Academic staff are indispensable to the higher education system, playing a pivotal role in delivering quality education, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. This report on “Academic Staff in Europe” delves into the modern dynamics of the academic profession, aiming to inform policymakers, researchers, and educational institutions in developing effective strategies for sustainable career paths in academia.

The first section of the report provides an in-depth analysis of policies and practices which are essential for managing academic staff effectively. The analysis starts from international trends influencing national policies, including globalisation, the broadening of academic roles, and the need for parity in teaching and research appraisals. The report highlights the importance of integrating transnational mobility into academic career pathways and recognises diverse roles like entrepreneurship and community engagement in career evaluations. 

The second section offers a national perspective, featuring detailed examples of ongoing strategies and reforms across 38 European education systems. Notably, the report covers the 27 EU Member States and additional European countries, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye. By examining challenges such as staffing, mobility, and internationalisation, the report highlights unique national approaches and strategies and provides structural diagrams and information sheets for easy reference and comparative analysis. 

By providing a detailed overview of the academic profession in Europe, this report aims to support the development of effective strategies for sustainable career paths in academia, and to promote a better understanding of the complex issues facing the higher education sector.