YOUNG TALENTS 2024 – Call for applications – A resilient and fair energy transition for all

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Context

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If we want to achieve climate goals we need to accelerate the energy transition. The challenge is to reduce carbon emissions, by switching to renewable energy and phasing out fossil energy while keeping the energy supply safe and affordable. 

The Pact for innovation and sustainable growth between France and the Netherlands, signed in April 2023, marks a significant collaborative effort to address global challenges. A key element of this agreement is the work package on energy transition, which focuses on accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Both nations aim to leverage their expertise in green technologies and innovation to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy practices. This collaboration includes joint research initiatives, investments in clean energy projects, and the development of policies to support the transition. By working together, France and the Netherlands aspire to set a leading example in the fight against climate change and the advancement of sustainable development goals.

France and the Netherlands have a robust and dynamic relationship focused on advancing energy transition. Both countries are committed to international climate agreements and European Union targets, aiming for a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

This collaboration is built on a foundation of mutual interest and shared goals. France is significantly increasing its renewable energy capacity while addressing challenges such as local opposition and lengthy permitting procedures. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is striving for a completely sustainable and CO2-neutral energy system, emphasizing the importance of public support for a just transition.

Through initiatives like the Erasmus-Descartes Conference, France and the Netherlands promote bilateral cooperation, sharing expertise and best practices. This annual event serves as a platform for dialogue, bringing together young talents, experts, and policymakers to discuss innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

The strong partnership between France and the Netherlands not only fosters innovation but also enhances their ability to meet ambitious climate targets, ultimately contributing to a greener and more sustainable Europe.

Participants are encouraged to propose innovative ideas and solutions addressing the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Projects should also focus on creating public support, accelerating permitting procedures, and ensuring local acceptability of energy projects.

The challenges for the Young Talents

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The transition calls for major technological, social, policy and economical changes for citizens, businesses, governments, etc. Do you have innovative ideas on how this can be achieved ?  Do you want to be part of the solutions for tomorrow ? Join the Young Talents programme ! 

The challenges that you, as participants, will have to address will be based on the question: how do you deal with energy transition ? This can include for example renewable energy, carbon neutral industry, public involvement and acceptance, regulatory frameworks, resource availability, problems of an overloaded network capacity . The exact challenges related to this question will be formulated together with your team members and coaches (TBC).

Participation in the Conference

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The Conference

The conference will be based on discussions between experts, scientists, stakeholders, and high-level decision makers. 

Central to this conference are exchanges on developments in research and innovation at the national, European, and international levels. This conference will comprehend four roundtables and input from several speakers. 

Alongside the various experts, the Erasmus-Descartes Conference gives the floor to the Young Talents to pitch their findings, recommendations and solutions, and discuss them with the participants. They will prepare their pitches in advance with two devoted coaches during the month prior to the conference, including the 3 days where they will meet and work in person.

You as a Young Talent

In order to be able to pitch during the Conference, you will have several working moments. During the kick-off meeting on the 24th of October 2024, you and the other participants (6 from France, 6 from the Netherlands) will meet online for an hour and a half where you will receive further information, a more detailed programme, and will be able to form two teams of six, according to the challenges that will be presented to you. Two experts (names to be confirmed), will coach you during the working sessions to help you get inspired, acquire indispensable knowledge, and get ready to participate during the conference.

In between both gatherings, you will prepare for the next step together with the rest of your team and always with the support of the coaches. No official meeting will be organized, it is then up to you and your teammates to organize your time and find one or multiple collective moments in order to work together.

In the run-up to the conference, you will all meet in person in Paris at the Collège Néerlandais. In the programme, next to meeting with various experts in the field, there will be plenty of time to work and do pitch training. During the conference, each team will have 5 minutes to pitch in front of the panelists and wide audience. Later in the evening, a networking moment will be organized giving you the opportunity to further discuss your ideas and thoughts with the high-level participants of the conference.

Please note that it is possible to receive a certificate of attendance. PhD students from the Netherlands may therefore be able to claim some credits. 

Preliminary programme

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Practical information

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Organisers

The Young Talents event is organized by the Embassy of France in the Netherlands, the Institut français NL, the Embassy of the Netherlands in France, the French-Dutch Network for research and higher education, and Nuffic, which is the Dutch organization for internationalization of education.

Partners

Collège Néerlandais Paris

When

October 24^th online and November 25^th, 26^th, and 27^th in Paris consecutively participating in the Erasmus-Descartes Conference on November 28^th.

For whom

MA, PDEng and PhD students aged between 20 and 35 years old with good conversational understanding of English are eligible to apply for this event. International students are also invited to apply.

We are looking for student from scientific domains such as, but not exclusively:

• Political science / Economics 
• Engineering / Physics / Chemistry 
• Public administration 
• Urban planning
• Humanities and social sciences 
• Data and computer sciences
• Environmental studies 
• Law

Students from other academic disciplines who feel they could contribute to this challenge are also welcome to apply.

Language

The working sessions between Young Talents and the Erasmus Descartes Conference will be entirely in English.

Costs

The organizers will cover the costs of transportation (travel to and from Paris + public transport on-site) and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). They will also arrange accommodation (four nights). You are responsible for the costs of any other expenses yourselves. The participation in the Young Talents event does not involve any initial expenses for the participants.

Participation

All 12 selected participants will attend both the online meeting and the physical 4-day session in Paris. Participation in the full programme is mandatory. Any unjustified failure (absenteeism, inappropriate behavior) will lead to exclusion from further participation in the Young Talents event.

How to apply

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Application form

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