The aim of the URGE project is to develop a multi-annual and multilateral project that provides a basis for achieving a lasting impact through collaboration with the scientific diaspora of the participating countries. The project focuses on a common challenge - the phenomenon of "brain drain" - and the important role that the scientific diaspora can play in addressing this problem. Furthermore, the project aims to build a collaborative network of the scientific diaspora that provides an institutional framework and mechanisms to mitigate the effects of "brain drain" within the academic community and enables networking and collaboration between the scientific diaspora and local researchers.