EU TalentOn is a European competition for early-career researchers and one of the main events of Science Comes to Town 2026. The initiative brings science closer to society and promotes collaboration among young researchers from different countries and scientific fields.
Over five days, the 100 EU TalentOn finalists will work in interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions to global challenges linked to the five European Union Missions: Adaptation to Climate Change; Cancer; Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities;
Restore our Oceans and Waters; and A Soil Deal for Europe.
The programme includes brainstorming sessions, workshops and networking activities, culminating in the teams pitching their solutions to a jury comprising representatives from academia — including several members of SEA-EU universities —, industry and the public. A total of €80,000 in prize money will be available for the winning ideas.
Representing UAlg in the “Restore our Oceans and Waters” Mission
Pauline Wasle recently completed her Master’s degree in Marine Biology at UAlg and will participate in EU TalentOn in the “Restore our Oceans and Waters” Mission.
Her academic journey also highlights the international connections fostered by marine science research. As part of her Master’s dissertation, Pauline participated in GAME – Global Approach in Marine Ecology, an international research and training programme coordinated by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany. The University of Algarve is part of the programme’s international network of partner institutions.
Through this programme, Pauline investigated how artificial light at night affects epiphyte communities associated with macroalgae in the Baltic Sea.
Regarding her participation in EU TalentOn, Pauline highlights the opportunity to work with other early-career researchers from different scientific fields and to transform coastal research into concrete solutions for ecosystem restoration.
“The health of the ocean is directly linked to our own, and I want to play an active role in developing more sustainable solutions,” she says.
Pauline’s participation places the University of Algarve among the SEA-EU partner universities represented at EU TalentOn 2026 and provides another example of the international collaboration and networking opportunities that the Alliance offers its students and early-career researchers.
