The UR-WISE consortium has entered an important implementation phase, as the ERA Chair holder Professor Aura Reggianiand Faculty of Economics, University of Niš (FEUN) team members are working intensively on the preparation of the ERA Chair Team formation, which is a core milestone in achieving the project’s long-term vision of research excellence and institutional transformation.
In recent months, the FEUN team, together with Professor Reggiani, has been developing the framework for establishing the international selection committee that will oversee the recruitment of the ERA Chair Team members. This process includes designing transparent procedures, defining candidate profiles, and ensuring compliance with Horizon Europe standards of openness and merit-based selection. The first cycle of recruitment will include three support team and two research team positions, while the second cycle will complete the structure with three additional research positions. The competitions will be advertised internationally through the EURAXESS portal, reflecting UR-WISE’s commitment to openness, excellence, and global visibility.
The formation of the ERA Chair Team represents a major step toward one of UR-WISE’s central objectives — the establishment of a permanent and excellent research group in data-based policy analytics for resilient urban and regional development. By promoting brain circulation, international mobility, and partnerships with leading European institutions, the team will contribute to strengthening FEUN’s integration within the European Research Area (ERA). These efforts will directly support the broader UR-WISE mission to foster data-driven policymaking, enhance the university’s European visibility, and strengthen the link between research, innovation, and public policy.
As preparations advance, the collaborative work between FEUN and Professor Reggiani continue to set the foundation for a transformative impact — one that will position FEUN as a recognized hub of excellence in regional and urban research within the ERA.