On 11th of December 2024, the University of Gdańsk and the Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium (CERIC-ERIC) hosted an inspiring online workshop titled Cutting-edge research infrastructure and collaborative opportunities: CERIC & University of Gdańsk. The workshop was part of the ERA SHUTTLE project (Accelerating ERA by Sharing Unique Talents for Healthy Life and Environment), funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Programme.
This event highlighted the potential of advanced research infrastructure and fostered discussions on future collaborations between the two institutions. This initiative was actively supported by Univentum Labs– a special-purpose company of the University of Gdańsk, which facilitates the transfer of knowledge by commercializing the results of scientific research. It showcased how to emphasize mutual empowerment between CERIC and the University of Gdańsk, opening new possibilities for innovation in fields such as optoelectronics, energy, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The event also served as a platform to strengthen institutional links, following a recent three-month professional secondment at CERIC-ERIC in Italy, by a University of Gdańsk employee, Monika Adamczuk, Senior Officer at Center for Sustainable Development.
Highlights of the event
The workshop started with a warm welcome from Ornela De Giacomo, Deputy Executive Director of CERIC, and Prof. Sylwia Mrozowska, CEO of Univentum Labs and representative of the University of Gdańsk. They set the tone for the day by emphasizing the significance of sharing expertise and experiences to drive scientific development.
The initial session, started by Ornela De Giacomo, prof. Sylwia Mrozowska, and Izabela Raszczyk MBA (Administrative Director of the ICCVS, UG), provided an overview of the ERA SHUTTLE initiative, its objectives, and opportunities for research secondments at CERIC facilities and other. Information on secondments will soon appear on the website https://erashuttle.eu/.
Marcello Turconi, Science Communication Officer at CERIC, delivered the presentation on the consortium’s equipment and interdisciplinary research support. Dr. Corneliu Ghica and prof. Janez Plavec shared inspiring examples of research enabled by CERIC’s infrastructure, demonstrating its fundamental role in advancing scientific knowledge. Dariusz Brzosko, Head of CERIC’s Science & Strategy Unit, conducted a step-by-step walkthrough on how to apply for access to CERIC’s facilities. Participants gained valuable insights into shaping successful proposals.
A discussion led by prof. Sylwia Mrozowska highlighted the research capabilities at the University of Gdańsk, featuring contributions from researchers, including prof. Sebastian Mahlik, prof. Grzegorz Węgrzyn, and Dr. Sachin Kote. The session concluded with an open dialogue and Q&A.
Ornela De Giacomo summarized the day’s discussions and emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration. Attendees were encouraged to participate in upcoming events and engage further with CERIC’s offerings. The whole event was moderated by Monika Adamczuk, Senior Officer at Center for Sustainable Development at University of Gdańsk, who was a seconded Industrial Liaison Seconded Officer at CERIC in Italy. The workshop gathered 30 participants from different countries and scientific institutions like University of Malta, National Institute of Materials Physics in Romania, Slovenian NMR centre, CERIC, Medical University of Gdansk and University of Gdańsk.
Looking ahead
The workshop successfully demonstrated the common benefits of collaboration between CERIC-ERIC and the University of Gdańsk. By bridging advanced research infrastructure with academic expertise, the partnership promises to unlock innovative solutions addressing mutual challenges in research.
We extend our gratitude to all speakers, moderators, and participants for their valuable contributions. For further details about the ERA SHUTTLE project and future events, stay tuned to the project, University of Gdańsk, CERIC-ERIC and Univentum Labs communication channels.