Gareth O’Neill Presents OPUS Project at European Talent Fair During ESOF 2024

Gareth O’Neill Presents OPUS Project at European Talent Fair During ESOF 2024 1024 538 Open and Universal Science (OPUS) Project

The 2nd European Talent Fair, held on 13 June 2024 in Katowice, Poland, marked a pivotal moment for early-career researchers and innovators. As part of the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF 2024) under the theme “Life Changes Science”, the event showcased the intersection of research, career development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Among the highlights was Gareth O’Neill, Principal Consultant on Open Science at Technopolis Group Belgium (TGB) and a key member of the OPUS project, who presented insights into reforming research assessment frameworks to align with Open Science principles.

A Collaborative Triumph

The Talent Fair’s success stemmed from unprecedented collaboration between seven Silesian public universities, the City of Katowice, the Silesian Voivodeship, and the Metropolis GZM. This partnership underscored Katowice’s commitment to positioning science as a driver of regional transformation, a vision solidified by its title as European City of Science 2024. The event also received support from the European Commission, global scientific experts, and industry leaders, fostering dialogue on science’s role in societal and economic advancement.

By the Numbers: Key Highlights

  • 720+ registrations, reflecting broad interest from students, researchers, and professionals
  • 75+ experts leading sessions across debates, workshops, and career advice panels
  • 50 activities spanning panel discussions, seminars, and networking zones
  • 4 interactive zones:
    • Discussion Zone: Debates on PhD value propositions and gender equity in academia.
    • Presentation Zone: Showcases of AI applications, boxing fight analytics, and mindfulness workshops.
    • Career Zone: Workshops on alumni networks and corporate readiness certifications.
    • Knowledge Zone: Sessions on research data management and AI-driven sociological inquiry.

OPUS Project

Gareth O’Neill’s participation emphasised the OPUS project’s mission to reshape research assessment by integrating Open Science metrics, diversity, and societal impact.  His contribution highlighted the project’s Researcher Assessment Framework, designed to promote transparency and inclusivity in evaluating scientific contributions. This aligns with ESOF 2024’s broader goals of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing global challenges like digital transformation and sustainability.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Talent Fair’s success builds on the inaugural 2022 edition in Leiden, further cementing its role in bridging academia, industry, and policymakers. By equipping young scientists with market-ready skills and connecting them with employers, the event reinforced Katowice’s ambition to become a hub for scientific excellence in Central Europe.


The 2nd European Talent Fair exemplified how collaboration between universities, governments, and international bodies can unlock opportunities for emerging researchers. Gareth O’Neill’s contributions through the OPUS project underscored the transformative potential of Open Science in creating equitable, impactful research ecosystems. As ESOF 2024 concluded, Katowice left a lasting imprint on Europe’s scientific landscape, proving that when life changes science, science changes lives.

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