Newsletter
Explore how Sara Banu Akkaş is harnessing her extensive experience to foster collaboration and innovation within the MCAA Turkey Chapter.
Bionote
As a Research Manager at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Türkiye, my role involves supporting researchers in securing primarily international research funding. Holding a PhD in Biology from METU and with postdoctoral experience at Monash University, I’m coordinating a MSCA-COFUND project and have led two MSCA-European Researchers’ Night projects. In my capacity as Head of the METU HRS4R Working Group, I contributed to our university achieving the HR Excellence in Research Award. Passionate about fostering a collaborative research ecosystem, I also serve on the METU Gender Equality Plan Working Group and have represented Türkiye in various international projects.
Building a Collaborative Foundation
As the board of the MCAA Turkey Chapter, we are committed to creating opportunities that bring our community together, fostering collaboration and addressing the diverse needs of our members. Together, we aim to translate MCAA's global impact into actionable local initiatives that extends its positive impact across the wider research community.
From Inspiration to Action
Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of coordinating two MSCA-European Researchers’ Night projects, as well as an ongoing MSCA-COFUND project. Through these projects, I became acquainted with the MCAA and its values. At the 2024 MCACA Annual Conference, I gained a deeper appreciation for two standout aspects: first, the cross-cutting nature of the topics discussed, which are relevant to all participants working in a vast array of disciplines; and second, the inclusive definition of MSCA alumni – ranging from researchers to research managers from all stages of their career.
This conference really motivated me, and we immediately began organiszing a training that was exceptionally innovative and successful for our chapter. In this training, as the MCAA Turkey Chapter, we not only collaborated with the MCAA Board and MCAA Bridging Science and Business Working Group (WG), but also received significant support – including financial – from TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, Ankara), METU (Middle East Technical University, Ankara) and İTÜ (İstanbul Technical University, İstanbul). This 2-day hybrid event, entitled “MCAA MSCA PF Training and Evaluation Session & How to use AI in Research?”, which took place on May 30, 2024, in Ankara at METU and May 31, 2024, in İstanbul at İTÜ, gathering nearly 100 researchers, research managers, and representatives from esteemed institutions around Türkiye. Moreover, the speakers were not only from the supporting institutions but also from Bilkent University (Ankara), DEÜ (Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir), İYTE (İzmir Institute of Technology, İzmir), YTÜ (Yıldız Technical University, İstanbul), and University of Göttingen, Germany. We listened to presentations on the MSCA Post-doctoral Fellowships (PF) program from our National Contact Points, as well as the EURAXESS Initiative from our EURAXESS Service Center Representatives. We held panel discussions not only with MSCA PF fellows but also MSCA PF evaluators. We also organised mini-reviews by MSCA PF evaluators to researchers sending their 2-page summaries of their MSCA-PF-2024 proposals. Merging an MSCA-PF Info Day with a speech on a crosscutting theme at the end – in this case, “How to use AI in Research?” – proved effective in attracting researchers who were not MCAA members. This was quite valuable as it enabled interaction between MCAA members and potential members. Furthermore, we had two Boardboard and one WG representative joining us, which would not have been possible without the MCAA support. I must say, the cascade effects of this training are still ongoing!
Enhancing Engagement Through Innovation
Attending the conference and organising this training with the enthusiastic support of all parties involved made me realise how deeply the MCAA is committed to spreading a positive impact across the wider research community. These experiences inspired me to run for the Turkey Chapter Chair position, to give back to such a generous, inclusive, and collaborative community.
As the Turkey Chapter Chair for the 2024- 2026 period, my vision is to create more opportunities for our members to come together, as I believe that to be stronger together, we first need to get together. My initial goal is to establish a board structure like the MCAA Board, and I’m excited about the prospect of collaborating with the other candidates who had applied for the position of the Chair of MCAA’s Turkey Chapter. The primary function of our chapter board will be to create diverse platforms that foster connections among our members. To achieve this, I plan to continue organising innovative events, like the one mentioned, but further enhanced by the input and ideas from both the board and chapter members.
Future Goals and Engagement
For the 2024-2025 academic year, I propose we aim for two in-person and two online events. One key strategy I intend to maintain is joining a Horizon Europe Programme/Call Info Day with a session on a highly relevant topic (like the role of AI in research, as explained above). This format has not only proven to be effective and attractive but also a strong foundation for collaboration between chapters and working groups.
Additionally, I hope to gather feedback from our members to co-develop events that address their diverse needs. Given that many members of the MCAA Turkey Chapter are senior researchers, whose needs may differ from those of early-career researchers, this collaborative approach is essential to understanding and meeting their varied requirements. Finally, I am confident that the spirit of collaboration – which was so evident in the event we organised – will continue to thrive, as it is deeply embedded in the MCAA culture.
Sara Banu Akkaş
Chair of the MCAA Turkey Chapter
turkey.chapter@mariecuriealumni.eu