Beyond Burnout: Building Institutional Support for Researchers' Mental Health

Beyond Burnout: Building Institutional Support for Researchers' Mental Health

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Elisa Garcia Garcia, of EURAXESS Spain (Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, FECYT), about one of academia's most under-addressed issues: researchers' mental health. Drawing on her own move from bench researcher to research manager, Elisa breaks down what "institutional support" really means in practice, introduces SATIS — a new self-assessment tool helping universities audit their own mental-health support across eight key areas — and shares results and lessons from the REBECA mentoring programme, which tackles career uncertainty, one of the biggest stressors researchers face. The conversation moves from policy frameworks and EU-wide recommendations down to concrete, low-cost interventions that institutions of any size can start putting in place today.  Link to additional resources: https://www.euraxess.es/spain/self-assessment-tool-institutional-supportive-measures-mental-health-researchers Guest Elisa Garcia Garcia, PhD — Project Officer at the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) and Trainer/Career Advisor with EURAXESS Spain. A former researcher herself, she now works on researcher mobility, career development, and institutional well-being policy across the EURAXESS network. Key Topics Covered * The hidden mental health toll of academic careers: chronic stress, heavy workloads, and competitive culture, seen from both the researcher and the research-manager side * The WHO definition of mental health and why EURAXESS frames its work around well-being, not just illness * SATIS: a self-assessment tool helping institutions benchmark their support across 8 areas — policy and leadership, coordination, evidence-based planning, promotion, prevention, intervention, and monitoring/visibility * Real institutional models referenced, including Luxembourg University's interconnected support network and input gathered from Spanish, French, and Portuguese EURAXESS partners while building SATIS * The REBECA mentoring programme: addressing career-path uncertainty as a major stressor, and what worked (and didn't) about delivering it online * Why even non-clinical interventions — mentoring, career guidance, peer support — measurably improve researchers' sense of well-being * What's next: leadership training for junior group leaders/PIs, and embedding mental-health measurement into everyday EURAXESS activities Timestamps * 00:00 – Episode intro and recap of the EURAXESS Smart Talks series * 00:54 – Meet the guest: Elisa Garcia Garcia (EURAXESS Spain) * 01:58 – Q1: What does EURAXESS offer for researchers' mental health, and what resources are available? * 05:54 – Q2: What do we mean by "institutional" support — research managers, PIs, or dedicated units? * 10:21 – Q3: For institutions without an established system, what guidance and materials exist to help them get started?  * 16:19 – Q4: Lessons from delivering mentoring and support sessions online vs. in person * 19:24 – Does it actually work? Measuring the real impact of these interventions on researchers' mental health * 23:13 – Closing thoughts, thanks, and where to find the resources mentioned Send us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998474/fan_mail/new]

