ERA SHUTTLE (Accelerating ERA by Sharing Unique Talents for healThy Life and Environment) is an initiative designed to enhance R&I capacity within the European Research Area (ERA), with a particular emphasis on benefiting Widening countries, including Poland, Croatia, and Malta. By bringing together research universities, non-academic institutions, and private organisations, ERA SHUTTLE aims to create connections and encourage collaboration among various sectors. Through training and secondment opportunities, the project helps emerging talents develop the skills and knowledge needed to address today’s pressing global challenges.
From September 9th to 13th, the ERA SHUTTLE Summer School took place at the University of Split Technological Park in Split, Croatia. This five day event gathered researchers, technology transfer officers, and support staff for an immersive learning experience led by experts from across Europe.
Day 1: Soft Skills and Career Development
The Summer School kicked off with a focus on soft skills and career development. Daniel Mertens opened the day by helping participants assess their current career paths and make informed decisions. Attendees were encouraged to devise strategies to enhance their professional behaviour and mindset. The day wrapped up with an interactive session on negotiation and conflict management, where participants learned how to use AI assistants to navigate complex professional situations.
Day 2: Improving productivity with AI tools
On the second day, the spotlight was on using AI tools to enhance productivity in research. Daniel Mertens and Ivana Vuka guided participants through the use of large language models and AI assistants for tasks like scientific writing and literature reviews.They also discussed intellectual property rights for AI-generated content, concluding with a hands-on exploration of AI based brainstorming and exploratory data analysis.
Day 3: EU Funding and Research Management
The third day was packed with insights into EU funding programmes for research and innovation. Rebecca Zammit, Head of EU projects at AcrossLimits, led discussions that provided essential guidance on navigating the complex landscape of EU funding. Participants engaged in sessions on good scientific practices, addressing biases in research, and effective data management. A highlight was a session on bridging the gap between academic research and non-scientific stakeholders, presented by Marcello Turconi.
Day 4: Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property
Day four focused on the intricacies of technology transfer and intellectual property. Participants learned the basics of knowledge transfer and how to manage an IP portfolio in an open innovation environment. Bernard Denis, Sonia Utermann, and Frank Graage shared practical scenarios, emphasising the balance between demand pull and technology push strategies. The day ended with discussion on creating effective partnerships with industry.
Day 5: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The final day was all about innovation and entrepreneurship. Participants explored the key principles of innovation, including business and market planning tailored for researchers and academics. AcrossLimits Expert Consultant Ivana Marsic provided practical tips on pitching ideas to investors and securing funding for research projects. The session concluded with a hands-on exercise where participants created successful spin-offs, allowing them to apply their new skills in real-world scenarios.
The ERA SHUTTLE Summer School not only equipped participants with valuable skills but also inspired a spirit of innovation and teamwork. The event successfully connected a diverse group of researchers and professionals, providing them with tools to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to the European Research Area.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the University of Split for hosting this event and making it a memorable experience. As the ERA SHUTTLE project moves forward, we look forward to seeing the impact these participants will make in the fields of research and innovation.
Project website: https://erashuttle.eu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erashuttle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/era-shuttle
