The Marie Curie Alumni Association — A community you want to belong to

by Eliška Koňaříková

I joined the editorial team of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) Newsletter about a year and a half ago and last year, I was listening to the MCAA Annual Conference (AC) in 2023 online. I liked the sessions, they were interesting and professional, and I found the topics very informative and important to discuss. Therefore, I decided to visit the AC 2024 in Milan in person. My family situation finally allowed it, and I even got the travel Micro Grant (thanks a bunch!).

Attending the AC in-person was an experience from another universe! Not only I could finally meet the Newsletter editorial board in 3D after all the time. But also, I finally met people representing MCAA Chapters from various corners of the world, with whom, so far, we had been only exchanging emails with. Now, I know the people behind the screens!

And that was only the start. The very first day (Day 0) was filled with Satellite events. In the afternoon, I joined The future of the MSCA in FP10. This session made a great impression on me. We — as the MSCA Alumni or Fellows — were asked by the representatives of the European Commission about our experience with their grant schemes, our reflections, or suggestions for the future. There, I felt to be an important part of a great community, our views and opinions mattered, and we were listened to. I know that no one can magically change everything and fulfil all your dreams, but valid arguments were said and may shape this flagship programme.

Plenary session: Shaping the future of European R&I (Credit: Eliška Koňaříková)

After that, the official Day 1 started with plenary speeches during the Shaping the future of European R&I session, and I again felt to be part of an important community. I felt to be where the future of science is happening right now. And also, where all the relevant players want to be. Needless to say, for several years I have been very much interested in science policy, evaluation of science and more and more in science communication. To an extent that I left an active researcher’s life (for now) and “ I help others to do science.”

You know you are at a conference in Italy, when coffee looks like this — exceptionally good. (Credit: Eliška Koňaříková)

This day was long, but fun. I spent the whole day talking to outstanding people, listening to excellent talks, sharing life experiences going behind the standard scientific careers. I was indeed enjoying my presence there in Milan and wanted to take the best away with me back to Prague.

One of the rooms filled with extraordinarily active volunteers, who are the hands and hearts of the MCAA. (Credit: Eliška Koňaříková)

I encountered yet another very emotional moment during the offered Gala Dinner remembering what one of my friends had mentioned some time ago. Praising me and my volunteering habits , he said that a very small percentage of people are deeply active in volunteering in any possible way and are typically altruistic. And here I was now, in a room full of those people. For a short moment I was just watching the gathering and enjoying the fact that the world can be a nice place full of nice people. And that, what such communities are good for. You fit in and you can find your peers.

Last day (Day 2) summed up the previous years by the Reflections on the past 10 years. What the MCAA community has done and what it can offer in the future. The AC was closed by the General Assembly and choosing the next Board by our active participation in voting. I was already overwhelmed by socializing and ready to go home.

MCAA members are not only great and active people, but also fun to hang with. (Credit: Eliška Koňaříková)

After these few days I was completely wasted. However, it was worth it, I must add! And now I am thinking about hosting the Annual Conference in Prague someday, where I work. See you in my town. For the AC or not, who knows…

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