Editorial- MCAA: A 10-Year Journey - MCAA Magazine March 2024

Dear all,

This year holds significant importance in the history of the MCAA as we celebrate its 10-year anniversary. The content of this IRRADIUM is dedicated to commemorating this milestone, highlighting the impact the MCAA has made, and giving recognition to a dedicated group of former and current active MCAA members. All of you, despite being volunteers, have helped the organisation grow from the ground up.

While a decade may seem like a substantial timeframe to some, my perspective differs. Just a year ago, as discussions about the significance of the 2024 MCAA Annual Conference emerged due to the organisation’s anniversary, I anticipated a milestone of 20 years or more. To my surprise, it was only a decade. The astonishment comes from my realisation that when I joined the MCAA in December 2015, I was becoming a part of a relatively young association. Approached by our program coordinator as my MSCA fellowship neared its end, I was sceptical about alumni associations. Despite my reservations, I reluctantly registered, making a face and exhaling heavily, only to realise later the value of the community.

Initially, I did not want to explore the association and its opportunities, just like anyone would have been after being pushed into a community without their own will. It took about a year into my first postdoc to realise the challenges of funding personal development within a non-MSCA research position. The stark contrast between my desire to travel, present research, and the meager budget became evident. Negotiating extras with a financially strict PI added another layer of difficulty. Reflecting on missed opportunities, I wished I had paid more attention during the free personal development courses offered during my PhD project by our former ITN and the Graduate School. Faced with the challenge of growth with limited financial resources, I had to find alternative ways forward.

First, I turned to books for guidance and found solace in “Never Split the Difference,” Chris Voss’s impactful negotiation book. Not only did I really enjoy the read, but I also discovered that applying many of the principles in my daily life delivered great results. While discussions with my PI didn’t result in additional funding, they did contribute to shaping my project as I desired. Recognizing the value of soft skills, I acknowledged my earlier oversight of neglecting these training earlier in my career, and decided to focus on personal development, starting with strategic academic career building. This was followed by enhancing my skills in effective scientific communication, delving into female leadership, and ongoing efforts in various areas at the current point.

You might be wondering why I continue discussing my personal development in the IRRADIUM editorial. The truth is, none of the listed courses would have been feasible with my low postdoc starting salary without continuous support from the MCAA. In 2016, I sought financial support for post-PhD development and was surprised to find very few options. Disappointed and nostalgic for the support I had as a Marie Sklodowska Curie PhD fellow, I, probably for the first time after the PhD, visited the MCAA website to share my frustration on the forum. Other members proved helpful, suggesting I apply for MCAA micro grants, which I did. Successfully securing funding enabled me to pursue multiple courses, print books, and attend conferences. To my surprise, MSCA support did extend beyond my PhD in the form of the MCAA.

Over the next year or two, I gradually immersed myself in the workings of the MCAA, and my fascination deepened. However, it was only upon joining the Communication Working Group, contributing to the MCAA Newsletter, that I gained a true appreciation for the extensive efforts undertaken by a diverse and committed team of MCAA members who work diligently behind the scenes to coordinate the association. Remarkably, these individuals, despite being volunteers, invest countless hours over many years to support their fellow MCAA members in both their professional and personal growth. What sets the MCAA apart is its unique foundation built on community values. It stands as a large international, multi-cultural, and multi-disciplinary organisation comprising former and current MSCA fellows. More than a bureaucratic entity, the MCAA is a dynamic force advocating for the rights of young scientists and tirelessly developing tools to empower them in finding their voice.

In the current issue of the IRRADIUM, we aim to unveil the behind-the-scenes journey of the organisation over the last 10 years. We delve into the experiences and recollections of each past MCAA board, providing insights into the shaping of our association. Furthermore, we shine a spotlight on significant projects and events that have unfolded over the past year, celebrating the achievements and milestones that have marked this period in the MCAA’s history.

I hope that this issue of the IRRADIUM will not only provide you with an overview of the organisation’s accomplishments in 2023, but also offer an understanding of how our community has expanded and evolved over the past remarkable 10 years.

Closing note
Unlike any other organisation I’ve been a part of, the MCAA thrives on the shared commitment of its members, illustrating the strength that arises from a unified community with a common goal. That is why, as a closing note, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for the impact you’ve had on me and thousands of other MCAA members through your unwavering dedication to the association.

Happy 10th anniversary to the MCAA, many more years to come!

Sasha Ivashchenko
IRRADIUM, Editor-in-chief
newsletter.editor@mariecuriealumni.eu
Twitter @OleksandraIvas3
ORCID 0000-0001-8675-8987