Newsletter November 2021
Nice to Meet You – Sofia Karakostas
What do you find especially inspiring in your work? When I was offered the chance to be Co-head, I saw it as a great challenge and an opportunity to learn more about the art of counselling. I knew it was my vocation to provide face-to-face support to people. During the first year, I realised how fascinating it was to counsel researchers in particular, so I am glad I took the job. My responsibilities have changed since then and now focus on the administration of the office, together with my Co-head, Agatha Keller. Our team serves researchers from two institutions, which brings great synergistic effects. And as for direct contact with researchers, I am happy to be able to still keep that up, albeit nowadays mostly in the scope of our Science Stories magazine.
You describe yourself as a Greek person in Zurich. Why is that? I was born and raised in Zurich, and I have lived in the city my whole life, but I grew up Greek. My parents moved here from Greece and I was deeply instilled in the culture from birth. I have always spent time with people from different backgrounds and origins. I suppose this is one of the reasons I like my job so much: EU-funded projects are about collaboration with partners in Europe, and an open mind and interest in people are prerequisites for success.
How do you see the future of Swiss-based researchers in EU projects? Having been a part of the Euresearch network since its beginning, I have witnessed different phases in Switzerland’s EU Framework Programme association status through the years. This brings me a certain calm in the face of the current situation. I am convinced that we will be associated again, even if we don’t know when. Meanwhile, researchers from Switzerland should not feel discouraged. They have a lot to offer European projects and there are many possibilities out there, even now.
What are your passions in life? I love cooking and can think of nothing better than spending time with family and friends around the table. I am also passionate about societal issues and politics, and have been a member of the Municipal Council of Zurich for about 2 years now.
Facts & Figures:
EU GrantsAccess has a team of 22 people. Under Horizon 2020, the office provided support to
hundreds of funded projects at ETH Zurich (Excellent Science Pillar: 416, other Pillars: 171) and the University
of Zurich (Excellent Science Pillar: 156, other Pillars: 63).
Hanna
Estadieu, Interview
Alexandra
Rosakis, Illustration
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EIT Call for Proposals – New Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) for Europe’s vibrant Culture and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI)
Consortia of organisations from the CCSI can apply by putting forward
their vision for an "EIT Culture & Creativity". They should
bring together education, research and business, in order to drive European competitiveness and sustainable development in the following sectors: architecture, cultural heritage, design, fashion,
film, music, publishing, performing arts and video games.
Deadline: 24.03.2022
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