Ready, set, research, innovate: Explore the Blue Book traineeship at the European Research Executive Agency

Knock, knock future Blue Book trainees! We are Martina and Nikolaus, and we are excited to share our most recent milestone: the career-boosting traineeship at the European Commission’s European Research Executive Agency (REA). The five-month opportunity, running from October 2025 to February 2026, offers hands-on experience at the crossroads of science, research, innovation, and EU policymaking. 

The traineeship at REA is not just about building your skills, it's also about making a meaningful contribution to European science. Ready to dive into the heart of the EU? Start preparing your application! Don’t worry though - you’re not alone: we joined forces with our fellow trainees Meyra and Dimos, to uncover everything you need to know before applying.  

Tips and tricks for future applicants: 

• Take the application seriously: Pay close attention to filling out your application; dates and supporting documents are crucial. Follow the guidelines carefully to avoid mistakes - this can kick you out of the process before it has even started! 
• Do your research: Read the job description thoroughly, research the DG or Agency, and tailor your motivational letter to the specific role. Background research will also come in handy during interviews – be prepared to get asked questions! 
• Start early: Don’t leave the application for the last day. Exploring all the information on the DG/Agency websites and crafting a thoughtful application will take more time than you think. 
• Tailor your motivation letter: Be creative and engaging. Use subheadings, include relevant keywords from the job description, and keep your tone authentic, but don’t make it cringe. You’re expressing your interest, not writing a love letter! 
• Select preferences strategically: Choose positions that align with your skills and interests, not just the ones that seem least competitive. Look for roles where you can truly shine and add value. 
• Think like a hiring manager: Reflect on how your skills match the needs of the team. Focus on where you can apply your strengths most effectively - it might not be the most obvious choice. For example: With a communications background you can’t only join DG COMM – you will find a place everywhere. 
• Stay calm and confident: The application process can feel like a rollercoaster, but persistence and preparation will lead to success. Don’t let a rejection drag you down! The hardest step is getting into the applicants' pool – once there, you may be contacted with a traineeship offer even after the three rounds of applications. 

While the process might seem tough, the time here at REA has been more than rewarding.  

Highlights of the traineeship at REA 

As a Communication Officer for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Nikolaus highlights the awarding of the EU-funded researcher David Baker with a Noble Prize as stand-out experience. It gave him a profound sense of the value of the work done at REA and the transformative opportunities we help create for researchers worldwide. 

Meyra is a trainee within the “Inclusive Society” unit of REA, managing Horizon Europe projects, related with topics like cultural heritage, smart cities, migration, democracy and socioeconomic growth. She mentions her experience in a multi-stakeholder dialogue as the highlight of her traineeship. 

Dimos, who is a trainee in the unit managing the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS), put the spotlight on the two-week evaluations for the annual call for RFCS, where experts from all over Europe met in person in Brussels to evaluate the submitted projects.  

Why REA? Because here innovation meets action! 

REA is the Commision's largest executive agency with the mission to implement the EU’s research and innovation policy.  The Agency manages a significant part of Horizon Europe, funding projects that address some of the most pressing global challenges - from protecting biodiversity and enhancing food security to preserving cultural heritage and safeguarding democracy. 

Mark your calendars 

Applications are open from 17 February to 17 March 2025. Ready to dive in? Here at REA, trainees are needed in various fields. You can bring basically every profile, but especially in project management, communication and EU policymaking. 

Want to learn more? Explore our corporate brochure for an in-depth look at our vision, values, and programmes. For real-time updates on the dynamic world of research, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn and X (@REA_research and @EUgreenresearch).