The second round of webinars Real Skills for Scientists – Computer Science, held by the National Documentation and Electronic Content Centre (EKT) in the framework of the Knowledge and Cooperation Bridges Initiative, in collaboration with R.E.A.L. Science and the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation, has been completed. In the three webinars of the cycle, which aimed at developing personal skills for the professional careers of young researchers and scientists, participants had the opportunity to listen to useful advice and ask questions to experienced and renowned researchers from Greece and abroad.
The response was very high, with around 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD candidates, postdocs, faculty members and researchers of all levels attending the live webinars. The audience consisted of Greeks and Cypriots who were connected from 22 countries around the world, such as Germany, UK, France, Italy, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, USA, Chile, United Arab Emirates – professionals, students and researchers working and/or studying abroad.
1st Webinar – Strengthening your CV and skills
The cycle of seminars started on 8 October 2020 with 4 young scientists from the field of Computer Science, who started their studies in Greece and managed to become professionally established in their field, in foreign countries and in our country. In particular, Dr. Marili Nika, Speech AI Product Manager at Google USA, o Manolis Babatsikos, Founder & 3D VR/AR Medical Visualization Specialist at 3DMedWorld, the Manolis Makris, Frontend Developer at Datawise Data Engineering LLC and Dr. Marilia Kissa, Applied data scientist at Group nine media in San Francisco, shared their experiences and talked about creating a CV, the requirements that must be met for career development, the importance of internships, volunteer work and mobility programs.
During her presentation, Dr. Marili Nika presented her career path from the Department of Maritime Studies of the University of Piraeus to the IT and artificial intelligence sector of Google, based in California, as well as the steps, efforts and “secrets” that led her to professional success and recognition.
Emphasis on the soft skills of computer scientists, but also important “secrets” for juniors in IT, gave the Manolis Makris from Leros where he works for an American multinational company, while Manolis Babatsikos, talked about his idea to combine animation with medicine, identifying and filling a gap of need that existed in the health sector, and finally making his dream come true, managing to establish his own specialized company today.
Finally, Dr.
Marilia Kissa
spoke about her decision to change her professional direction, the power of networking and communication in her professional career, and the importance of loving your field of study and work.
Watch the video of webinar 2 Real Skills for Scientists – Computer Science: strengthening your CV and skills
2nd Webinar – Opportunities for work and finding funding
The second webinar, which took place on 15 October 2020 and was co-organised by both the Ministry of Development and Investment and the NSRF, provided useful tips for job search and information on funding sources. Representatives of institutions and organisations participated, in particular the George the Great, Innovation Advisor at EKT and National Contact Point in Horizon 2020 for ICT and Enterprise Europe Network Innovation Expert, the George Papavassiliou, Founding Partner & CTO at Avlos, Dr. Panagiotis Kolios, Assistant Professor of Research at the Koyos Centre of Excellence, University of Cyprus and Panayiotis Sakellis, Assistant to the Special Secretary at the Ministry of Development & Investment.
In his presentation, the
George Megas
discussed the funding opportunities in the EU’s Horizon 2020 framework programme and the next programme, Horizon Europe, and encouraged scientists to take advantage of the tools, technologies and platforms on offer.
Then the
George Papavassiliou
spoke about his experience of turning from music studies to mathematical codes and the IT sector, and finally to the establishment of his own company in the USA, whose activities he transferred to our country.
Dr.
Panagiotis Kolios
, an expert for drone applications, with honours and innovation awards and a significant grant from the Republic of Cyprus, spoke about the evolution of his research, from design to technological maturation and then to the study for the exploitation of this technology in the market, for which he received the grant.
Finally, the Panayiotis Sakellis presented the programmes provided by the Special Secretariat for the Management of NSRF Programmes, and in particular the EPANEK programmes and its tools, which aim to strengthen a new production model, focusing on competitive and outward-looking sectors of the economy with high added value and the possibility of creating sustainable and quality jobs. “Our goal is to support people to do what they have studied in business,” said Panagiotis Sakellis.
