Highlights from the REDI Symposium 2024

In November 25 – 28, 2024, the second REDI Symposium took place in Barcelona with some on-site and hybrid sessions in Melbourne for the fellows who were placed there for their secondment. The event was a great opportunity for fellows to catch up with their colleagues and supervisors, present their research project updates, participate in various training sessions, networking activities, and also share feedback with the Project Management team.

Day 1

The event started on Monday, November 25, when the REDI Management Team welcomed the fellows and supervisors at TBS, Toulouse Business School in Barcelona. Many of the participants had not seen each other for a year so the welcome coffee was a perfect moment to chat and catch up.

Then, following the opening remarks by the REDI Project Manager, Kinga Kónya, an ice-breaker session was facilitated by Associate Professor Andrea Eckersley from the School of Graduate Research at RMIT University. Participants were invited to explain their research projects, which served as a creative way to get to know each other better, setting a welcoming tone for the event.

Andrea also participated in a meeting with REDI fellows and Kinga, that provided a platform to receive feedback and suggestions about the program. Participants in this session engaged in a group activity to discuss recent developments and share ideas on how to enhance their dual PhD experience.

Moreover, a working session on cotutelle arrangements in the REDI Program brought together supervisors from Europe and Australia to share experiences and best practices in joint PhD supervision.

Day 2

During the second day, the first group of have had the opportunity to present updates on their research projects thanks to hybrid sessions connecting Barcelona and Melbourne. It has been exciting to hear about all the progress they’ve made since last year’s event, including many new publications and conference presentations among other activities.

After that, REDI fellows participated in hybrid REDI4Research Group elections. The REDI4Research Group was formed at last year’s annual symposium and this year, half of the members were renewed to ensure continuity of its activities.

In Barcelona, fellows engaged in sessions designed to enhance transferrable skills applicable to their research projects and future careers. Firstly, Helena González-Burón and Oriol Marimon Garrido from Big Van Ciencia delivered a practical and engaging training session on scientific communication during which fellows learnt about the fundamentals of building a connection with their audience.

Then, Fidel Bellmunt Montagut from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and Gabriela Irrazabal from RMIT Europe facilitated a workshop on Open Science, introducing concepts such as open access publishing, citizen science and research data management focusing on both European and Australian requirements.

There was also a parallel session for REDI supervisors attending the event, facilitated by RMIT Europe’s pre-award team, focused on possible research collaboration opportunities under the Horizon Europe framework programme and within the REDI network. Supervisors showed particular interest in new MSCA COFUND collaboration opportunities (both pre- and postdoc) along the same research areas as in the REDI Program to ensure continuity and sustainability.

The second day in Barcelona finished with the networking dinner at the rooftop terrace in LabTwentyTwo hotel, from which participants could admire the views of the city.

In Melbourne, the sessions were taking place in the RMIT University Library. Maela Pascullo from REDI Management Team welcomed the fellows and run a session to gather feedback about the program. That day, they had also a training on copyright and the thesis with Rebecca Rata and Adam Rivett as well as overview session of library services facilitated by Tristan Badham.

 

Day 3

Wednesday, November 27, started with another hybrid session during which the second group of fellows in Melbourne and Barcelona gave 2-minute presentations about their projects’ updates and answered colleagues’ questions.

This session was followed by the hybrid session on introducing the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) and was facilitated by Joaquin Capablo from Marie Curie Alumni Association. Fellows had a chance to learn how the MCAA benefit their career development, provide networking opportunities, and advocacy support by extending the impact of MSCA funding throughout their careers.

Later that day, fellows in Barcelona participated in scientific writing training with Gavin Lucas from TPM Science research papers.

Another useful training on mental health and wellbeing, facilitated by Brian Cahill from Career@BI Programme, Hochschule Bielefeld University of Applied Science and Arts and Anna Muro from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, consisted of two parts. First hour was dedicated to a presentation on the general state of mental health and wellbeing of early-career researchers in the European research area. The second part was dedicated to a presentation on positive psychology applied in research training, which included exercises both in groups and of self-reflection.

In the other part of globe, fellows in Melbourne participated in masterclass about the Tiny Habits for HDR Success by School of Graduate Research, as well as a training on collaborating during the candidature facilitated by Michelle Matheson and Barbara Yasbeck.

The third day featured also scientific talks in collaboration with Pint of Science in Spain, that took place in two local pubs in Barcelona: Conesa Beer Barcelona and Tap Room & Craft Beer Blacklab. Six REDI fellows delivered insightful and engaging talks sharing their research and knowledge from diverse topics with the general public. The event provided an excellent platform for our fellows to practise their science communication skills and to interact with members of the audience.

Day 4

The last day of Symposium was devoted to a hybrid session for REDI4Research Group as a part of a handover to new members as well as a feedback session with the REDI Project Management Team during which fellows shared their insights and suggestions on various aspects of the event. This valuable feedback will definitely help to guide improvements for future events.

Last but not least, fellows located in Melbourne could enjoy a river cruise admiring the city highlights.

It was a pleasure to gather the REDI community again and we cannot wait to see everyone next year.

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