European Chapter Award: MCAA France Chapter via Giulia Rizzo and Alberto Gregori
From individual breakthroughs to collective milestones, the MCAA Awards celebrate the brilliance of our members and the strength of our communities. As per tradition, the MCAA Awards ceremony took place during the Gala Dinner as part of the MCAA Annual Conference 2026 in Brussels. The MCAA European Chapter Award 2025 was given to the MCAA France Chapter, chaired by Giulia Rizzo and vice-chaired by Alberto Gregori.
Share the journey that led your Chapter to the Award
Our paths to this Award are different, yet deeply intertwined through the MSCA experience. Giulia Rizzo, an Italian researcher specialising in medical implantable devices, joined an MSCA-funded doctoral project in Paris and the MCAA in 2017, becoming Chair of the France Chapter in 2023. Alberto Gregori's journey began with two FP7-ITN MSCA projects as a PhD researcher and postdoc, working on functional materials for thin film technologies, before moving to the interface of academic and industrial research, while also joining the Chapter leadership.
Together, we have worked to make the France Chapter a dynamic and inclusive community for MSCA researchers based in France. Our shared commitment has been to strengthen synergies between researchers, local institutions, and key stakeholders, while supporting career development across all stages. Receiving this Award is incredibly meaningful; it validates not only our personal journeys but the collective energy of every member who has contributed to the Chapter. It feels like a recognition of what we can achieve when researchers come together with a common purpose.
What are your future goals?
Our goal is to keep building the France Chapter as a strong, welcoming, and impactful community for MSCA researchers at all career stages. We want to deepen ties between academia and industry, expand our network of local partners, and create more opportunities for visibility and collaboration.
