently acknowledged, supported and rewarded.

Nonetheless, we must take care not to overload academics with an ever increasing portfolio of tasks and expectations. For this reason, EUA underlines that careers must be looked at comprehensively, as each individual may focus on different activities in different moments of their career.

Adequate assessment practices and holistic approaches to academic careers are  a priority for EUA, and the Association is currently involved in several cross-cutting initiatives in this area. Indeed, a one-year EUA Task-and-Finish Group on Academic Careers is currently developing a set of key principles for attractive and sustainable academic careers, which will be published in 2025.