September 18-19, 2025
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Presidency Conference 2025 is organized by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in collaboration with the Danish Ministry for Higher Education and Science with the support of the European Commission and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Lyngby, Denmark
Europe has a long-standing tradition of scientific excellence and is home to some of the world’s brightest minds. To stay at the forefront of research and innovation, European universities must continue to attract and retain top talent.
On 18-19 September, the MSCA Presidency Conference 2025, held at the Technical University of Denmark, gathered 260 people onsite and more than 150 people online to explore how universities can remain magnets for excellence by focusing on the human-centred aspects of academic careers and leadership.
The conference brought together early-career researchers, policymakers, university leaders, foundations, and a few industry representatives. The purpose-driven university, diversity, workplace culture, and intersectoral mobility were discussed based on excellent presentations by the conference speakers.
You will find the conference legacy material, including a short conference report and recordings of the conference sessions below.
The conference was held under the auspices of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The conference fostered discussions on topics such as the purpose-driven university, working culture, diversity, well-being, academic talent programmes, international initiatives like CoARA, the supervisor role, and intersectional mobility.
To preserve and extend the impact of the conference, we provide a range of conference materials here, including a short post-conference report summarizing the main discussions, conclusions, and recommendations for future MSCA programmes.
Making these materials available ensures that key insights, discussions, and outcomes remain accessible to participants and the wider community, fostering continued discussions and collaboration beyond the event itself.
In the programme you will find the recording for each session, so you can watch exactly the session(s) of your interest. Please note that Parallel sessions 1 and 3 were not recorded, but in the vox pop you will find interviews with all three parallel session moderators.
10 impact videos, showcasing MSCA projects at the Danish universities.
During the conference video-journalists interviewed conference participants. These interviews are presented in 4 themes + the 3 parallel sessions.
Lykke Friis, Director, Moderator.dk
Lykke Friis is Director of Think Tank EUROPA. She holds a master’s degree in European Studies and a PhD in Political Science. She is a former Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Gender Equality, as well as former Prorector of the University of Copenhagen. In 2007, she was appointed by EU heads of state and government as a "wise person" in the EU Reflection Group. She is a recognised EU expert and has published several books on Europe.
Motivation and purpose, general working-life in research.
By President of DTU Anders O. Bjarklev, DTU – Technical University of Denmark (DK)
Professor and dr. techn Anders O. Bjarklev has served as President of DTU since 2011. Prior to this, he was DTU’s Provost and Executive Vice President, following his position as Head of Department at DTU Fotonik. He has a distinguished academic track record, with more than 150 scientific articles published in international journals.
He was a member of the high-level expert group behind the Heitor Report (Align, Act, Accelerate, Oct. 2024), which offers recommendations to strengthen EU research and innovation, including maintaining the independence of the MSCA programme and increasing its funding.
Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva is Director for Innovation, Digital Education and International Cooperation. She is responsible for the MSCA, the EIT, and the EU Digital Education Action Plan. Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva joined the EC in 2008 and has worked across various Commission services on a wide range of topics. She is a graduate in political science from Sofia University (BG), with qualifications in European studies from Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung (DE), and Sussex University (UK).
Debbie Haski-Leventhal is a Professor of Management at Macquarie Business School, (AUS). She is an expert on corporate social responsibility, purpose, and impact. She is a TED speaker and a public speaker on purpose and social responsibility. She has published over 60 academic papers and five books, including The Purpose-Driven University and Make it Meaningful. Her work has often been covered by the media, such as The New York Times.
Farah Islam, MCAA Board Member
Debbie Haski-Leventhal is a Professor of Management at Macquarie Business School, (AUS). She is an expert on corporate social responsibility, purpose, and impact. She is a TED speaker and a public speaker on purpose and social responsibility. She has published over 60 academic papers and five books, including The Purpose-Driven University and Make it Meaningful. Her work has often been covered by the media, such as The New York Times.
Director Emmanuelle Gardan, Coimbra Group Brussels Office
Emmanuelle Gardan has been active in the European Research Area as a co-sponsor of the policy action on research careers. She has over 20 years’ experience in international academic, and university-business cooperation, including researchers’ intersectoral mobility. She has worked at the Union for the Mediterranean and the French Erasmus+ National Agency. She holds a master’s degree in European Studies.
Dr. Victoria Hurth, Independent Pracademic and Fellow, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Dr. Victoria Hurth is an independent pracademic. She previously served as an Associate Professor of Sustainable Business and Marketing, has advised the UN on SDG 12.6.1, led/leads standards on Governance of Organisations (ISO37000) and Purpose-Driven Organisations (ISO37011 / PAS808) and will soon publish Beyond Profit: Purpose-Driven Leadership for a Wellbeing Economy.
