Symposium Co-Chair: Dr Victor Manuel Candelario, UP2MEM Project coordinator
Symposium Co-Chair: Prof. Paola Calza, In2Aquas Project Coordinator,
Target participants
- PhD candidates
- Postdocs (≤5 years after PhD)
- Early-career academics / industry researchers
- Researchers working in advanced materials, smart materials, circular economy, environmental technologies and sustainable innovation
Session structure (example)
- Opening + 2 keynote (30–45 min)
- 6–10 oral presentations (10–15 min each)
- Short Q&A after each talk or grouped discussion
- Panel discussion: “Career paths in smart materials research”
- Optional poster session
Symposium Introduction
The Early-Stage Researchers Symposium is jointly organised by the UP2MEM and IN2AQUAS Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks as an open platform for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists working across the broad fields of materials science, smart materials, circular economy and sustainable technologies.
The symposium aims to provide a supportive and dynamic environment for emerging researchers to present their latest findings, exchange ideas and build collaborations within the international materials science community. Rather than focusing on a single research area, the event encourages interdisciplinary contributions related to advanced materials, functional and smart materials, circular design, environmental technologies, water quality, resource recovery, sustainable processes and industrial innovation.
The joint organisation of the symposium reflects the complementary missions of both MSCA networks. UP2MEM focuses on the development of sustainable, high-performance technologies through the upcycling of waste materials into advanced membrane structures, contributing to circular economy, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability. IN2AQUAS focuses on addressing environmental pollution and securing water quality through integrated and sustainable approaches. The project combines pollutant monitoring, water quality assessment, water reuse, nutrient recovery, green chemistry, sustainable treatment processes and the development of functional materials to support clean water solutions across different environmental contexts.
By bringing together these complementary perspectives, the symposium creates a common space where young researchers can connect materials innovation with broader societal and industrial challenges. The event welcomes contributions from MSCA networks, European projects, universities, research centres and industry, and is open to participants beyond UP2MEM and IN2AQUAS.
Beyond its scientific scope, the symposium reflects the shared MSCA mission of strengthening interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral training. It aims to promote scientific discussion, transferable skills, networking and collaboration among the next generation of researchers working on advanced materials, smart technologies and circular solutions for a more sustainable future.