Watch the video from webinar 2 Real Skills for Scientists – Computer Science: funding and job opportunities
3rd Webinar – Networking and community building
The third and final webinar was held on 22 October 2020, and focused on networking and community building for scientists as a means to career advancement. The speakers were Drs. Nikolaos Mavridis, PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Assistant Professor and Director of the Interactive Robots and Multimedia Laboratory (IRML) at the University of the United Arab Emirates, the George Kurakos , Event Organizer – Project Manager at Digital Expo (KMS Productions), the Daphne Vitsikounaki, Commercial and Economic Attaché at the Consulate of Greece in San Francisco, USA and the King Zapounidis, Electr. Engineer and Computer Engineer, Secretary of the Hellenic Union of Scientists of Munich.
First Dr.
Nikolaos Mavridis
from the United Arab Emirates, analyzed the job opportunities in our country and abroad in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and motivated to take advantage of the networks and all the opportunities that present themselves in the life of a scientist. The next speaker focused on the importance of networking for professional success
George Kourakos
, outlining the steps to success.
Η Daphne Vitsikounaki explained how, through her role as Commercial and Economic Attaché at the Greek Consulate in San Francisco, she facilitates partnerships between Greek companies and firms in Silicon Valley and presented groups and networking activities in the US that can facilitate collaboration and networking for Greeks. Finally, the
King Zapounidis
, based on his experience and his role as secretary of the Hellenic Association of Scientists in Munich, presented the advantages and opportunities of networking in Germany.
Watch the video from webinar 2 Real Skills for Scientists – Computer Science: networking and community building
The webinars were coordinated by
Dimitris Maragos
, coordinator of theKnowledge and Cooperation Bridgesinitiative implemented by EKT, Dr Nancy Megremi, National Documentation Centre, and Dr
Eleni Sinopoulou
, founder of the scientific career guidance platform R.E.A.L. Science.
Throughout the three webinars, the audience had the opportunity to ask the speakers live questions, which were answered at the end of each seminar. In addition, participants could take part in interactive surveys about their scientific field, the grants/scholarships they have received, and indicate the country from which they are attending.
It is worth mentioning that about 57% of the participants came from Engineering Sciences, 15% from Humanities, 12% from Natural Sciences, while 11% from Medicine and Health Sciences. Also, 46% were undergraduate students, 15% postgraduate students and 15% doctoral candidates, 5% and 6% PhD and post-doctoral respectively and 2.5% faculty members.
The poll also collected demographic data on the regions from which Greeks and Cypriots attended the event. 27% were from Attica, 19% from Epirus, 11.5% from Western Macedonia, 7.7% from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, 7.7% from Thessaly, 6.7% from Crete, 3% from Cyprus and there were participants from Germany, Italy, USA, Chile, etc.
In response to the great interest of Greek scientists, EKT is already planning the next series of seminars, which will take place in January 2021, and will focus on the Humanities. In order to organize more efficient and targeted seminars in the future, please fill in the feedback form that you can find here.
A few words about the organisers
National Documentation and Electronic Content Centre (EKT)
EKT, a supervised body of the Ministry of Digital Governance, has an active role in the National Alliance for Digital Skills and Employment. In cooperation with reputable institutions and in constant dialogue with the educational, research and academic community, EKT develops infrastructure and services, promoting knowledge, research and innovation in the digital space. He is also the coordinator of the “Bridges of Knowledge and Cooperation” initiative for the networking and cooperation of Greek scientists, researchers and professionals around the world.
R.E.A.L. Science
R.E.A.L. Science is a career guidance platform for schools and, soon, universities involving Greek volunteer scientists from Greece and around the world. 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 (R&I Foundation) 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 that favour the development of research, technology and innovation in Cyprus. Through innovative actions and programmes, it strengthens the domestic research and innovation ecosystem, contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy and develops cooperation and interconnection with the international research and business community.