Kristin Kraav, MSCA NCP (EE)
3-minute short pitches by 6 early career researchers and alumni. Showcasing their scientific breakthroughs.
Parallel session 1
This session will investigate how a broader view on research quality and impact may affect ECRs and may contribute to increased diversity in research. The discussion will cover how the CoARA agenda of diverse outputs, practices, and activities will impact the career paths and working-life of ECRs and how research funders and universities may contribute to the CoARA framework.
Head of Programme Anders Smith, Villum Fonden
Anders Smith is Head of Programme at Villum Fonden. He previously worked for Risø National Laboratory and Technical University of Denmark in a variety of roles related to research, innovation, communication and research administration. He has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Copenhagen.
Head of Sector Audrey Arfi, Research Executive Agency, European Commission
After a career in research, Audrey moved to the European Commission in 2009, working in research and policy programme management for Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions in DG Research and Innovation, DG Education and Culture before joining the European Research Executive Agency (REA) in January 2012 - Doctoral Network unit. Audrey holds a PhD in Biotechnological Therapeutics from Paris VII University.
Professor David Budtz Pedersen, Aalborg University
David Budtz Pedersen is a Professor of Science Communication at the Dept. of Communication and Psychology, Aalborg University (DK). His research focuses on the management, communication, and impact of science and technology. He is an adviser to the European Commission, the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, and a member of the Norwegian Research Council. He is Chair of the Danish EU Presidency Conference, “Reforming Research Assessment”.
General Board member Linnéa Carlsson, Eurodoc
Linnéa Carlsson advocates for sustainable career paths, transferable skills, and responsible research assessment. She is a postdoc at University West (SE) with a PhD in Information Systems. Her research focuses on digital humanism, digital transformation, and Work-Integrated Learning.
Policy officer Tereza Szybisty, MCAA
Tereza Szybisty contributes to policy advocacy for early-career researchers. She is passionate about advancing Open Science, research integrity, and responsible research assessment. She holds a PhD degree.
Executive director Mostafa Moonir Shawrav, MCAA
Mostafa Moonir Shawrav is an expert in research, innovation and policy with over 15 years of experience, focusing on sustainable research careers, researcher mobility, science diplomacy, and research assessment.
Stine Work Brodersen, CoARA Officer, DTU - Technical University of Denmark
Parallel session 2
This session will dive into talent programmes and support measures for early career researchers (ECR). Do these measures have an impact on attracting and retaining talent? How are they important for ECRs? The session will share some best practices among institutions and include ECRs recommendations for future programmes.
Associate professor Alexander Bagger, DTU - Technical University of Denmark
Now an associate professor at the Department of Physics, DTU, Alexander Bagger received his PhD in Theoretical Electrochemistry from the University of Copenhagen in 2019. After a short period at IBM, he was awarded a Carlsberg Foundation Fellowships Grant for a research stay at Imperial College London. At DTU he has received the Novo Nordisk foundation Start Package Grant and the DFF Sapere Aude Research Leader grant establishing his own research group at DTU.
Head of Research Careers Campus Johanna Stadlbauer, University of Graz
As Head of Research Careers Campus at the University of Graz, (AT) Johanna Stadlbauer supports researchers at all career stages to embrace opportunities. She is an anthropologist with a love for community building and fostering researcher wellbeing, e.g., through events like Fiasco Fest or PostDoc Writing Retreats. She likes to spark discussions on research culture and academic kindness, e.g., via the “PostDoc Office“ LinkedIn page.
Policy Advisor Judith Litjens, COST Association
Judith Litjens is responsible for the COST Cross-Cutting Activity network on career development for ECRs. She coordinates COST activities on science informed policy advice and gender equality. Previously she has worked on gender equality policy at the European Commission (DG Justice and Consumers), as European Advisor at the UK Research Office in Brussels, and as Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh.
Associate professor Julie Laursen, University of Copenhagen
Julie Lauersen has been trained in the UCPH talent programme UCPH Forward. She is now Associate professor in Criminology at the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen. She has conducted empirical research in Danish, Norwegian and English prisons for more than a decade. Julie has received grants from the EU and the Carlsberg Foundation (2021-2024), and a Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader grant (2025-2029).
Visiting lecturer Norbert Bencze, Eötvös Loránd University
Norbert Bencze is a General Board Member of Eurodoc. He is responsible for the international Ambassador System at the Association of Hungarian PhD and DLA Candidates (DOSZ). He completed his PhD in Applied Linguistics with a focus on educational development. He is involved in policy-making processes and committed to the development of international communities and to equitable opportunities in academia.
Head of Data Science Ornela Bardhi, Success Clinic Oy
Ornela Bardhi, PhD, is a Marie Curie alumna with global experience in AI for health. She has advised Albania’s Health Minister, co-founded two startups. She serves on the MCAA Board, promoting EU research and innovation.
