The project supports the organization of the 14th International Scientific Conference on Solid State Chemistry (SSC) and supplementary “brain drain reversal” events. The conference will provide framework for the presentation and discussion of ideas in the developing and inspiring field of solid-state chemistry. The project uses this scientific event as a platform to explore tactics to reverse brain drain in the context of networking activities between senior researchers and early stage researcher (ESR) from the V4 region and their active interaction with invited speakers from around the world. The ultimate goal of the project is to identify best practices in recruiting and retaining excellent early stage researchers in leading V4 research institutions in the field of chemistry. These institutions have been adversely affected by a brain drain that has been triggered as a side effect of the transformation processes that began after the fall of Communism and continues to this day when research institutions have to adapt to the challenges of global competition for talent.

The ambition of the project is to familiarize the senior researchers of the participating V4 institutions with proven talent management strategies (especially in terms of adapting to the influx of talent from abroad) that will empower them to turn brain drain into brain gain. Particular attention will be paid to sharing best practices that have already been implemented among participating V4 institutions.