The MSCA project meeting held in Gliwice in February 2025 brought together researchers, supervisors, and doctoral candidates for a dynamic three-day exchange of ideas and innovation. Hosted by the Silesian University of Technology (SUT), the event offered hands-on experiences, thematic workshops, and vibrant discussions focused on advancing interdisciplinary research. The meeting emphasized collaboration across sectors and countries, encouraging participants to bridge academic knowledge with practical applications.
The event began on February 5 with a welcome lunch at SUT, followed by a short transfer to the European HealthTech Innovation Center (EHTIC) in Zabrze. There, participants explored cutting-edge facilities dedicated to healthcare technology research. The afternoon featured a session on academic entrepreneurship, aimed at fostering business awareness among doctoral candidates, followed by a hands-on lab activity on active structural acoustic control. These sessions helped set the tone for a week rooted in real-world applications of technical research.
Doctoral Candidates of the IN-NOVA project at dinner in Gliwice. ©DLR. All rights reserved.
On February 6, the day began with a campus and faculty tour, showcasing key labs and innovation centers such as the acoustic lab, Virtual Flying Lab, and SUT Centre for New Technologies. While supervisors discussed future standardization proposals, doctoral candidates attended a stress management workshop and engaged in open discussions about their research challenges and milestones. Later in the afternoon, meetings of the Supervisory and Management Boards were held, followed by a session on conceptualizing future projects. The day concluded with a group dinner at Gliwice’s main square, providing an informal space for connection and reflection.
The final day, February 7, was dedicated to knowledge sharing. Doctoral candidates took the stage in two dedicated presentation sessions to share updates on their work, fostering interactive dialogue and peer feedback. These sessions enabled attendees to exchange insights and strengthen research ties. The meeting wrapped up with a farewell lunch, celebrating the collaborative spirit and accomplishments of the group.
The Gliwice MSCA project meeting skillfully combined structured sessions, technical visits, and peer-driven workshops. It reaffirmed the commitment of the IN-NOVA network to nurturing innovation through cross-disciplinary cooperation and international mobility, preparing early-stage researchers for impactful careers.
Participants left Gliwice energized, equipped with new perspectives and strengthened collaborations. The event once again exemplified the mission of MSCA projects: fostering scientific excellence and unity through knowledge sharing and collaboration.