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LUCIE NUÑEZ Role: Head of Department for the European Research Area Area: Research and Development, European grants Employer: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
What can I help my mentee with?
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Lucie works as a Head of the Department for the European Research Area Unit at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Her team consists of 10 staff members, whom she coordinates, and together they deal with the cooperation of research institutes (universities, research organisations, etc.) within the European Union. For example, they support Czech researchers in their participation, promote opportunities and challenges, negotiate with the European Commission and other member states in the form of cooperation, and administer research programmes in a number of scientific sectors. A more specific example is the European Partnerships where Lucie is responsible for negotiating the form of these partnerships and their funding or coordination at a national level. The partnerships launch calls for proposals and then collaborate with other EU countries on the awarded projects. Lucie says that "Czech researchers tend to be successful both nationally and internationally, but there is still a lack of greater motivation to participate in European open calls, thus not utilising fully the financial potential of European programmes and deepening international cooperation."
Through mentoring, Lucie would especially like to help young scientists with their career paths, for example, by getting involved in international projects in the EU Framework Programme. "I would like to ensure that young people, who are considering a scientific career or even already have research experience, are not afraid of challenges and take advantage of all available opportunities at national and international levels. I believe that, thanks to the young generation, the Czech Republic can fully exploit its potential in the field of research, development and innovation and become one of the most successful countries in Europe."