Steering Committee 4 in Brussels

The AspirE Steering Committee met on 12 December 2025 to review the project’s progress across administrative, financial, and scientific dimensions, and to discuss next steps as the project moves into its final phase.

The meeting provided an overview of reporting requirements and coordination processes, with reminders on shared responsibilities related to publications, data management, and post-project procedures. Updates were also shared on the project’s financial status and the upcoming final reporting phase, which will consolidate achievements and contributions across all partners.

From a scientific perspective, the Steering Committee reflected on the breadth of research outputs and dissemination activities developed throughout the project, including academic, policy-oriented, and creative formats. Particular emphasis was placed on the value of locally embedded engagement activities and cross-sectoral outreach. The discussion also highlighted AspirE’s longer-term legacy, notably its methodological contributions to the study of Asian migration and the transnational collaborations fostered through the project.

The meeting also included feedback from Early Career Researchers’ representatives, who shared key insights and recommendations on project management, mentorship, and collaborations, based on input collected across the consortium.

Finally, members of the External Advisory Board provided reflections on AspirE’s humanising framework and on enhancing the policy relevance and impact of project outputs, while exploring avenues for continued engagement beyond the project’s lifetime.