Editorial-MCAA: All the Best in the Future - MCAA Magazine March 2025
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Dear all,
Welcome to the 2025 edition of IRRADIUM magazine!
We gather in Krakow not only as researchers, innovators, and in many cases visionaries but as inheritors of the legacy of one of the most remarkable scientists in history— Marie Curie Skłodowska. She was more than a pioneer in science; she was a symbol of resilience, brilliance, and unyielding curiosity. She reshaped the frontiers of science and its impact on humanity. I admire her deeply. And we should all continue what she started.
The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) flagship conference provides us with an invaluable opportunity to connect, share, and inspire one another. It is a chance to celebrate our collective achievements, forge new partnerships, and envision the future we can build together.
Volunteers Rule!
Let me celebrate the incredible volunteering efforts of the MCAA members. The commitment, generosity, and passion embody the true spirit of the association. Volunteering is the cornerstone of our community, driving initiatives, mentoring fellow researchers, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond individual contributions.
Over the past year, the MCAA has demonstrated resilience and innovation, forging new pathways in career development, sustainability, and equity. Through dynamic engagement, our members continue to push the boundaries of scientific inquiry and professional growth, reinforcing our collective commitment to a future where research excellence transcends disciplines, borders, and institutional silos. To mention one of millions - the MEDNIGHT project unveiled the true spirit of collaboration in order to foster engagement and understanding across diverse audiences.
This edition underscores the impact of the MCAA’s initiatives in policy advocacy, sustainability, and inclusivity. From the establishment of strategic collaborations with governmental institutions to thought leadership in reforming research assessment through the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), the MCAA has reinforced its role as a change- maker in the scientific community.
CoARA has been a key driver in reforming outdated evaluation methods, promoting a more inclusive and transparent assessment system that values diverse research contributions beyond traditional metrics.
Next, the MCAA has taken a leading role in promoting academic integrity and transparency by supporting the establishment of the Observatory for Academic Whistleblowing through its involvement in the PAOLA project. This initiative aims to provide researchers with the resources and support necessary to report misconduct while fostering a culture of accountability within academic institutions.
Through its participation in the SECURE project, the MCAA is actively contributing to the development of a Research Career Framework that enhances career sustainability for researchers across Europe. This initiative aims to address precarity in research careers by promoting fair employment conditions, structured career pathways, and improved mobility opportunities.
Chapters and Working Groups took on pivotal roles in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing career opportunities, and advocating for equitable research environments. From international conferences and networking initiatives to impactful policy discussions or citizen science projects, the MCAA members have worked tirelessly to ensure that the scientific community remains inclusive and forward-thinking.
Thank you all for making a difference.
What will the Future Bring?
We currently live in a very turbulent world. The meeting of the MCAA community presents an island of stability, peace and knowledge. The topic of the conference, “Research and Innovation in a rapidly evolving world”, reflects well that we will face new challenges soon.
In today’s fast-paced world, research and innovation as well as geopolitical situations are transforming rapidly. Advances in technology and data have accelerated discovery, shrinking the time from idea to application. As we navigate the evolving landscape of research and innovation, IRRADIUM 2025 not only reflects on the successes of the past year but also sets the stage for the future. And the MCAA remains steadfast in its mission to empower researchers with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive.
However, this evolution demands adaptive strategies, collaboration, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable progress. At the intersection of curiosity and societal need, research and innovation remain the keystones of our future.
Let me sum it up with: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it” foresees Alan Kay, an American computer scientist and pioneer. Kevin Kelly, the founding executive editor of Wired magazine, adds: “Technological advances could allow us to see more clearly into our own lives.“ Hence, we have the future of our societies in our hands. If we work on it together!
Last year we celebrated 10 years of the MCAA. I am curious what awaits us in the future!
Eliška Koňaříková
IRRADIUM, Editor-in-chief
newsletter.editor@mariecuriealumni.eu
@EliskaKonarik
eliska-konarikova
eliskakonarikova.bsky.social