Head of Research and Libraries Dario Pellizzon, University Ca’ Foscari di Venezia
Dario Pellizzon has extensive experience in research management, in the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), and in the design and implementation of initiatives that support researchers’ career development.
Eugenia Shadlova, MSCA NCP France
Parallel session 3
Policy officer Anouk Lafortune, MSCA Unit, European Commission
Anouk Lafortune works in the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture at the European Commission. She works on the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship action, and on horizontal topics for the programme, including academia-business cooperation, research assessment and the end-of-fellowships surveys. She holds a doctoral degree in social sciences from Durham University (UK).
Acting Pro-rector Bjørn Thomassen, Roskilde University
Bjørn Thomassen is Professor of Global Political Sociology and acting Pro-Rector at Roskilde University, responsible for research and innovation. Former member of the Danish and European Research Councils. Currently PI of a research project funded by Velux, “Global Catholicism in a Danish & Transnational Context”.
Head of Research Christian Kjær Monsson, Danish Industry
Christian Kjær Monsson is responsible for the development and communication of research policy at Danish Industry. He holds a Ph.D. in social science and has worked with research and innovation policy for more than a decade.
Global Trial Manager Julia Chiossi, Novo Nordisk
Julia Chiossi is an MSCA alumni from the Horizon 2020 ITN project Comm4Child, with an industrial placement at Oticon A/S, (DK). Since completing a PhD at the University of Oslo (NO), she has been working as a Global Trial Manager at Novo Nordisk A/S (DK). Julia chairs the MCAA Denmark Chapter.
Dean Tanya Bondarouk, University of Twente / CESAER
Prof. Tanya Bondarouk is a researcher and leader in Human Resource Management and institutional change, with recognized expertise in electronic HRM and cross-sector collaboration. As Dean and Recognition and Rewards lead at the University of Twente (NL), she champions inclusive assessment, talent development, and innovative partnerships in academia. Her work bridges academia, industry, and public organizations to drive meaningful impact and support the next generation of research leaders.
Talent & Community Manager Anna Broeders, Linköping Science Park
Anna Broeders works with strategic talent supply and leads Switch to Sweden (SE) - an initiative connecting international academic talent, including MSCA fellows, with Swedish companies to strengthen national competence.
Felix Beckendorf, MSCA NCP Germany
By Policy Officer Senem Sanal Erginel, MSCA Unit, European Commission
Senem Sanal Erginel is a Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC), She coordinates the unit's cooperation with the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and deals with key policy areas such as supervision, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within MSCA. She has also worked in the DG for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). She holds a PhD.
Professor Christine Ipsen, DTU - Technical University of Denmark
Christine Ipsen is Professor of Technology Implementation, and head of the Strategy and Leadership Development section at DTU Engineering Technology. Her studies focus on sustainable management of work and the prevention of work-related stress in knowledge work. She is affiliated with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, USA, and a research fellow at Nottingham Trent University, UK.
Physician Karl Kilbo Edlund, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Karl Kilbo Edlund holds a PhD in environmental epidemiology, having defended his thesis in May 2025. Currently, he works as a physician and early-career researcher at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, (SE). He is a general board member of the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc).
Dr. Mirjam Godskesen, Independent researcher & Consultant
Mirjam Godskesen, PhD, is an independent consultant and part-time lecturer at Aalborg University (DK). Founder of UNWIND, she leads a team coaching PhD students at several Danish universities, delivers 20+ doctoral supervisor workshops annually across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and runs writing bootcamps for PhD students.
Ana Paula Mendonça, PhD, University of Padova
3-minute short pitches by 6 early career researchers and alumni. Showcasing their scientific breakthroughs.
Diversity and inclusion in academia.
By Dean of Sustainability, Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Development, Camilla Rygaard-Hjalsted, DTU – Technical University of Denmark
At DTU, Camilla Rygaard-Hjalsted is responsible for the University’s extensive research and education work to create sustainable change. Before joining DTU, she served as CEO of Digital Hub Denmark, where she worked to promote diversity, inclusion, and talent in the tech sector.
By Dr. Marcela Linková, Czech Academy of Science
Dr. Marcela Linková is Head of the Centre for Gender and Science at the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Member State Co-Chair of the ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality. She works on gender equality, institutional change, and gender-based violence in R&I.
By Policy Officer Senem Sanal Erginel, MSCA Unit, European Commission
Senem Sanal Erginel is a Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC), She coordinates the unit's cooperation with the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and deals with key policy areas such as supervision, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within MSCA. She has also worked in the DG for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). She holds a PhD.
