SRAP participates in EURAXESS’ European Research Days 2022

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Our president, Dr Ángel López-Sánchez (Macquarie University), was invited to participate representing SRAP in the European Research Days 2022 – Australia & New Zealand organised by EURAXESS Australia and New Zealand on the week of 7 – 11 November 2022.

The European Research Days 2022 – Australia & New Zealand is a flagship event of EURAXESS Australia and New Zealand organised in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia and the Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand.

The event focuses on providing the research community with information and support for scientific exchange and collaboration with Europe. The ERD is a (free) virtual event structured into 5 days – 2 hours each day, addressing a specific theme and intended for a certain target audience.

  • Day 1 is themed around international scientific cooperation and is addressed to the research community in general.
  • Day 2 is a hands-on session aimed at PhD and Postdoc candidates to make them aware of the opportunities in several EU Member States.
  • Day 3 is addressed at researchers and representatives of research institutions interested in the possible collaborative research opportunities. The day also includes keynotes on the EU Green Deal and EU Missions.
  • Day 4 is targeted at Early & Mid-Career researchers to address issues for their career development and well-being.
  • Day 5 is aimed at Australia – EU Member States Research Cooperation & the Role of Scientific Diaspora.

Participants in the second session of Day 5 of the European Research Days 2022 – Australia & New Zealand, The Role of Scientific Diaspora. From top to bottom and left to right: Prof Marcello Costa (ARIA, Association of Italian Researchers in Australasia), Dr. Ángel R. López-Sánchez (SRAP, Spanish Researchers in Australia-Pacific), Ms Rosie Keane (Consul General, Embassy of Ireland, Australia), Prof Katherine Daniell (AFRAN, The Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation), Prof Alexander Maier (AGRN, Australia-Germany Research Network) and Mr Nishant Shandilya, (Regional Coordinator, EURAXESS Australia & New Zealand).

Dr Ángel López-Sánchez participated in the second session of Day 5, The Role of Scientific Diaspora, that had as panelists:

  • Prof Katherine Daniell, AFRAN – The Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation
  • Prof Alexander Maier, AGRN – Australia-Germany Research Network
  • Prof Marcello Costa, ARIA – Association of Italian Researchers in Australasia
  • Dr. Ángel R. López-Sánchez, SRAP – Spanish Researchers in Australia-Pacific
  • Moderated by: Ms Rosie Keane, Consul General, Embassy of Ireland, Australia

The scientific diaspora plays a crucial role in the global landscape of research and innovation. It serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and progress. Scientists and researchers who venture abroad contribute to enriching not only their own experiences but also the countries they engage with.

Science, by its very nature, transcends borders and fosters international cooperation. In an interconnected world, challenges such as climate change, overpopulation, healthcare, mental well-being, space exploration, and sustainable energy sources require a collective effort. The collaboration of scientists from different backgrounds and nations is essential to tackle these complex issues effectively.

The impact of scientific research extends beyond the academic sphere. It is vital to effectively communicate scientific findings and their implications to society. Research institutes and organizations must support science communication initiatives, ensuring that the public is well-informed and engaged. By bridging the gap between scientists and the broader community, we can foster public understanding and appreciation for scientific advancements.

In a world facing numerous challenges, the scientific diaspora brings invaluable expertise, diverse perspectives, and collaborative opportunities. It is through international cooperation and effective science communication that we can collectively address the pressing issues of our time and pave the way for a better future.

The session allowed representatives of the 4 associations (AFRAN, AFRN, ARIA and SRAP) to get to know each other better and commit to working together, looking forward preparing a joint statement in 2023.

The full recording of the event can be watched in the YouTube channel of EURAXESS Australia and New Zealand:

We want to thank Mr Nishant Shandilya, Regional Coordinator, EURAXESS Australia & New Zealand for the invitation and the organisation of such important science diplomacy event.

Angel.Lopez-Sanchez

About Angel.Lopez-Sanchez

A/Prof Ángel R. López-Sánchez is an astrophysicist and science communicator working at the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Macquarie University (MQ). He is a recognised expert in the study of how the gas is converted into stars in galaxies and how this affects galaxy evolution. He graduated in Theoretical Physics at the University of Granada (2000) and completed his PhD Thesis in Astrophysics at the prestigious “Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias” (IAC, Spain) and the University of La Laguna (Spain) in 2006. He moved to Australia in 2007, joining CSIRO “Astronomy and Space Science” to perform radio-interferometric observations of gas-rich galaxies at the Australian Telescope Compact Array. In 2011 he joined the Australian Astronomical Observatory and Macquarie University combining instrumentation support, research, lecturing, and outreach. He was appointed as a full-time research academic at the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Macquarie University in May 2023. He is the president of the association of Spanish Researchers in Australia-Pacific (SRAP), the vice-president of the Astronomical Association of Córdoba (AAC, Spain), representative in the Andalusian Astronomy Network (RAdA), and member of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the Spanish Astronomy Society (SEA), and the Australian Astronomy Society (ASA). He is a globally-recognised science communicator, with visibility in Spanish and Australian printed, broadcast, and social media. He is also a passionate amateur astronomer that uses his own equipment for capturing the beauty of the Cosmos. His stunning astronomy time-lapse videos and photos have received +1/2 million views in YouTube and have been seen in TV channels in USA, Australia and Spain, science museums worldwide, and textbooks.