New Chair of the MCAA Ireland Chapter - nice to meet you!
Dear Ireland Chapter members,
My name is Irene Castellano, and I am the new Chair of the MCAA Ireland Chapter. First, I would like to thank Susan Kathleen Fetics and Barry Hayes for running the MCAA Irish Chapter during the last few years, and going through the COVID19 pandemic, which was not an easy task.
I would also like to introduce myself and my plans for the MCAA Ireland Chapter. Originally from Spain, I have been living in Ireland for 4 years. During this time, I worked first as a postdoctoral researcher, and then moved into research funding management. I am currently working as a Scientific Project Officer in a funding agency for STEM research in Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland. Earlier in my career I was a Marie Curie early-stage researcher. This allowed me to do research in biomedical science in different countries and settings including industry and academia. I hope to be able to share my knowledge of the European and Irish research and innovation landscape, as well as my experience in academia and industry, with other Marie Curie alumni living in Ireland. My main goals for the next 2 years are:
· Organise networking activities and increase connections between members
· Support MCAA members in their career development – inside and outside academia
· Increase the profile of the MCAA in Ireland.
I am also an active member the MCAA Research Funding working group and Science Diplomacy taskforce which will allow me to connect the MCAA Ireland chapter with other chapters and working groups of the association. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, or you would like to be involved in organising activities, please contact me. I hope the MCAA Ireland chapter becomes a useful space for members to develop their full potential and support one another.
I will contact you soon with more information on the possibility of joining the Chapter Working Committee. If you are interested in joining, stay alert.
Looking forward to meeting you all soon!
Irene
