MCAA to make digital magic in November

by Aurelia Chaise

 

The Marie Curie Alumni Association is preparing to hold its first ever virtual conference in November 2020. This online networking experience will delve deep into the topic of Research & Democracy.

 

Democracy, rooted in the earliest of our western society, literally means “rule by people”. But what does it really mean today and how does it manifest in our life?  

The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) will discuss this question during its first virtual conference on Research & Democracy on 6 and 7 November 2020.

During the two-day event, which will be held completely online, speakers will discuss the following paradox: Even though we live in a world brought closer together by the digital revolution, we face growing tensions that tear nations apart.

We now have the technological means of direct democracy, and yet we must question if this is the best form of government. We have the power to reach thousands of people and spread data-based facts with the press of a button, and yet our socials are polluted with fake news and computational propaganda.

What is our role, as citizens and researchers, in this fast-changing landscape?

The first MCAA Virtual Conference will serve as a forum to discuss and challenge our beliefs. MCAA conference organisers believe the event will be the best opportunity to network with brilliant researchers from all around the world, to attend thought-provoking sessions with renowned speakers, and to browse our expo fair.

Come and join us in a virtual agora, where we can connect, debate, and grow. Together.

 

Streamed directly to home offices everywhere

Taking an online format, the conference’s packed two-day programme will feature topics such as diversity and inclusion in leadership, shaping the future of open science, a science communications workshop, networking, an expo fair and will close with the MCAA Awards ceremony.

On the first day, the online conference will begin with an expo fair followed by a keynote address and the following discussions: At the interface of AI, Neuroscience and Policy (organiser: Renaud Jolivet); Shaping the Future of Open Science – Challenges from Early Career Researchers' Perspectives (organiser: Mostafa Moonir Shawrav); Diversity and Inclusion in Leaderships for Excellent Research Beyond Horizon 2020 (organiser: Magda Theodoridou) and a science communications workshop, comedy show and fundraiser (organiser: Valerie Bentivegna).

On the second day, the online conference will begin with a networking hour followed by discussions: #DemocarcyAtRisk - How Social Media Challenges the Democratic Process (organiser: Valentina Ferro), Structural Violence and Harassment within the Scientific Environment (organiser: Lidia Trusilewicz), an expo fair and ending with the MCAA Awards ceremony.

 

Speakers:

  • Mostafa Moonir Shawrav, Marie Curie Alumni Association, Chair
  • Valerie Bentivegna, MCAA Communication Working Group, Chair
  • Renault Jolivet, MCAA Policy Working Group, Vice-Chair
  • Magda Theodoridou, MCAA GEMS Working Group, Chair
  • Valentina Ferro, Marie Curie Alumni Association, Vice-Chair
  • Lidia Trusilewicz, MCAA Policy Working Group, Member

 

Registrations are open! Book your spot and get a sneak preview of the agenda.