Newsletter
As Chair of the Policy Working Group, I focus on enhancing collaborations to promote sustainable research careers, advancing inclusive science-policy and sciencediplomacy frameworks, and amplifying the voice of MCAA researchers within Europe and globally.
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Theodota Lagouri, a CERN personnel member and Associated Research Scientist at Yale University, is an experimental physicist. As part of the ATLAS Collaboration at the Large Hadron Collider, Theodota has contributed to over 1,000 publications, showcasing a strong commitment to global scientific collaboration. As a former MSCA Postdoctoral Fellow and current international Researcher, Theodota has conducted collaborative research across continents. As an active member of MCFA and MCAA since its inception, Theodota served on the MCAA GEDI (GEMS) WG board, chaired the Switzerland Chapter for four years, and led the Science and Diplomacy Task Force in Policy WG, advancing science-policy for researchers' careers and well-being.
Why did you decide to run as Chair of the Working Group/Chapter?
My decision to run for Chair of the Policy Working Group (WG) is driven by my extensive experience and active involvement in MCAA. As leader of the Science and Diplomacy Task Force since January 2024 and Chair of the MCAA Switzerland Chapter for the past four years, I have played a key role in advancing the MCAA’s policy initiatives. I have focused on promoting the EU Science Diplomacy global mission and strengthening ties between the MCAA and the EU SciDip Alliance. My work in Science, Technology, Innovation Diplomacy, Gender Equality, and the Capacity Building Task Force fuels my commitment to further contribute to these critical areas as Chair.
What will be the objectives of the Working Group/Chapter under your tenure?
As Chair of the Policy WG, my primary goal will be to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers within European and international scientific organisations. By leading the MCAA Policy WG, I aim to shape EU science policies that promote a collaborative and innovative research environment, ensuring the sustainability of researchers’ careers. My focus will be on strengthening gender equality and advancing key EU science policy and diplomacy priorities. With extensive experience in international research collaborations and communication, I am committed to helping the MCAA Policy WG achieve its objectives more effectively.
What are your plans for the development of the Working Group/ Chapter?
Over the next two years, my goal is to expand the influence of the Policy WG by strengthening collaboration with other MCAA WGs and Chapters, including GEDI, Career Development, Sustainability, and AI. I also aim to deepen external partnerships with key science policy organisations such as the Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE), the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance, and UNESCO’s Women in Science for UN Sustainable Goals. Additionally, I plan to build connections with science policy groups from major research institutions across Europe, the U.S., and Africa. My active involvement in international scientific groups will drive the growth of the Policy WG and enhance collaboration within the global research community.
Do you already have plans for events and activities? Can you tell us some?
I plan to organise a series of webinars, workshops, and training events on topics such as Research Science Policy, Science Diplomacy, and Gender Equality and Diversity for Researchers. These initiatives will aim to strengthen connectivity and engagement within the MCAA community. The outcomes will be shared through the MCAA newsletters, blogs, and magazines. Additionally, I aim to expand outreach and visibility by leveraging communication channels like X , LinkedIn, Slack, and Instagram to ensure broader engagement and increase the Policy WG impact.
What is the role of the Working Group/ Chapter within the MCAA community?
The Policy WG plays a pivotal role within the MCAA community, with the ability to shape policies that impact researchers’ career development and sustainability at the European level. It also serves as a platform to amplify researchers' voices on key EU policy issues, particularly in the realm of science diplomacy. As a key avenue for MSCA alumni to influence science policy in Europe, the Policy WG is crucial in advancing MCAA’s mission and ensuring researchers actively contribute to shaping the future of European science policy.
How will you cooperate with other Chapters and Working Groups?
I am dedicated to strengthening the interconnectivity between the MCAA Policy WG and other Working Groups, including Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI), Career Development, Communication, as well as the newly formed Sustainability and AI groups, along with various MCAA Chapters. As Chair of the Policy WG, my focus will be on fostering a spirit of collaboration and facilitating knowledge exchange among researchers from European and international scientific organisations. Through active engagement in the MCAA research policy community, I aim to cultivate a collaborative, innovative research environment that amplifies researchers’ voices and advances the MCAA’s mission goals.
What would you say to members who are considering joining the Working Group/Chapter?
I strongly encourage all MCAA members to join the Policy Working Group. Under my leadership, the Policy WG will be driven by principles of connection, collaboration, and inclusivity, in line with MCAA’s vision of fostering international, transdisciplinary partnerships among researchers. I am committed to supporting our members in research policy training, enhancing their career development while contributing to the broader science-policy and science-diplomacy community.
Theodota Lagouri
Linkedin
Chair of the MCAA Policy Working Group
policy@mariecuriealumni.eu
@TheodotaLagouri