Soft Skills and career prospects of young scientists at the heart of the 6th Cycle of ‘Real Skills for Scientists - Engineering Sciences’

The 6th cycle of webinars ‘Real Skills for Scientists - Engineering Sciences’, was held on 18 and 25 May 2023 by the National Documentation Centre (EKT) as part of the Knowledge and Partnership Bridges Initiative, in collaboration with R.E.A.L. Science and the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).

In the two webinars of the cycle, which aimed to develop personal skills of young researchers and scientists, participants were given useful tips and were able to ask experienced and skilled researchers from Greece and abroad about targeted actions that can improve CV creation, professional development and prospects in their field as well as opportunities for networking, funding and connecting with industry.

Approximately 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD candidates, postdocs, academics, teachers and researchers attended the webinars live. The audience consisted of Greek and Cypriot professionals, students and researchers who were joining not only from their homeland but also from 7 additional countries of the world - Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom,the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal and Turkey- where they were working and/or studying.

1st Webinar: Creating and strengthening a CV

The 6th cycle of Real Skills for Scientists started with the first webinar on Thursday, May 18, with three scientists-professionals who represented the Engineering Sciences with professional careers in academia and/or industry. The invited speakers, Alexandros E. Papacharalambous, CEO-CTO at AETHON Engineering and Product Manager at TransiTool, Clio Grammi , Mining-Metallurgical Engineer, Environmental – Health and Safety Manager and Assistant Professor Dimitrios Kalliontzis at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Houston, shared their experiences and gave useful tips for professional development in the industry, starting with the creation of a powerful CV.

2nd Webinar: Access to finance, networking and entrepreneurship

The 6th Real Skills for Scientists cycle ended with the second webinar on Thursday, May 25, which focused on networking and community building, finding funding and connecting with entrepreneurship. Invited speakers were Eleni Oikonomaki, Architect, Urban Designer, Researcher, Dr Eleni Dovrou, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas and Byron Ioannou Ass. Professor at the Department of Architecture, Frederick University and Founder of the Urban Planning & Urban Development Unit.

Throughout the webinars, the audience were able to put live questions to the speakers, which were answered at the end of each seminar. In addition, participants could take part in interactive polls about their current status, the scholarships they have received, and their purpose for participating in the seminar.

The webinars were moderated by Konstantina Neofotistou from EKT and the Knowledge and Partnership Bridges Initiative, Dr Eleni Sinopoulou, founder of the scientific career guidance platform R.E.A.L. Science and George Christou, Scientific Officer from RIF Cyprus.

About the organisers

National Documentation Centre (EKT)

The National Documentation Centre (EKT) is a supervised body of the Ministry of Digital Governance. In collaboration with reputable institutions and in constant dialogue with the educational, research and academic communities, EKT develops infrastructures and services, promoting knowledge, research and innovation in the digital space. EKT implements the Knowledge and Partnership Bridges Initiative for the networking and cooperation of Greek scientists, researchers and professionals around the world.

Knowledge and Partnership Bridges Initiative

Since 2017, EKT is in charge of the 'Knowledge and Partnership Bridges' initiative in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Development and Investment. Knowledge Bridges is a public initiative seeking to understand the mobility of the highly educated within the Greek context and provide ways this science capital can enhance the growth prospects of the country. The objective of the initiative is to bring high quality human capital of the country together and to create collaboration links of co-operation between companies, organisations and individuals within and outside the country’s borders.

R.E.A.L. Science

R.E.A.L. Science is a career guidance platform for schools and universities in which Greek volunteer scientists from Greece and around the world participate. The leader and creator of this voluntary action is the neuroscientist Dr. Eleni Sinopoulou, who works at the University of California, San Diego, USA.
 

Research and Innovation Foundation

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is the national body responsible for supporting and promoting research, technological development and innovation in Cyprus. Its mission is to shape the conditions and prerequisites necessary for the development of research, technology and innovation in Cyprus. Through innovative actions and programmes, it strengthens the domestic research and innovation ecosystem, it contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy and develops cooperation and interconnection with the international research and business community.