How can Europe better attract and retain young STEM talent?
On Thursday, 4 June 2026, in Brussels, Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini will host the Knowledge Apéro How can Europe better attract, develop, and retain young STEM talent?, an informal networking event exploring how Europe can better engage young STEM talent in a rapidly evolving technological and industrial landscape.
The event will take place at FGB’s Brussels premises (19A Avenue Marnix, Building A, 3rd floor) from 18:00 to 20:00 (CET).
The debate will focus on the growing importance of STEM skills for Europe’s competitiveness, innovation capacity, and long-term resilience, while discussing how education systems, universities, policymakers, and industry can work together to better prepare young people for future careers. Particular attention will be given to innovation-driven sectors such as aerospace and defence, which increasingly rely on advanced STEM competencies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emerging technologies.
The event will be opened by welcome remarks from Manuelita Mancini, Director of Fondazione Brodolini, followed by an opening intervention by Sónia de Melo Xavier (Policy Officer, European Commission, DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion). The discussion will then be moderated by Dorota Stadnicka (Professor, Rzeszow University of Technology) and will feature contributions from experts in the field, including Mateo Burgos (Professor, Polytechnic Universityof Madrid) and Sónia de Melo Xavier (European Commission).
The aim of the meeting is to address how strategic industries can help inspire young talent, create high-value career opportunities, and strengthen the connection between research, innovation, and real-world applications.
The event will also connect to the broader European STEM agenda and highlight initiatives that encourage youth engagement through challenge-based learning, entrepreneurship, and applied innovation. In this context, finalists of the 6th edition of the European Defence Challenge — held under the theme “From STEM to strategy: Empowering young minds to shape Europe’s aerospace & defence future” — will share reflections and ideas emerging from their proposals.
