Presentation I gave at the launch event of the Greek Mobility Centres Network which took place in Thessaloniki on 5 November 2004.

1. Greek Mobility Centres Network
Launch Event, 5 November 2004
Dagmar M. Meyer
MCFA Chair
The Marie Curie
Fellowship Association
Dagmar M. Meyer
Chair of the Association

2. Greek Mobility Centres Network
Launch Event, 5 November 2004
Dagmar M. Meyer
MCFA Chair
Marie Curie Fellowship Association
• alumni organization of Marie Curie fellows
• highly interdisciplinary network of (young) scientists
• created 1996 at the initiative of the
European Commission
• international non-profit organization under
Belgian law
• more than 3,000 fellows from all over Europe
• represented in most EU member states,
associated states as well as Australia & US

3. Greek Mobility Centres Network
Launch Event, 5 November 2004
Dagmar M. Meyer
MCFA Chair
Objectives
• promote scientific excellence
• encourage (interdisciplinary) scientific collaboration
• create a clear and visible identity for
Marie Curie fellows
• foster a sense of European identity
among its members
• promote the dialogue between science
and society

4. Greek Mobility Centres Network
Launch Event, 5 November 2004
Dagmar M. Meyer
MCFA Chair
Activities
• practical assistance to (future) fellows
– information on the application procedure
– assistance with respect to the
implementation of the fellowships
– country specific “welcome packs”
• how to find accommodation,
• the social security system, taxation issues,
• questions related to family life, ...
• social network for mobile researchers and
their families

5. Greek Mobility Centres Network
Launch Event, 5 November 2004
Dagmar M. Meyer
MCFA Chair
Activities
• interdisciplinary workshops and conferences
• multidisciplinary publication (“Annals”)
• help regarding the individual career development
– constantly updated “open jobs database”
– publication of (Marie Curie) research opportunities
on our website
– “career mailing list”
– collaboration with ABG
– working group “Industrial Research”

6. Greek Mobility Centres Network
Launch Event, 5 November 2004
Dagmar M. Meyer
MCFA Chair
Activities
• working group “Science Policy”
– (member) surveys
– promotion of best practice
– active participation in relevant conferences
– collaboration with other organizations
(Euroscience, Eurodoc, EUA, KoWi, EARMA, ...)
– feedback to the European Commission, and
other national and international entities

7. Greek Mobility Centres Network
Launch Event, 5 November 2004
Dagmar M. Meyer
MCFA Chair
www.mariecurie.org