By Dr. Irene Castellano, MCAA
Irene is a Board Member of the MCAA. Previously, she was chair of the MCAA Ireland Chapter and led the Science Diplomacy Task Force in MCAA. Irene is a biomedical researcher with experience working in different countries and settings including academia, industry, and the public sector. She has worked in research funding and policy since 2020, including topics such as open access, narrative CVs and the sex and gender dimension in research. Currently, she is the Contact NCP for the Horizon Europe Health Cluster at the Health Research Board in Dublin.
Marta Muter, MSCA NCP Poland
3-minute short pitches by 5 early career researchers and alumni. Showcasing their scientific breakthroughs.
Dean of Sustainability, Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Development, Camilla Rygaard-Hjalsted, DTU – Technical University of Denmark
At DTU, Camilla Rygaard-Hjalsted is responsible for the University’s extensive research and education work to create sustainable change. Before joining DTU, she served as CEO of Digital Hub Denmark, where she worked to promote diversity, inclusion, and talent in the tech sector
Dr. Marcela Linková, Czech Academy of Science
Dr. Marcela Linková is Head of the Centre for Gender and Science at the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Member State Co-Chair of the ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality. She works on gender equality, institutional change, and gender-based violence in R&I.
Looking forward - recommendations for the MSCA Programme in light of conference key themes.
Head of MSCA Unit, Claire Morel, European Commission
Claire Morel oversees the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) for the skills, career development and mobility of researchers. Before that she was the Head of the Unit for international cooperation at DG Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission, with particular focus on the international dimension of the Erasmus+ programme and international policy dialogues in higher education and youth with various partners of the EU in the world.
Chair Gian Maria Greco, MCAA
Gian Maria Greco is Chair of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA). He also serves as Co-Chair of the CoARA Working Group on Multilingualism and Language Bias and is a member of the ISE Working Group on Horizon Europe and the COST Cross-Cutting Activity on Career Development for Young Researchers. His expertise spans several areas, including translation, accessibility, human rights, diversity, inclusion, and computing and information technologies. He holds a PhD in Translation Studies from the University of Roehampton and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Salento.
Dean Tanya Bondarouk, University of Twente / CESAER
Prof. Tanya Bondarouk is a researcher and leader in Human Resource Management and institutional change, with recognized expertise in electronic HRM and cross-sector collaboration. As Dean and Recognition and Rewards lead at the University of Twente (NL), she champions inclusive assessment, talent development, and innovative partnerships in academia. Her work bridges academia, industry, and public organizations to drive meaningful impact and support the next generation of research leaders.
Danish MSCA NCP, To be announced
Deputy Director-General for Research and Research-based Innovation Annemarie Falktoft, Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education
Annemarie Falktoft assumed the position of Deputy DG at the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science in 2022, following a career at the Ministry of Higher Education and Science since 2008, where she served as Head of Department for Science and Innovation from 2018.She holds a master’s degree in European Literature from the University of Cambridge and in literature from the University of Copenhagen.
Provost of DTU Christine Nellemann, DTU – Technical University of Denmark
Cand.scient, Ph.D., eMBA Christine Nellemann has served as Provost of DTU since February 2025. Prior to this, she was Dean of Sustainability and International Collaborations at DTU, and Director of the DTU National Food Institute. She is Chair of The Danish Council on Ethics and a former member of the Danish Council for Research and Innovation Policy.
Danish NCP
Associate professor Alexander Bagger, DTU - Technical University of Denmark
Now an associate professor at the Department of Physics, DTU, Alexander Bagger received his PhD in Theoretical Electrochemistry from the University of Copenhagen in 2019. After a short period at IBM, he was awarded a Carlsberg Foundation Fellowships Grant for a research stay at Imperial College London. At DTU he has received the Novo Nordisk foundation Start Package Grant and the DFF Sapere Aude Research Leader grant establishing his own research group at DTU.
President of DTU Anders O. Bjarklev, DTU – Technical University of Denmark (DK)
Professor and dr. techn Anders O. Bjarklev has served as President of DTU since 2011. Prior to this, he was DTU’s Provost and Executive Vice President, following his position as Head of Department at DTU Fotonik. He has a distinguished academic track record, with more than 150 scientific articles published in international journals.
He was a member of the high-level expert group behind the Heitor Report (Align, Act, Accelerate, Oct. 2024), which offers recommendations to strengthen EU research and innovation, including maintaining the independence of the MSCA programme and increasing its funding.
Head of Programme Anders Smith, Villum Fonden
Anders Smith is Head of Programme at Villum Fonden. He previously worked for Risø National Laboratory and Technical University of Denmark in a variety of roles related to research, innovation, communication and research administration. He has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Copenhagen.
Talent & Community Manager Anna Broeders, Linköping Science Park
Anna Broeders works with strategic talent supply and leads Switch to Sweden (SE) - an initiative connecting international academic talent, including MSCA fellows, with Swedish companies to strengthen national competence.
