CONNECTS-UK

Last weekend we had an immense pleasure to host our first ever event in Milan, Italy: SPPMeetUP Milan '24 –?"Bridging Art and Innovation". This special event from Science: Polish Perspectives series was also the first one dedicated to art more than science, and we are thrilled to say it was a resounding success! We were joined by speakers and participants from across Italy and Europe to explore a wide range of thought-provoking topics, including: ?? The artist’s creative process ??? Contemporary art in genocide sites ?? Identity in the age of robotics ?? Dance as a reinterpretation of art ?? The evolving concept of landscape ?? The transformative power of culture in education And so much more! We held a soft launch of the #SPPMeetUpMilan at the Consulate of RP in Milan on Friday evening with a gracious host Consul Agnieszka Gloria Kamińska and Consul Pawe? Krupka. This satellite event was co-organized with the Polish Academy of Science in Rome under leadership of Agnieszka Stefaniak-Hrycko and featured Jeannette Jacqueline Lucejko and Oskar J. Rojewski in a Science-Art fireside chat moderated by our CEO, Ala Santos, PhD. Our main event on Saturday was kicked off by Marta M??yńska, the fabulous Polish painter based in Milan, whose keynote set the tone for a day of creativity and innovation. The event was beautifully closed by Przemek Staroń, the award-winning educator known for his holistic approach to teaching philosophy, as well as his cross-generation projects underlying the importance of relationship-building in education. One of the highlights of the event was the engaging panel discussion, Creativity and Collaboration: Key Drivers of Innovation, expertly moderated by Justyna Szylman. The panel explored how art as a collaborative process can fuel innovation, with insights from Agnieszka Gratza, Magda Zuk and Piotr Augustyniak, LL.M.,MBA,TEP We also had a blast participating in the blind contour drawing workshop, testing our brain-hand coordination and learning to embrace the process of creation with a fresh perspective! We are grateful to the Polish Embassy in Rome for their honorary patronage, Polish General Consulate in Milan, Polish Academy of Sciences Scientific Center in Rome and Columbus Private for being the event partners, and all the community partners for their support. Thank you! This event was financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland in the competition “Polonia and Polish people abroad 2024 - polonia events and initiatives” as well as funding from the National Institute of Freedom - center for civil society development as part of the government programme for civil society organisations development for 2018-2030 CSODev.

?? ?Your Story Could Inspire Tomorrow’s Scientists!?? The 6th edition of “Science-me a story” is now open! Write a story inspired by science or nature for children (ages 6-12). ?? ?Deadline: Feb 15th ?? Prizes: ￡100, ￡50, ￡20 ?? ?Languages: English, Spanish, co-official Spanish languages ?? ?Categories: Biology, Tech, Arts & more! Open to adult SRUK/CERU members. Not a member? Join here: https://lnkd.in/d3dRjrr3 All the information here:? https://lnkd.in/dbMKMsjR Submit your PDF! Questions?? [email protected]

Celebrating Science and Connection in London! ?????? On November 22nd, we had the joy of delivering an inspiring Native Scientists workshop in South London with Spanish-speaking children. As part of CONNECTS-UK, this session connected young minds with four incredible Spanish scientists, fostering curiosity, scientific literacy, and a love for learning in their shared heritage language. ?? A huge congratulations to the amazing Coordinator Jorge Mariscal Harana who made it all happen! And a heartfelt thank you to the brilliant scientists Clara, Diego, Patricia and Virginia, who shared their knowledge, passion, and culture to broaden horizons and inspire the next generation. CONNECTS-UK representative Marina Jimenez Perez also shared a message about the importance of collaboration between UK and EU researchers. Your dedication truly makes a difference! Together, we’re building bridges between communities, languages, and opportunities. . European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom . #nativescientists #CONNECTSUK #scienceeducation #spanishcommunity #inspiringfuturescientists

Meet our speakers: - Debora Minà (Goldsmiths, University of London): experienced theatre maker, facilitator, project director, lecturer, researcher and consultant - Ludovica Brusaferri (London South Bank University): neuroimaging scientist with a biomedical engineering and medical imaging physics background - Elena Torlai Triglia (Queen Mary University of London): lecturer in Genetics, Genomics and Fundamental Cell Biology Tickets available: https://lnkd.in/dJdazhVY

?? ?Your Story Could Inspire Tomorrow’s Scientists!?? The 6th edition of “Science-me a story” is now open! Write a story inspired by science or nature for children (ages 6-12). ?? ?Deadline: Feb 15th ?? Prizes: ￡100, ￡50, ￡20 ?? ?Languages: English, Spanish, co-official Spanish languages ?? ?Categories: Biology, Tech, Arts & more! Open to adult SRUK/CERU members. Not a member? Join here: https://lnkd.in/d3dRjrr3 All the information here:? https://lnkd.in/dbMKMsjR Submit your PDF! Questions?? [email protected]

