The European Commission has selected Hewitt Associates to conduct a feasibility study and advise on the establishment of a pan-European pension fund for researchers.

The project will see Hewitt analysing the legal, technical and financial terms and requirements that must be considered when setting up pan-European arrangements for occupational pensions, which must also take EU researchers' and employers' needs into account. The global human resources consulting and outsourcing company will see their results helping to raise awareness to different stakeholders about practical solutions which will ease and improve the cost
effectiveness of providing occupational pension benefits to complement state pensions.

Part of the European Union R&D set of policy priorities, the project is supported by the EU Council to build a "European Research Area" that is more open, competitive and attractive to researchers.

"We are honoured that our proposal, backed by our multi-disciplinary project team of experts from 15 nationalities, has been selected by the European Commission," said Leonardo Sforza, head of research Europe and EU relations at Hewitt Associates. "We are delighted to contribute on the ground with our experience, fresh analysis and innovative ideas to such an ambitious and truly pan-European pension project that will benefit researchers and beyond, while reducing administrative burdens to employer."

Hewitt's European international benefits team leader, Ian Hinton, added that he is pleased Hewitt's capabilities have been realised by the EC. "Our engagement in pioneering practical solutions that work in the area of pensions - and in the best interest of both employers and employees - reaches new heights with this project. I am pleased that our thought leadership, practical experience, rigorousness and independence of analysis have been recognised once more through this prestigious assignment."

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