“One of the major challenges currently facing the Latvian and European academic environment is the lack of consistent, long-term career opportunities. With the project “Amber Horizons”, we will show that it is possible to build an internationally competitive research environment in Latvia, ensuring clear growth opportunities for young scientists,” emphasizes Guntars Kitenbergs, Associate Professor and UL Vice-Rector for Research.
UL project “Amber Horizons – Empowering Research Leaders for Europe” is being implemented within the framework of the “Choose Europe for Science” initiative and forms part of the Horizon Europe programme, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
The project is based on the development of a long-term research career model at UL, combining internationally competitive working conditions, structured professional development, and a clear pathway toward permanent academic and research leadership positions. Simultaneously, the programme will serve as a pilot project for a new academic career model in Latvia.
As part of the programme, 11 postdoctoral positions will be announced this September through an open international competition, aiming to attract at least eight outstanding early-career researchers – the next generation of leaders in science. The positions are intended for the candidates in the fields of natural sciences and engineering, life and health sciences, environmental and climate research, as well as social sciences and humanities, addressing European priorities ranging from quantum technologies and artificial intelligence to advanced manufacturing, personalised medicine, climate resilience, and societal security.
Each early-career researcher will receive support from experienced mentors, an individual professional development plan, and access to international collaboration networks. Furthermore, the programme of the project envisages achieving ambitious research goals, including internationally significant publications, the establishment of new collaborative partnerships, and the development of competitive European research projects.
The programme of the project is based on a two-phase model: during the first three years, funding will be provided by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, while during the following two years it will be financed by UL, thereby creating long-term career prospects for researchers. The programme’s total funding over the five-year period exceeds 4.6 million euro, ensuring each early-career researcher with competitive remuneration as well as additional funding for research and professional development activities, including international collaboration, conferences, and mobility opportunities.
About the programme “Choose Europe for Science”
The MSCA COFUND “Choose Europe for Science” is a new initiative of the European Commission under the Horizon Europe programme, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the European Research Area by attracting and retaining outstanding researchers in Europe. The programme places particular emphasis on sustainable academic careers, international mobility, and research excellence. UL is one of 16 institutions across Europe that secured funding through the first call of the initiative.
