Dr Md Ashiqur Rahman, President of the Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association (EMA), participated as a panellist at the European Research Days 2024 – Oceania, held on 12 December 2024. The event, a biennial flagship organised by EURAXESS Australia & New Zealand in collaboration with the European Union Delegation in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, focused on empowering Early- and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs). Dr Rahman shared insights on the transformative power of international research collaborations and highlighted EMA’s commitment to supporting researchers globally.
The European Research Days 2024 – Oceania brought together leading experts and emerging scholars to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by Early- and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs). Held under the theme “Early & Mid-Career Researchers Day,” the event served as a platform to foster dialogue between academia and industry. The panel featured an impressive lineup of experts, including Dr Gian Maria Greco, Chair of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA); Dr Jordan Pitt, Chair of the EMCR Forum Australia; Dr Kristie Cameron, Co-Chair of the ECR Forum New Zealand; and Ms Victoria Babbit, Director of Researcher Development and Outreach at Taylor & Francis Group. The discussion was moderated by Ms Jane Edwards, Director of Assurance and Statutory at Universities New Zealand and Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) for New Zealand. Dr Rahman, EMA President, was among the distinguished panellists and spoke on the critical topic of “Early & Mid-Career Researchers and International Research Collaboration.”
In his address, he highlighted that EMCRs account for approximately 65% of the global research community, yet only 20% benefit from sustained international collaboration. Drawing on compelling data, he explained that projects involving international co-authorship can be 60% more impactful regarding citations and real-world applications. However, he also emphasised the persistent barriers researchers face in low- and middle-income countries, where 40% of EMCRs remain disconnected from global research networks.
Dr. Rahman provided insights from his academic journey as an alumnus of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programme and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) PhD researcher. He noted how structured international experiences shaped his career and broadened his perspective, skill set, and professional network. Reflecting on the challenges EMCRs face today, such as securing funding, balancing academic pressures, and managing mental health, he urged researchers to strategically seek grants, explore interdisciplinary collaborations, and leverage platforms like ResearchGate and LinkedIn to expand their reach.
As EMA President, Dr. Rahman reaffirmed the association’s dedication to empowering EMCRs through initiatives like skill-building workshops, mentorship programmes, and advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring researchers’ voices are heard by policymakers at the European Commission and beyond.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Rahman emphasised EMA’s vision of an equitable global research landscape, where all researchers—regardless of their geographic or disciplinary background—have the opportunity to thrive. He inspired participants to seize international opportunities, reminding them that global collaboration is not only about advancing research but also about fostering innovation, bridging cultures, and addressing society’s most urgent challenges.
This impactful event underscored the importance of initiatives like the European Research Days in promoting cross-border collaborations and empowering the next generation of researchers. Dr Rahman’s contributions as a panellist further solidified EMA’s role as a driving force in supporting and advocating for the global research community.
Commentaires