On May 29th, ERA-Shuttle partners convened at the University of Malta for an Info Session showcasing secondment opportunities and potential future opportunities of collaborations among the Partners of the ERA-Shuttle project. This article provides the meeting recording and interviews with the organizers—Elena Sultana (University of Malta) and Angela Zennaro (CERIC-ERIC)—offering valuable insights for those interested in these opportunities, especially now that the Secondment Call has reopened.
The hybrid-format session featured presentations on secondments opportunities, other future collaboration opportunities, alongside testimonials from current secondees, including Dr. Knez from the University of Split and Dr. Sultana herself. Beyond her organizational role in ERA-Shuttle, Dr. Sultana completed a three-month secondment at the Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium (CERIC-ERIC). “A fantastic experience“ she said in an interview about her work period there.
In a questionnaire interview which will be published soon, Elena Sultana described that “If I had to give advice to prospective secondees, I would say this: don’t forget that it’s a two-way street—50% you learn, 50% you share what you know,” she emphasized, while Angela Zennaro from CERIC-ERIC commented: “ERA-Shuttle focuses on knowledge transfer to partners from Widening Countries. Having dedicated my career to Open Innovation, this is precisely the kind of project I want to be involved in.”
Partner Organisations Leading Innovation
The session highlighted three International Networks, Consortia, and Associations participating in the project: Steinbeis, CERIC, and ASTP. These organizations, rooted in leading European countries with strong research and industrial connections, offer excellent opportunities for career development and R&I advancement across the European Research Area (ERA).
Steinbeis
A key partner bringing expertise in technology transfer and knowledge valorization, Steinbeis supports the project’s cross-sectoral collaboration and talent circulation objectives.
CERIC
As a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), CERIC integrates and provides open access to Europe’s most advanced analytical facilities. The organization advances science and industry across materials, biomaterials, and nanotechnology fields.
Marina from Ceric presentation
Angela from Ceric presentation
ASTP
ASTP contributes science and technology transfer expertise, supporting cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge valorization objectives.
Customized Exchange Opportunities
Each organization provides access to their departments while developing tailored exchange and collaboration opportunities for researchers and staff members from the Universities of Malta, Split, and Gdańsk. The ERA-Shuttle initiative advances R&I also in a broader sense, offering all partners the opportunity to explore additional forms of collaboration, such as partnerships on new calls for proposals or joint projects. The purpose of this Info Session was to clarify in which areas these forms of cooperation are welcome.