CONEX-Plus project

CONEX-Plus is a training and incoming mobility programme that aims to accelerate the career development of a cohort of international Experienced Researchers (ERs) at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) within the framework of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme.

Building on the excellence of UC3M, the CONEX-Plus programme will train the next generation of research leaders in their respective areas, whilst at the same time supporting the Strategic Plan 2016 – 2022 from UC3M and contributing to the Spanish research and innovation landscape.

CONEX-Plus will offer 30 fellowships, by means of 2 international public calls, in July and December 2019, to ERs with up to 6 years of postdoctoral experience.

Fellows will undertake a three-year project freely chosen by them within the objectives and subjects outlined in the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) of the Madrid Autonomous Region. The link of the programme with the priorities of the RIS3, extended both to Spanish and European priorities, will improve the fellows employability and career prospects both in and outside academia.

Projects will be implemented in one of the 27 departments at the UC3M and through a compulsory Secondment in a high level non-academic organization, and be supported by 2 Supervisors.

A Career Development Plan (CDP) will be set up, to guide the fellows to achieve their scientific and career development objectives.

The CONEX-Plus training and career development programme is based on the so-called triple ‘i’ dimension: International aspects, intersectoral exposure and interdisciplinarity. All fellows will benefit through the training programme with dedicated modules on relevant transferable skills and Industry Training Blocks.

UC3M holds the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research award. This recognises the University’s commitment to supporting the personal, professional and career development of its researchers and acknowledges its full alignment with the principles of the European Charter and Code for Researchers.

CONEX-Plus is funded by UC3M, the European Commission through the Marie-Sklodowska Curie COFUND Action (Grant Agreement No 801538) and Banco Santander.