In a vibrant display of intellectual curiosity and dedication to the advancement of science, two of our MITGEST doctoral candidates, DC4 Maria Valentina Nino and DC5 Giulia Santocceto, attended the highly anticipated EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) 2024 – MSCA Satellite event. This year’s event, held in Katowice, Poland, on June 10th and 11th, provided a rich platform for engaging discussions, innovative workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Engaging Sessions and Skill Enhancement
Aligned with the ESOF 2024 motto, “Life changes science,” the MSCA Satellite event invited selected fellows, alumni, supervisors, and project managers to delve into some of today’s most pressing scientific and societal issues. Over a day and a half, Maria and Giulia actively participated in a variety of sessions designed to enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives.
The event began with an inspiring welcome and introduction, followed by parallel break-out sessions. These included panels on integrating non-academic sectors into PhD programs and exploring careers at the intersection of science and policy. Workshops on greening research practices and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in research highlighted innovative approaches to contemporary challenges. Specialised training sessions on science communication were tailored to diverse audiences, including children and policymakers, enabling participants to refine their skills in making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Practical exercises on AI in research allowed participants to engage in hands-on activities, exploring the applications and implications of AI. Maria and Giulia learned how AI can be leveraged to enhance their research projects, understanding its transformative potential across various fields. High-level exchanges on the future of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) provided participants with a strategic view of the role of MSCA fellows in shaping European research and innovation.
The science communication training sessions were particularly impactful, offering tools to effectively convey scientific results through storytelling and visualisation techniques. Maria and Giulia found the hands-on break-out sessions and Science Jam enriching, as they provided practical experience in communicating scientific ideas to diverse audiences.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Networking
Workshops and group discussions encouraged contributions to scientific and societal debates from various disciplinary standpoints, fostering a diverse exchange of ideas. Networking and social activities offered Maria and Giulia the opportunity to connect with peers, mentors, and leading figures in their fields, building a supportive professional network that promises to guide their future collaborations and career advancement.
Attending the ESOF Satellite event was immensely important and interesting for Maria and Giulia, as it not only expanded their knowledge and skills but also connected them with a network of professionals dedicated to advancing science and research. This experience underscored the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges and advancing scientific progress.
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DC4 Maria Valentina Nino and DC5 Giulia Santoceto
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