2025 MCAA Annual Conference & General Assembly - MCAA Magazine March 2025

The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Poland Chapter is honoured to host the MCAA Annual Conference and General Assembly for the first time. The importance of this event is further emphasised by its timing, aligning with the Presidency of Poland in the EU Council, which began in January 2025 and will extend through the first half of the year.

The 2025 edition of the conference is taking place on March 21-22, at the AGH University of Kraków, which is one of the leading technical universities in Poland, recognised for its extensive research and educational programs. The AGH University, with the largest campus in the country, offers a diverse range of scientific and engineering disciplines, particularly in technical and related fields, including research in space technologies and projects aboard the International Space Station.

The selection of Poland and Kraków followed a long process, with the Poland Chapter willing to host an Annual Conference for some time. Indeed, we know that the opportunity to organise such an event represents a significant step in promoting both the MCAA and the MSCA across the country, involving not only universities and research centres but also policymakers and stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the attractiveness of Poland and its profile in the scientific community. The collaboration with the Polish National Contact Point for Horizon Europe and their involvement in our Chapter activities and the Annual Conference, support our objectives and will further enhance the quality of the event.

The vision of the Poland Chapter is not only to promote international collaboration but also to bring fresh perspectives to the Polish research and academic community by advocating for harmony and work-life balance in research. This theme was one of the highlights of the Chapter activity last year and the motto of our 2024 annual meeting in Kraków entitled “Harmony in Research-Navigating the Path to Work Life Balance.”

We hope to continue making a positive impact on the academic community across Poland.

Michael Nones

MCAA Poland Chapter, Chair
0000-0003-4395-2637

The 2025 edition of the MCAA Conference in Kraków will serve as a key platform not only to highlight the funding opportunities but also to draw attention to the wealth of academic and research potential offered by the Polish institutions. This is a great occasion for universities across Poland to present their offerings to international students and academic professionals. We are delighted to welcome international researchers and encourage them to consider Poland as a successful centre for collaboration, innovation, and growth.

The conference features various social and satellite events, providing opportunities for networking, exchanging ideas, and starting new collaborations with colleagues from different places around the world. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for students and young researchers to gain insight into active involvement in scientific research and the academic community. We are confident that the conference will highlight innovative research and foster the exchange of great ideas with real-world applications, with delegates presenting from a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Kraków, a city famous for its rich history, vibrant academic scene, and cultural heritage, home to some of the most prestigious universities in Poland and a hub for students and tourists, will offer an inspirational environment for intellectual exchange and discovery, making the participation to the 2025 MCAA Annual Conference and General Assembly a truly memorable experience.

We encourage participants to allow extra time to explore the rich history of Kraków including the UNESCO World Heritage sites which are spread across the region.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kraków in March 2025 for what promises to be an inspiring conference, and a nice city break experience.