Deputy Director-General for Research and Research-based Innovation Annemarie Falktoft, Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education
Annemarie Falktoft assumed the position of Deputy DG at the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science in 2022, following a career at the Ministry of Higher Education and Science since 2008, where she served as Head of Department for Science and Innovation from 2018.She holds a master’s degree in European Literature from the University of Cambridge and in literature from the University of Copenhagen.
Policy officer Anouk Lafortune, MSCA Unit, European Commission
Anouk Lafortune works in the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture at the European Commission. She works on the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship action, and on horizontal topics for the programme, including academia-business cooperation, research assessment and the end-of-fellowships surveys. She holds a doctoral degree in social sciences from Durham University (UK).
Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva is Director for Innovation, Digital Education and International Cooperation. She is responsible for the MSCA, the EIT, and the EU Digital Education Action Plan. Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva joined the EC in 2008 and has worked across various Commission services on a wide range of topics. She is a graduate in political science from Sofia University (BG), with qualifications in European studies from Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung (DE), and Sussex University (UK).
Head of Sector Audrey Arfi, Research Executive Agency, European Commission
After a career in research, Audrey moved to the European Commission in 2009, working in research and policy programme management for Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions in DG Research and Innovation, DG Education and Culture before joining the European Research Executive Agency (REA) in January 2012 - Doctoral Network unit. Audrey holds a PhD in Biotechnological Therapeutics from Paris VII University.
Acting Pro-rector Bjørn Thomassen, Roskilde University
Bjørn Thomassen is Professor of Global Political Sociology and acting Pro-Rector at Roskilde University, responsible for research and innovation. Former member of the Danish and European Research Councils. Currently PI of a research project funded by Velux, “Global Catholicism in a Danish & Transnational Context”.
Dean of Sustainability, Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Development, Camilla Rygaard-Hjalsted, DTU – Technical University of Denmark
At DTU, Camilla Rygaard-Hjalsted is responsible for the University’s extensive research and education work to create sustainable change. Before joining DTU, she served as CEO of Digital Hub Denmark, where she worked to promote diversity, inclusion, and talent in the tech sector
Head of Research Christian Kjær Monsson, Danish Industry
Christian Kjær Monsson is responsible for the development and communication of research policy at Danish Industry. He holds a Ph.D. in social science and has worked with research and innovation policy for more than a decade.
Professor Christine Ipsen, DTU - Technical University of Denmark
Christine Ipsen is Professor of Technology Implementation, and head of the Strategy and Leadership Development section at DTU Engineering Technology. Her studies focus on sustainable management of work and the prevention of work-related stress in knowledge work. She is affiliated with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, USA, and a research fellow at Nottingham Trent University, UK.
Provost of DTU Christine Nellemann, DTU – Technical University of Denmark
Cand.scient, Ph.D., eMBA Christine Nellemann has served as Provost of DTU since February 2025. Prior to this, she was Dean of Sustainability and International Collaborations at DTU, and Director of the DTU National Food Institute. She is Chair of The Danish Council on Ethics and a former member of the Danish Council for Research and Innovation Policy.
Head of MSCA Unit, Claire Morel, European Commission
Claire Morel oversees the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) for the skills, career development and mobility of researchers. Before that she was the Head of the Unit for international cooperation at DG Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission, with particular focus on the international dimension of the Erasmus+ programme and international policy dialogues in higher education and youth with various partners of the EU in the world.
Head of Research and Libraries Dario Pellizzon, University Ca’ Foscari di Venezia
Dario Pellizzon has extensive experience in research management, in the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), and in the design and implementation of initiatives that support researchers’ career development.
Debbie Haski-Leventhal is a Professor of Management at Macquarie Business School, (AUS). She is an expert on corporate social responsibility, purpose, and impact. She is a TED speaker and a public speaker on purpose and social responsibility. She has published over 60 academic papers and five books, including The Purpose-Driven University and Make it Meaningful. Her work has often been covered by the media, such as The New York Times.
Director Emmanuelle Gardan, Coimbra Group Brussels Office
Emmanuelle Gardan has been active in the European Research Area as a co-sponsor of the policy action on research careers. She has over 20 years’ experience in international academic, and university-business cooperation, including researchers’ intersectoral mobility. She has worked at the Union for the Mediterranean and the French Erasmus+ National Agency. She holds a master’s degree in European Studies.
Chair Gian Maria Greco, MCAA
Gian Maria Greco is Chair of the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA). He also serves as Co-Chair of the CoARA Working Group on Multilingualism and Language Bias and is a member of the ISE Working Group on Horizon Europe and the COST Cross-Cutting Activity on Career Development for Young Researchers. His expertise spans several areas, including translation, accessibility, human rights, diversity, inclusion, and computing and information technologies. He holds a PhD in Translation Studies from the University of Roehampton and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Salento.
