Newsletter
Dear MCAA Members,
We hope this message finds you well.
As we enter the second half of the year, we’re excited to share with you this Special Edition of the MCAA Newsletter, centred on a theme that resonates strongly with our mission: Sustainable Career Transition Pathway: Bridging Academia, Public Sector, and Industry.
At the core of the Marie Curie Alumni Association lies a deep commitment to empowering researchers across disciplines, countries, and career stages. This edition reflects that commitment by exploring how our members navigate diverse, non-linear career trajectories. Researchers today need support, flexibility, and visibility as they move beyond traditional academic paths. That’s why this issue showcases alumni experiences, institutional insights, and initiatives that contribute to building resilient and impactful careers across sectors.
Our vision of a research ecosystem that is open, inclusive, and socially engaged is reflected in everything we do: from advocacy to mentoring, from webinars to global collaborations. We sincerely thank all contributors to this edition for helping highlight how these transitions are not only individual milestones but also essential to strengthening Europe’s knowledge economy.
News from Our Community
Launch of the CSA CAPTAIN
We are proud to announce the signing of our new Coordination and Support Action, CAPTAIN, the primary vehicle through which the European Commission supports the core functioning, development, and professionalisation of the MCAA. It is also the key funding instrument behind our upcoming activities.
With CAPTAIN’s support, the Call for Chapter & Working Group (C&WG) Activities is now open, funding initiatives through March 2026. We encourage Chairs of Cs&WGs to apply and join the upcoming information sessions.
Strengthening Advocacy and Science-Policy Networks
MCAA has been accepted as an associate member of YASAS (Young Academies Science Advice Structure), marking a significant milestone that strengthens our voice within Europe’s science-for-policy networks. Additionally, we are also excited to announce two key developments in our policy engagement: we have published strategic recommendations on the Multiannual Financial Framework and the Choose Europe initiative, advocating for increased investment in mobility and talent attraction.
Virginia Helena Albarracín
MCAA Academy Mentoring Programme
Our first thematic mentoring programme, Careers in the Public Sector, launched in May, connecting mentors and mentees for six months of guided growth and professional development. Within the MCAA Academy, our Association offers the General Mentoring Programme, where a growing community of members actively connects, shares experiences, and supports each other’s professional journey. Join here to be part of the programme and stay informed about future opportunities.
Around the World Webinar Series – Back in 2025!
We’re pleased to relaunch our Around the World Webinar Series, which brings together members and experts to discuss pressing global research topics. The last session, organised by the MCAA Communication Working Group, took place on 27 June and focused on the future of health research in the EU. Don’t miss the opportunity to follow this initiative in the future!
Message from the Board - June 2025
Recent Engagements and Representations
MEDNIGHT Gala – Celebrating Gender Equality and Mediterranean Science
On 14 March, in Brussels, Vice-Chair Joaquín Capablo and Board Member Virginia H. Albarracín had the honour of representing the MCAA at the MEDNIGHT Gala, a powerful celebration of Mediterranean research, women in science, and institutional gender equality efforts. The event featured inspirational contributions from figures such as European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, member of the European Parliament Lina Gálvez Muñoz, and from the European Women Rectors Association Gülsün Sağlamer, alongside representatives from Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). During the Gala, awards were presented to outstanding women scientists and universities that lead diversity and inclusion programmes.
Horizon Europe Showcase
Secretary Maria Magdalena Razalan represented MCAA at the UK Research Office Horizon Europe Showcase in London on 18 March, celebrating the first year of the association, bringing visibility to Marie Curie alumni, and reinforcing our commitment to thriving European research collaborations.
Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) Annual Conference
On 15–17 May, the MCAA participated in the EMA Annual Conference and General Assembly in Paris, which gathered participants from over 40 countries. Our Treasurer, Pablo Bazilinskyy, contributed to key discussions on the evolving role of education, technology, and community in shaping international researcher development and collaboration.
Board Meeting in Helsinki & Launch of the Finland Chapter
On 7–8 June, the MCAA Board met in Helsinki, Finland, for a hybrid meeting focused on shaping the long-term planning and overall strategy of the Association. A major milestone during this visit was the official launch of the MCAA Finland Chapter, which brings new energy and vision to our growing global network. We thank all local members who participated and express our sincere appreciation to Success Clinic for hosting us.
SAM Conference on Science for Policy
On 26–27 May, the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna hosted the 2025 edition of the Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) conference, titled Building bridges: Shaping Europe’s science-for-policy landscape. Our Executive Director Mostafa Moonir Shawrav engaged early-career researchers in science policy and moderated a roundtable on EU science diplomacy.
These activities illustrate our continued efforts to support researchers in motion, amplify their voices, and strengthen the connections between science and society. We encourage all members to get involved, whether by sharing your story, attending an event, or initiating a new idea, and help us shape a more inclusive, resilient research ecosystem.
Thank you for being an essential part of the MCAA.
Warm regards,
Virginia Helena Albarracín
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virginia.albarracin@mariecuriealumni.eu
Message from the Board - June 2025