Mindful Connections: Academia, Communication, and AI in Mental Health

About This Episode What does it really take to stay mentally well in academia? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gábor Kismihók — a researcher at the intersection of learning analytics, career development, and wellbeing — for an honest, grounded conversation about mental health in the research community. From the early warning signs supervisors should watch for, to the role of institutional culture, personal career decisions, and the rise of AI, this episode covers the full landscape of what it means to be a whole human being inside a research career. Guest Dr. Gábor Kismihók Internationally recognized researcher working at the intersection of research careers, learning analytics, and wellbeing. His work focuses on understanding and improving mental health, skills development, and sustainable career pathways in academia and beyond. Key Topics Covered * Early warning signs of mental health struggles in researchers * The power of communication and open lab culture * Institutional responsibilities toward researcher wellbeing * The deeply personal nature of a research career identity * Onboarding and first impressions for joining a research group * Dr. Kismihók's personal PhD journey between Budapest and Amsterdam * How AI is reshaping research culture — and the risks it brings * Whether AI chatbots can play a role in mental health support * What it means to preserve human value in an AI-driven world * Final advice for early career researchers struggling silently Question Timestamps  | Timestamp | Question / Topic  | 00:01:28 | What are the early warning signs that a researcher is struggling with their mental health? | 00:03:10 | What strategies do you suggest to help researchers handle mental health challenges? | 00:05:32 | As a PhD yourself — how do you personally stay mentally healthy during high-pressure periods like deadlines, grants, or mobility phases? | 00:07:58 | Do you have opinions on what institutional procedures or resources can help researchers struggling with mental health? | 00:11:19 | As a young researcher, what was your own onboarding experience? Was there a structured process with your supervisor? | 00:13:47 | What changes in culture, structure, or policy do you see as most important for research in the next few decades? | 00:16:53 | Do you see artificial intelligence as a possible solution for mental health support in academia? | 00:20:24 | To conclude — what message would you give to early-career researchers who are struggling silently? Key Takeaways * Withdrawal is a signal. When a researcher goes quiet — stops participating in lab discussions, disappears from shared routines — that is often the first visible sign something is wrong. * Talk. Always. Dr. Kismihók's core strategy as a non-psychologist is deceptively simple: open a conversation. Whether it's a colleague, a friend, or a family member — sharing the burden matters more than who you share it with. * Research is creative work, not factory output. Institutions that treat researchers purely as productivity units miss the deeply personal relationship people have with their work. Culture matters as much as policy. * AI brings both opportunity and risk. While AI tools can support literature reviews and data analysis, the speed of AI-generated content is already overwhelming human-led quality assurance systems — and increasing isolation risks. * AI chatbots have a role — but a limited one. For researchers with no access to professional support, talking to an AI chatbot may help. But it is not a substitute for human connection or quality wellbeing services. * You are allowed to leave. For PhD researchers in harmful environments: you are talented enough to find a fulfilling path elsewhere. Leaving is a valid, courageous option. Resources & Links * EURAXESS Portal: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu [https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu] * Follow EURAXESS on social media for more episodes Send us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998474/fan_mail/new]

Understanding the ERA Dimension of Horizon Europe: Strategies, Insights & Real Project Experiences

How does the European Research Area (ERA) translate from policy vision into concrete opportunities for researchers and institutions—especially those in widening countries? In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we dive deep into the ERA dimension of Horizon Europe and explore how to build competitive, high‑impact WIDERA proposals. You’ll hear expert insights from: * Siiri Kolka – National Contact Point, ERA specialist * Damir Hasković – Coordinator of the Next Tech Talents project * Kārlis Krēsliņš – Project partner and university representative Together, they unpack the ERA pillars, discuss what makes a successful ERA proposal, and share hands‑on experiences from the recently funded Next Tech Talents initiative—focused on strengthening deep‑tech ecosystems and improving researcher career pathways in Europe. Whether you’re a researcher, proposal writer, project manager, or institutional leader, this episode helps you understand the ERA logic, avoid common pitfalls, and recognize how ERA‑funded actions support systemic change across Europe.  Timestamped Questions & Segments 00:00:02 – Welcome to the episode 00:00:35 – Introduction of guests and topic Interview with Siiri Kolka 00:01:40 – What is the ERA dimension of Horizon Europe and why does it matter? 00:12:06 – What makes a competitive ERA proposal? 00:14:00 – Why is understanding the ERA policy agenda crucial? 00:17:20 – How should applicants think about consortium composition? 00:18:55 – What should applicants check when calls have a “portfolio approach”? Interview with Damir Hasković 00:19:36 – How did you organize your proposal-writing journey for Next Tech Talents? 00:23:11 – What makes an impact section convincing? 00:25:55 – What is the Next Tech Talents project about? 00:31:02 – Who is in your consortium and why? 00:33:20 – Tips for applicants preparing proposals under ERA/WIDERA Interview with Kārlis Krēsliņš 00:35:25 – First impressions and reflections on ERA insights shared today 00:37:20 – Why did your institution join this consortium? 00:40:01 – Your role in the proposal and how it translated into project duties 00:46:00 – Can ERA projects lead to national reforms (doctoral schools, career models)? Closing Reflections 00:55:20 – Siiri’s final remarks and key takeaways 00:58:30 – Episode wrap‑up Send us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998474/fan_mail/new]