Dr. Irene Castellano, MCAA
Irene is a Board Member of the MCAA. Previously, she was chair of the MCAA Ireland Chapter and led the Science Diplomacy Task Force in MCAA. Irene is a biomedical researcher with experience working in different countries and settings including academia, industry, and the public sector. She has worked in research funding and policy since 2020, including topics such as open access, narrative CVs and the sex and gender dimension in research. Currently, she is the Contact NCP for the Horizon Europe Health Cluster at the Health Research Board in Dublin.
Head of Research Careers Campus Johanna Stadlbauer, University of Graz
As Head of Research Careers Campus at the University of Graz, (AT) Johanna Stadlbauer supports researchers at all career stages to embrace opportunities. She is an anthropologist with a love for community building and fostering researcher wellbeing, e.g., through events like Fiasco Fest or PostDoc Writing Retreats. She likes to spark discussions on research culture and academic kindness, e.g., via the “PostDoc Office“ LinkedIn page.
Policy Advisor Judith Litjens, COST Association
Judith Litjens is responsible for the COST Cross-Cutting Activity network on career development for ECRs. She coordinates COST activities on science informed policy advice and gender equality. Previously she has worked on gender equality policy at the European Commission (DG Justice and Consumers), as European Advisor at the UK Research Office in Brussels, and as Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh.
Global Trial Manager Julia Chiossi, Novo Nordisk
Julia Chiossi is an MSCA alumni from the Horizon 2020 ITN project Comm4Child, with an industrial placement at Oticon A/S, (DK). Since completing a PhD at the University of Oslo (NO), she has been working as a Global Trial Manager at Novo Nordisk A/S (DK). Julia chairs the MCAA Denmark Chapter.
Associate professor Julie Laursen, University of Copenhagen
Julie Lauersen has been trained in the UCPH talent programme UCPH Forward. She is now Associate professor in Criminology at the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen. She has conducted empirical research in Danish, Norwegian and English prisons for more than a decade. Julie has received grants from the EU and the Carlsberg Foundation (2021-2024), and a Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader grant (2025-2029).
Physician Karl Kilbo Edlund, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Karl Kilbo Edlund holds a PhD in environmental epidemiology, having defended his thesis in May 2025. Currently, he works as a physician and early-career researcher at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, (SE). He is a general board member of the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc).
General Board member Linnéa Carlsson, Eurodoc
Linnéa Carlsson advocates for sustainable career paths, transferable skills, and responsible research assessment. She is a postdoc at University West (SE) with a PhD in Information Systems. Her research focuses on digital humanism, digital transformation, and Work-Integrated Learning.
Lykke Friis, Director, Moderator.dk
Lykke Friis is Director of Think Tank EUROPA. She holds a master’s degree in European Studies and a PhD in Political Science. She is a former Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Gender Equality, as well as former Prorector of the University of Copenhagen. In 2007, she was appointed by EU heads of state and government as a "wise person" in the EU Reflection Group. She is a recognised EU expert and has published several books on Europe.
By Dr. Marcela Linková, Czech Academy of Science
Dr. Marcela Linková is Head of the Centre for Gender and Science at the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Member State Co-Chair of the ERA Forum Sub-group on Inclusive Gender Equality. She works on gender equality, institutional change, and gender-based violence in R&I.
Dr. Mirjam Godskesen, Independent researcher & Consultant
Mirjam Godskesen, PhD, is an independent consultant and part-time lecturer at Aalborg University (DK). Founder of UNWIND, she leads a team coaching PhD students at several Danish universities, delivers 20+ doctoral supervisor workshops annually across Europe, Africa, and Asia, and runs writing bootcamps for PhD students.
Executive director Mostafa Moonir Shawrav, MCAA
Mostafa Moonir Shawrav is an expert in research, innovation and policy with over 15 years of experience, focusing on sustainable research careers, researcher mobility, science diplomacy, and research assessment.
Visiting lecturer Norbert Bencze, Eötvös Loránd University
Norbert Bencze is a General Board Member of Eurodoc. He is responsible for the international Ambassador System at the Association of Hungarian PhD and DLA Candidates (DOSZ). He completed his PhD in Applied Linguistics with a focus on educational development. He is involved in policy-making processes and committed to the development of international communities and to equitable opportunities in academia.
Head of Data Science Ornela Bardhi, Success Clinic Oy
Ornela Bardhi, PhD, is a Marie Curie alumna with global experience in AI for health. She has advised Albania’s Health Minister, co-founded two startups. She serves on the MCAA Board, promoting EU research and innovation.
By Policy Officer Senem Sanal Erginel, MSCA Unit, European Commission
Senem Sanal Erginel is a Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC), She coordinates the unit's cooperation with the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and deals with key policy areas such as supervision, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within MSCA. She has also worked in the DG for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). She holds a PhD.
