In 2025, YEAR continued its strong development by welcoming INESC TEC as its ninth member RTO, further expanding its European network. The organisation hosted a variety of events to support researchers’ careers, including trainings in Trondheim and conferences in The Hague, alongside multiple online webinars on emerging topics such as AI and energy. YEAR also strengthened its visibility at the EARTO Annual Conference and initiated work on updating its roadmap and strategy. Looking ahead to 2026, YEAR aims to continue delivering high-quality events, grow its network, and finalise its updated strategic plans.

The events of 2025 have been captured in our annual report, to be downloaded below.

In 2024, YEAR achieved significant milestones, including welcoming the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) as the eighth member RTO. As expected, YEAR continued to host diverse events to support researchers’ careers, such as training sessions in Leiden, Helsinki, and Vienna, and various online webinars. YEAR also participated in the EARTO Annual Conference, gaining visibility and initiating discussions with potential new members. Looking ahead to 2025, YEAR plans to continue hosting high-quality events and expanding its network.

The events of 2024 have been captured in our annual report, to be downloaded below.

How do you build young researcher networks? This document outlines the process to follow in creating communities for young researchers. On both national and international scale, becoming more connected is a pivotal element to enhancing creativity and innovation. We create opportunities for learning together and pave the way to striving for a better future.

Written by Colm McCaffrey (Former President of YEAR) and Nicolaas van Strien (Former Chairman of VTT Young Professionals, Board Member of YEAR)