Newsletter
Hakim Ferria
Hakim Ferria became actively engaged in the MCAA by co-founding the Research Management Working Group. As a fresh member of the Board, the goal of the researcher-turned-project manager is to contribute to the efficient management of the Association.
Hakim Ferria is a European Affairs Manager at INSAVALOR, a subsidiary of the INSA Lyon engineering school that focuses on R&D and research valorisation. Elected as an Ordinary Member of the new MCAA Board, his journey in the Association originally started thanks to a previous Board.
“In 2017, I was the project manager of an MSCA-funded International Training Network (ITN) project. Our scientific project coordinator forwarded me an email invitation to join the Association, sent by the Board at that time. Initially, I was not aware of the full extent of opportunities offered by the Association to its members in terms of training, events, networking, and the riches of the community.”
Hakim began his trajectory in the MCAA as a passive member, gradually becoming more involved. His active engagement has principally to do with the Pan-European Network of MSCA Project Managers, currently known as the Research Management Working Group, which he co-founded with Jonas Krebs and Eitan Segev in 2021 and vice-chaired until his election to the Board.
“The group has developed quite fast and now counts about 200 members across 15 countries,” Hakim says.
Given his professional background, Hakim’s specialisation lies in research and project management. He wishes to contribute to the strategic optimisation of the management of the MCAA and its different functions during his mandate on the Board.
“My goals include working towards more efficient management of the Association, ensuring its sustainability through securing funding, and establishing a robust operational team. Additionally, I aim to focus on strategic initiatives, envision the Association's future trajectory, actively foster member engagement, and improve the functionality and user experience of the MCAA website, platform, and resources.”
Simultaneously feeling excited and nervous about what the next two years as part of the MCAA Board will contain, Hakim is curious to gain insight into the inner workings of the organisation.
“I applied to the Board as a means to further my involvement and dedication to the Association. It’s a new experience and a journey out of my comfort zone. I keep in mind the wisdom of our dear Marie SkłodowskaCurie: ‘Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.’”
Kira Keini
MCAA Communication Officer
kira.keini@mariecuriealumni.eu
@kirakeini