Networking and teamworking

The complexity of certain physics problems and the urgency to contribute to societal challenges has been accompanied by a dramatic shift toward collaborative research or "team science". In this talk I shall focus on how to build up your network with European researchers by profiting from opportunites like Joint/Double Degree PhD projects, postdoctoral programmes, visting fellowships and becoming part of research projects financed by the European Commission. Joint/Double Degree PhD projects are particularly popular in Europe and Canada: the PhD student has two supervisors at two different universities and spends time at each (typically at least 1 year at the European or Canadian partner). The results are summarized in 1 thesis, defended at one or at both partners; the diplomas issued after defence are valid only together. I shall give tips on how to set up such a project. National funding agencies in Europe, the European Commission as well as some European universities and research institutions offer postdoctoral fellowships that are also open to incoming researchers from other continents and awarded on the basis of a research proposal submitted by the candidate. I shall explain how to go about preparing such an application. The same advice also helps to apply for visiting scientist grants offered by the same funding bodies. Once the early career physicists have their own groups, they need funding for their research and for paying their PhD students and postdocs. The European Commission has established the HORIZON EUROPE scientific research initiative for 2021-2027. To particpate researchers from EU and from associated countries form consortia to address the 5 missions (climate change, cancer, ocean and waters, smart cities, healthy soils). Among the associated countries are also countries on other continents like Tunesia, New Zealand and South Corea. I shall focus on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks and explain how to prepare such a proposal.