Radiance & Research Mobility: Dr. Juliane Sauer on Shaping MSCA Support

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Dr. Juliane Sauer, Director and founding member of OXYGENEUM, and former MSCA National Contact Point for Switzerland. With over a decade of experience supporting researchers across Europe, Juliane shares her journey from academia to consultancy, her leadership in the Net4Mobility project, and her current role in the ambitious Radiance initiative. Together, we explore how Radiance is working to harmonize support for MSCA National Contact Points (NCPs) across countries, improve researcher mobility, and leverage digital tools—including matchmaking platforms and AI—to strengthen collaboration. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or simply curious about how the EU fosters scientific careers and international cooperation, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of research support. 🔑 Key Topics Covered •Juliane Sauer’s career path: from communication scientist to EU research consultant •The Radiance project: scope, funding, and goals •Ensuring consistency among MSCA NCPs across countries •Peer learning, benchmarking, and tailored training approaches •Quantitative & qualitative evaluation methods for NCP support •Adapting to diverse target groups: doctoral networks, postdocs, industry partners •Matchmaking platform for researchers and institutions •The role of AI in supporting—but not replacing—human expertise ⏱️ Question Timestamps •00:57 – Introduction to Dr. Juliane Sauer’s background •02:38 – What is the Radiance project and its objectives? •05:56 – How will consistency among NCPs be ensured across countries? •09:10 – Evaluating success: indicators and feedback mechanisms •10:06 – Adapting Radiance to different MSCA schemes and target groups •13:30 – Tailoring support for widening and third countries •13:33 – The matchmaking platform: how it works and why it matters •16:00 – Exploring AI tools: balancing automation with human touch Send us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998474/fan_mail/new]

Mobility That Matters: How Moving Shapes a Scientist’s Career

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Daria Aksenova and Jovan Aranđelović sit down with Dr. Monika Golińska—a biochemist, cancer researcher, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow whose work bridges leading European institutions including the Medical University of Łódź and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. Dr. Golińska shares her journey from early student exchanges to leading a cutting‑edge project investigating the link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer through advanced spatial biology and photoacoustic imaging. She opens up about the realities of research mobility, the value of intersectoral experience in healthcare policy, and the challenges researchers face in building sustainable careers across borders. Whether you're an early-career researcher considering mobility or a seasoned scientist navigating nonlinear career paths, this conversation offers insights, advice, and thoughtful reflections on the future of research in Europe. 🔑 Key Topics Covered * Dr. Monika Golińska’s path into research and early motivations * First experiences with international mobility and Erasmus exchanges * Challenges of relocating: bureaucracy, adaptation, and institutional culture * The impact and value of Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) * Intersectoral mobility: transitioning into the UK National Health Service * Transferable skills between academia, healthcare, and policy * Returning to academia and rekindling a passion for research * Work-life balance for mobile researchers * Career precarity, risk-taking, and planning next steps after fellowships * Suggestions for more sustainable mobility programs * The future of European mobility and support networks for researchers ⏱️ Detailed Timestamps & Guiding Questions 00:00 – 00:01 | Intro 00:53 – 01:18 | Guest Introduction 01:24 – 02:41 | Q1: “Tell us more about yourself and your career mobility.” 02:41 – 04:06 | Q2: “What was your first experience with research mobility?” 04:07 – 05:31 | Q3: “How challenging is adapting to a new country?” 05:31 – 07:00 | Q4: “What role do European mobility programs play?” 07:00 – 09:22 | Q5: “Have you experienced intersectoral mobility?” 09:22 – 11:20 | Q6: “What was the impact of working in healthcare?” 11:20 – 13:16 | Q7: “What drew you back to academia?” 13:16 – 15:00 | Q8: “How responsive is policy to research evidence?” 15:00 – 18:02 | Q9: “What are the opportunities and drawbacks of mobility programs?” 18:02 – 19:41 | Q10: “How can researchers deal with career uncertainty?” 19:41 – 21:25 | Q11: “How do we stay healthy during mobility?” 21:25 – 24:03 | Q12: “What’s the future of mobility in Europe?” 24:03 – 25:01 | Closing   Send us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1998474/fan_mail/new]