Dean Tanya Bondarouk, University of Twente / CESAER
Prof. Tanya Bondarouk is a researcher and leader in Human Resource Management and institutional change, with recognized expertise in electronic HRM and cross-sector collaboration. As Dean and Recognition and Rewards lead at the University of Twente (NL), she champions inclusive assessment, talent development, and innovative partnerships in academia. Her work bridges academia, industry, and public organizations to drive meaningful impact and support the next generation of research leaders.
Policy officer Tereza Szybisty, MCAA
Tereza Szybisty contributes to policy advocacy for early-career researchers. She is passionate about advancing Open Science, research integrity, and responsible research assessment. She holds a PhD degree.
Dr. Victoria Hurth, Independent Pracademic and Fellow, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Dr. Victoria Hurth is an independent pracademic. She previously served as an Associate Professor of Sustainable Business and Marketing, has advised the UN on SDG 12.6.1, led/leads standards on Governance of Organisations (ISO37000) and Purpose-Driven Organisations (ISO37011 / PAS808) and will soon publish Beyond Profit: Purpose-Driven Leadership for a Wellbeing Economy.
MSCA PhD Researcher Alissa Roslan, Technological University Dublin
Alissa Roslan has a deep love for learning and igniting ‘eureka’ moments in children. As a second-year PhD candidate at Technological University Dublin, her research focuses on spatial ability and STEM by working together with STEM outreach providers to improve and “spatialise” STEM activities for children.
STEM Education
STEM Education with Spatial Ability
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Vasileios Papadogiannis, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Spain
From Athens to Edinburgh, Oxford, Crete and Barcelona, Vasileios Papadogiannis is a travelling biologist fascinated by how evolution has sculpted our genomes to build the brain’s architecture. His research focuses on ancient genomic elements that turn embryonic genes on and off, aiming to decipher a 3D DNA map that will help us understand the development of our nervous system.
Evolutionary Genomics
the Brain’s Hidden Code
MSCA COFUND programme manager Tasnim Almoulki Yıldız, Technical University
Tasnim Almoulki is a researcher in environmental biotechnology, exploring how microalgae grown in textile wastewater can be used to produce eco-friendly dyes—merging bioremediation and circular economy for sustainable innovation in the textile industry.
Ecological and Environmental Sciences
toxic dyes
MSCA PhD Researcher Quentin Loisel, Glasgow Caledonian University
Quentin Loisel is co-founder and CTO of the social company Health Cascade and coordinator of the MCAA AI Group. Completing his MSCA PhD at Glasgow Caledonian University, he explores how digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can transform participatory systems, collective intelligence, and scientific research.
Transdisciplinary
Human-AI Co-Creation
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Dahiana Mojena Medina, Forschungszentrum Jülich
Dahiana Mojena Medina is a MSCA Fellow at the Institute of Biological Information Processing Bioelectronics (IBI-3), Jülich, in Francesca Santoro’s lab. Her research bridges bioelectronics and tissue engineering to develop hybrid human skin, opening new frontiers in basic research, health monitoring, and regenerative medicine.
Engineering and Technology
Hybrid Skin
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Mohammad Mohammadi, Delft University of Technology
Dr Mohammad Mohammadi is an MSCA Fellow at TU Delft, researching Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) and their social impacts on public life. He developed POPS4public, a digital platform that transforms his research into real-world solutions for creating more accessible and inclusive cities.
Social sciences
Urban Exclusion
MSCA PhD Researcher Evangelia Kyriakidou, University of Bordeaux
Evangelia Kyriakidou is a neuroscience geek at the University of Bordeaux, studying the role of brain macrophages in the regulation of whole-body energy metabolism—because, ultimately, it is the brain that makes the final decision.
Health Care and Medical Sciences
the Fast-Food Trap: The Brain Breaks You Free
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Nicolás Linale, ICFO, Spain
Nicolás Linale is a MSCA postdoctoral researcher from Argentina, based at ICFO in Barcelona. He works on quantum communications and their integration with telecom networks and satellites, aiming towards large-scale deployment. Further, he is currently pursuing an EMBA to connect science and business.
Quantum Technologies
Quantum Security
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Karen de la Vega Hernández, Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
Karen de la Vega-Hernández is a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), working on novel synthetic methodologies to impact drug discovery. She is a former MSCA COFUND Impulsion Fellow, holds a PhD from Sorbonne University, and is a 2025 CAS Future Leader.
Chemistry
Molecular Monotony in Drug Discovery
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Mrudul Chellapurath, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Mrudul Chellapurath is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. He works at the intersection of robotics, biomechanics, and conservation. He develops bioinspired underwater robots by combining engineering with nature’s solutions to explore the ocean and support its conservation.
