EPSO received a total of 7496 applications for the scientific researchers competitions (EPSO/AD/413-24: 10 fields), around 50% more than estimated. EPSO and the EU institutions welcome this positive result. However, this brings with it an additional challenge for EPSO’s services and the competition’s Selection Board. We have recently taken stock of the situation, and it has become apparent that in order to ensure fair and equal treatment to all candidates, a core principle of all our selection procedures, we will only be able to deliver a reserve list by October or November 2025, and not in September 2025, as initially planned. EPSO would like to thank the candidates concerned for their understanding and for their patience.