Why we founded SIGN, the network of Italian scientists in Germany

Oct. 17, 2022
©https://berlinomagazine.com/

Professor Gianaurelio Cuniberti explains SIGN, a newly formed network for Italian scientists in Germany.


Full article

by Stefano Gaburro

At the Italian Embassy in Berlin, the first meeting of SIGN, a Network created to connect all Italian scientists who have worked or are working in Germany or even foreigners who have studied or worked in Italy and now work in Germany, was held on October 12, 2022.

The event was well attended, and today Berlin Magazine interviews one of the founders and executive director of SIGN, Prof. Gianaurelio Cuniberti, Professor of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Dresden.

What motivated you to create this network?
Well, science is based on exchange. Open exchange of information to advance our knowledge. So networking is intrinsic to the actions of the scientist. The need to connect Italian scientists in Germany then arises from the very large gap of researchers in the direction of Germany compared to the opposite route.

I discussed these things with the Ambassador of Italy in Berlin, Armando Varricchio, and scientific attaché Prof. Vincenzo Fiorentini almost a year ago. Thanks to the clear support of the Embassy, we were able to arrive at the foundation last October 12.

The presence of the president of the CNR, Prof. Maria Chiara Carrozza, confirmed the importance and necessity of investing in this network.

How is it possible to "connect" and are there associated costs?
Very simple. Just visit the SIGN website and indicate your interest in joining in the appropriate form. The cost is very low, and modulated by career level. Applications for membership are evaluated by the Board of Directors, but the requirements are very inclusive, as can be read in the Bylaws, which are also available on the web page in three languages.

In addition, institutional members can join, which we hope will help support aggregation here in Germany and at the same time the research system in Italy by helping us find sponsors for awards and scholarships for Italian excellence in Germany.

After the event at the Embassy in Berlin, how do you propose to proceed?
An adventure begins and there is much-almost everything-to be done. The response, however, is flattering, as already more than 100 researchers have expressed their interest in being part of SIGN. We must listen to the needs of compatriots who distinguish themselves in science and implement the purposes of the association in a corresponding direction.

As scientists, we count on simple structures that emphasize dialogue and debate; we are grateful to the Italian Embassy for being an initial meeting point, and we count on collaborating again in the future for in-person events that we organize.

Do you plan to do something more local (Berlin, Dresden) to let the community grow?
Every association thrives on the engagement of its members. The mission is clear, but the structures minimal: so it makes sense to think about regional chapters in research hotspots in Germany, and already some interested parties have already come forward.

Our job will be to channel and support these initiatives, which will certainly not be lacking: let's not forget that the top group of foreign researchers in Germany (of all levels, up to university professor or Max-Planck institute director or even university chancellor) are precisely Italians.

This figure makes clear our country's suffering in creating opportunities for top talent, although at the same time it is a telltale sign of the always excellent quality of the Italian educational system.


SIGN network

brochure

the event

IlSole24Ore article

contact: council@sign-network.eu

Scientific Attache': prof. Vincenzo Fiorentini, +39 347 1410906 (also via whatsapp), vincenzo.fiorentini@gmail.com

Download:
Related team member

Why we founded SIGN, the network of Italian scientists in Germany

Oct. 17, 2022
©https://berlinomagazine.com/

Professor Gianaurelio Cuniberti explains SIGN, a newly formed network for Italian scientists in Germany.


Full article

by Stefano Gaburro

At the Italian Embassy in Berlin, the first meeting of SIGN, a Network created to connect all Italian scientists who have worked or are working in Germany or even foreigners who have studied or worked in Italy and now work in Germany, was held on October 12, 2022.

The event was well attended, and today Berlin Magazine interviews one of the founders and executive director of SIGN, Prof. Gianaurelio Cuniberti, Professor of Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Dresden.

What motivated you to create this network?
Well, science is based on exchange. Open exchange of information to advance our knowledge. So networking is intrinsic to the actions of the scientist. The need to connect Italian scientists in Germany then arises from the very large gap of researchers in the direction of Germany compared to the opposite route.

I discussed these things with the Ambassador of Italy in Berlin, Armando Varricchio, and scientific attaché Prof. Vincenzo Fiorentini almost a year ago. Thanks to the clear support of the Embassy, we were able to arrive at the foundation last October 12.

The presence of the president of the CNR, Prof. Maria Chiara Carrozza, confirmed the importance and necessity of investing in this network.

How is it possible to "connect" and are there associated costs?
Very simple. Just visit the SIGN website and indicate your interest in joining in the appropriate form. The cost is very low, and modulated by career level. Applications for membership are evaluated by the Board of Directors, but the requirements are very inclusive, as can be read in the Bylaws, which are also available on the web page in three languages.

In addition, institutional members can join, which we hope will help support aggregation here in Germany and at the same time the research system in Italy by helping us find sponsors for awards and scholarships for Italian excellence in Germany.

After the event at the Embassy in Berlin, how do you propose to proceed?
An adventure begins and there is much-almost everything-to be done. The response, however, is flattering, as already more than 100 researchers have expressed their interest in being part of SIGN. We must listen to the needs of compatriots who distinguish themselves in science and implement the purposes of the association in a corresponding direction.

As scientists, we count on simple structures that emphasize dialogue and debate; we are grateful to the Italian Embassy for being an initial meeting point, and we count on collaborating again in the future for in-person events that we organize.

Do you plan to do something more local (Berlin, Dresden) to let the community grow?
Every association thrives on the engagement of its members. The mission is clear, but the structures minimal: so it makes sense to think about regional chapters in research hotspots in Germany, and already some interested parties have already come forward.

Our job will be to channel and support these initiatives, which will certainly not be lacking: let's not forget that the top group of foreign researchers in Germany (of all levels, up to university professor or Max-Planck institute director or even university chancellor) are precisely Italians.

This figure makes clear our country's suffering in creating opportunities for top talent, although at the same time it is a telltale sign of the always excellent quality of the Italian educational system.


SIGN network

brochure

the event

IlSole24Ore article

contact: council@sign-network.eu

Scientific Attache': prof. Vincenzo Fiorentini, +39 347 1410906 (also via whatsapp), vincenzo.fiorentini@gmail.com

Download:
Related team member