Connect with Wallonia - Come 2 Wallonia

Project Information

C2W

Grant agreement ID: 101034383

DOI

10.3030/101034383

EC signature date 8 April 2021

Start date 1 September 2021

End date 28 February 2027

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 4 413 600,00

EU contribution

€ 2 206 800,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITE DE MONS
Belgium

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - C2W (Connect with Wallonia - Come 2 Wallonia)

Reporting period: 2021-09-01 to 2023-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

“Connect with Wallonia – Come 2 Wallonia” (C2W) is an individual-driven research training and career development program for Experienced Researchers (ERs), based on incoming mobility. C2W aims to provide ERs with the expertise and experience needed to become the next generation of leaders with strong expertise and interdisciplinary skills.
C2W has a bottom-up approach, which means that Fellows will be free to choose their research topic (provided it falls within the competence of 21 research institutes of UMONS or UNamur,) and their principal supervisor (more than 400 possible Principal Investigators (PIs)). C2W offers a free choice between UMONS and UNamur as host institution.
30 Fellows will have the opportunity to deepen their core scientific discipline while broadening their range of scientific skills. They will implement a research project with a strong interdisciplinary aspect. They will have the opportunity to widen their professional networks at the international level, which will provide them with advanced career opportunities.
C2W offers an extensive training program, including research-based training, secondment, summer/winter school, options for additional scientific and transferable skills such as leadership, ‘out of the box’ thinking and Open Science abilities, presentations of research results.
C2W offers a competitive contract and excellent research conditions. The evaluation and selection process follows the principles of the Charter & Code, following the OTM-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment) principles, and is based on an international peer review.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Since its inception in September 2021, the Connect with | Come 2 Wallonia (C2W) project has embraced a dynamic and inclusive approach to foster cutting-edge research and career development.

In the project's inaugural phase, the first cohort of 15 Fellows embarked on research projects spanning a diverse array of fields, ranging from mathematical and theoretical physics to antibiotic resistance, microbiology, pedagogy, robotics, geology, colonialism, ancient and medieval history, ecology, and more.
Profiles of these selected 15 researchers are available on the C2W website: https://cometowallonia.eu/fellows/
This exceptional opportunity enabled them to deepen their core scientific disciplines while simultaneously broadening their scientific skill sets. What sets C2W apart is its unwavering commitment to fostering an interdisciplinary research environment.

The work accomplished during the project's initial phase, spanning from September 2021 to September 2023, encompasses the six work packages:
WP 1: Management
WP 2: Dissemination
WP 3: Evaluation and Selection
WP 4: Ethics Issues
WP 5: Training and Secondments
WP 6: Exploitation and Communication of Individual Projects

The following key aspects have emerged as pivotal in the work accomplished to date:
- Rigorous Selection Process by International Experts
- Conduction of a Two-Day Spring School
- Robust Website with Valuable resource for applicants, Principal Investigators (PIs), and Co-PIs, offering comprehensive information and guidance throughout the application process. Moreover, it acts as a window to the project, enhancing its visibility to the wider public.
- Effective Communication Channels ensuring seamless collaboration among partner universities.
- Career Development Focus : through regular career development plan (CDP) interviews and ad hoc trainings.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

NA at this stage of the project

Logo C2W