A huge thank you to all the incredible speakers who brought their insights and expertise to the CONNECTS-UK 2nd Open Forum: “Artificial Intelligence (AI). What does it mean for research, for society and for you”. Your contributions made this event truly impactful! ???? . . . European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd Fundación Espa?ola para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, FECYT Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the United Kingdom . . #ai #aiopenforum #expertvoices #eventhighlights #connectsuk #ukresearch #openforum #euresearchers #ukuniversities #cardiffuni #cardiffuniversity #meetthespeakers #ukuniversity https://lnkd.in/ez37ABe3

Open Call for EU Researchers in the UK! Are you an EU researcher interested in connecting your expertise with the worlds of diplomacy or policymaking? The Ambassadors for Science programme pairs EU researchers with either EU diplomats or UK policymakers for a two-day immersive exchange. Build valuable connections. Learn how research informs decision-making. Contribute to EU-UK scientific diplomacy. Apply now and be part of this impactful initiative. Deadline is December 20th, 2024. ?? Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dgnCcPEi #ScienceDiplomacy #EUResearchers #PolicyEngagement

ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS at Middlesex University Applications are now open for ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships at Middlesex University.?Postdoctoral fellowships aim at providing a career development opportunity for those in the immediately postdoctoral stage of their career.?They provide fellows an opportunity to consolidate their PhD through developing publications and networks together with research and professional skills. ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships are delivered through the national network of Doctoral Training Partnerships, which ensures that the fellowships are embedded in a high-quality environments for research and training.?Middlesex University is a member of the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) Doctoral Training Partnership.?For information about SENSS and the Postdoctoral Fellowship programme, see HERE. In most cases the fellowship will be aimed at a research career in academia; however activities in support of a transition to a research career outside academic will also be considered. What research areas are supported? Postdoctoral Fellowships at Middlesex University must be framed in terms of one of five thematic areas: - Sustainability and Climate Change - Health, Well-being, and Social Care - Justice, Institutions, and Social Change - Resolving Uncertainty and Addressing Crises - Advanced Methods for Social and Economic Research When does the fellowship start? ·??????1 October 2025 How long is the fellowship? ·??????Up to one year full-time, or two-years part time How do I apply? Application is a two-stage process: Stage One: Submit an Expression of Interest by Friday 10 January by 12:00 to HEIapply.?HEIapply will be open for Expressions of Interest from 11 November 2024. ? The Expression of Interest must: ·??????include a summary of the research project ·??????identify Middlesex as your proposed home university ·??????identify your proposed mentor at Middlesex (who must support your application) ·??????identify a second mentor, if possible, at another SENSS university ·??????confirm eligibility ·??????provide a short CV – no more than two pages Stage Two: Full application phase, deadline 25 March 2025, at HEIapply. This phase is for those applicants who were successful in the Expression of Interest phase.?The application portal will open following the conclusion of the Expression of Interest phase. Am I eligible? To be eligible applicants must: ·??????Have been awarded a PhD by a UK research organisation (RO) or have passed their viva voce with minor amendments by the application deadline of 25 March 2025, and have been awarded their PhD by the fellowship start date of 1 October 2025 ·??????Have no more than 12 months of active postdoctoral experience.?This is measured from the applicant’s viva voce pass date to the application deadline of 25 March 2025. More details: https://lnkd.in/g-4zykCm

It's time to highlight our YOUNG WOMAN OF EUROPE nominees! ?? #WomenOfEurope ?? Teodora Risteska Daskalovski is a powerful advocate for women’s rights and #STEM education in North Macedonia. Through her work with Global Fund for Women she’s empowering women, inspiring young innovators, and breaking barriers in tech. ?? ?? Maja Kri?tafor (she/her) is driving systemic change in Croatia. From criminalizing revenge porn to securing free menstrual products for students and combating online harassment, her relentless efforts are shaping a fairer, more equitable society. ?? Anja Presnukhina is a champion for youth engagement and inclusivity. Outspoken against authoritarianism, she fosters open dialogue and diversity, building a more inclusive and participatory continent. ?? Join us and learn more about these inspiring women and their impactful work ?? tinyurl.com/WoE2024

A huge thank to all the speakers and organizers of the 2nd Open Forum for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion. Your insights are helping both researchers and citizens navigate the complex and ever-evolving challenges of AI. It's through collaborative efforts like these that we can better understand and address the still unpredictable landscape of artificial intelligence. A special thank to CONNECTS-UK board members Niek Buurma , to Marina Jimenez Perez , Sara Alvira de Celis for her chairing , to anna fumarola , and , to those behind the scenes Dr. Nathalie van Meurs and Virginia Amigo Dotras . The remote talk of MEP Brando Benifei about AI Act was clarifying. Thanks to the speakers Ole Peterson , Jas Pal Badyal, Teemu Roos , Dr. Cecilia Rikap , Qingxiu Bu , Peter Flach , Marco Palombo , R. Gonzalo Parra ????? #AI #OpenForum #Innovation #Collaboration #Research #FutureOfAI