Ocean exploration and conservation
Impassable Oceans
MSCA PhD Researcher Maria Spinosa, University Rey Juan Carlos
What if yesterday’s waste could fuel tomorrow’s flights? Maria Spinosa is an industrial chemist passionate about circular economy. As a Marie Curie PhD researcher, she develops one-pot catalytic systems that turn fatty acids into jet fuel precursors. She’s on a mission to make aviation part of the solution, not the problem.
Engineering and Technology
Waste to Wings
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Mehrzad Arjmandi, Complutense University of Madrid
Mehrzad Arjmandi is a MSCA Fellow specializing in the molecular modeling and experimental synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks, with a focus on their applications in separation science. Currently, he is developing solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting systems at the Complutense University of Madrid to promote sustainable water technologies.
Ecological and Environmental Sciences
Water Scarcity with Air and Sunlight
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Eric Gaba, Vrije Universiteit Brussels
Eric Gaba is a researcher and social innovator using agricultural waste materials such as pineapple leaf fibre with human-centred design to develop eco-friendly prosthetic solutions. His project promotes waste upcycling, empowers underserved communities, and ensures eco-safe prosthetic production.
Sustainable Material Science and Engineering
Unsustainable Prostheses
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Carola Dolci, Ghent University
Carola Dolice earned her PhD in Psychology-Neuroscience at the University of Verona, focusing on the mechanisms that guide attention and the brain regions involved in this process. In 2025, she began her MSCA-funded project at Ghent University, where she uses various neuroscientific techniques to study how we (effectively or erroneously) learn from past experiences.
Neuroscience
Echoes of Experience
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Dante Abate, ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence, Cyprus
Dr Dante Abate is a researcher at the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence in Cyprus and an MSCA alumnus, specialising in the prevention of illegal archaeological excavations and the trafficking of cultural property through remote sensing, AI, and geospatial analysis.
Forensic Archaeology
Cultural Property crimes with AI
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Maarja Merivoo-Parro, University of Jyväskylä
Dr Maarja Merivoo-Parro is dedicated to exploring the history of mentality at the crossroads of culture and politics. She divides her time between research, teaching, and making documentary films. She is currently working as an MSCA fellow at the University of Jyväskylä.
History
Powerlessness
MSCA Postdoctoral Researcher Francisco José Calero Castro, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
Biomedical engineer with a PhD in tissue engineering and biomaterials from University of Seville. He is a MSCA fellow since 2024 at TERG-RCSI, developing scaffolds mimicking the pancreatic tumour microenvironment for miRNA-based therapy. Author of 9 papers, 3 chapters, and 4 patents in these fields.
Bioengineering
pancreatic tumours
Discover how MSCA has helped shape careers and research. 10 researchers from Danish universities have been selected to share their experiences from current and former MSCA projects. In short videos they share their motivations, research results, and impact and what MSCA has meant for their careers.
The videos was displayed as a video exhibition during the conference.
See the 10 videos below.
During the conference lunch breaks, we asked conference participants to share their thoughts on various conference topics through a video recorded vox pop. A chance to have their voice heard and contribute to the conversation.
Our 4 video journalists, were:
Assistant Professor, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
EuroTechPostdoc2 - International Postdoc Academy in Science and Technology
ScarSense - Sensing free radicals in the scarred hearts
Postdoc, Roskilde University (RUC)
SF-SF - Speculative Fiction/Speculative Finance: Fighting for the Future
Professor, IT University of Copenhagen (ITU)
REMARO - Reliable AI for Marine Robotics
Postdoc, Aarhus University (AU)
ECONET - Rewiring of ecological networks under global change
Postdoc, Aalborg University (AAU)
DeepBMS - Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Battery Management System for Electric Vehicles
Postdoc, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
InnoCyPES – Innovative Tools for Cyber-Physical Energy Systems
Dynamic Cost-Benefit Analysis of Digitalization in the Energy Sector: Concept, Modeling, and Applications
Postdoc, University of Copenhagen (UCPH)
MaPViAH - Electroanatomical exploration of pulmonary veins sleeve myocardium in the development of atrial fibrillation in ageing and hypertension
Postdoc, Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
GENSDOM - Gender and Social Dominance in the Modern World
Assistant Professor, Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
COFUNDfellowsDTU - H.C. Ørsted Fellows Programme – co-funded by Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions
Biosynthetic Pathways and Expression Platforms for Marine Bioactive Compounds
Professor, University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
WildDrone - Autonomous Drones for Nature Conservation Missions
Conference Venue 18-19 September 2025
DTU Building 116, Bygningstorvet, 2800 Kongens Lyngby,
The shuttle bus to the conference venue will depart from hotel Scandic Copenhagen.
Conference dinner 18 September 2025
University of Copenhagen, Frue Plads, 1165 København,
