EURAXESS Smart Talks

ERA Talent Project funded by the European Commission
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The EURAXESS Smart Talks podcast for talents is your personal guide to Research Careers, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

  1. DEC 17

    Experiences of American researchers in EU: Social humanities field in focus

    Anthropologist and legal scholar Dr. Niklas Hultin (Associate Professor, George Mason University) joins EURAXESS Smart Talks to unpack what it really means to build a career at the intersection of anthropology, law, history, and international relations—with a focus on security practices in West Africa. We explore his transatlantic journey (Sweden ↔ United States), consulting and expert-witness work, and practical advice for early-stage researchers considering moves between the EU and the US. Expect candid reflections on funding landscapes, teaching vs. research roles, work–life balance, language and cultural adaptation, and why you should “never let someone say no for you” when applying for grants or opportunities. ⏱️ Question Timestamps (Guide) Note: Timestamps reference the episode transcript’s timecodes. 00:01:29 — Introduction to field & academic journey  “Could you introduce us to your field of study and your academic journey?” 00:03:43 — Was academia the first choice? Why move to Sweden’s government agency?00:06:44 — Teaching vs. research: preference and why  Integrating both, liberal-arts background, and post-COVID teaching reflections. 00:13:00 — EU vs. US: funding structures & work–life balance  NSF experience, relative acceptance rates impression, foundations, and cultural norms around weekend work/admin.  00:18:46 — Is weekend work “normal” in the US?  Flexibility vs. workload; classroom hours and publishing expectations. 00:22:16 —Teaching, research, and service—how it’s framed vs. the reality. 00:24:02 — Advice for US researchers moving to Europe  Language requirements, cultural communication, immigration logistics, family considerations. [ 00:31:00 — Is it easier to move EU→US or US→EU?  Prestige, institutional recognition, and field-specific patterns. 00:34:00 — Challenges & opportunities shaping the career path  Networking, grant-writing courage, and the Cambridge postdoc “no → yes” story. 00:40:00 — Why return to the US?00:41:20 — Full-time professor vs. external engagement  University support for consulting/expert-witness work and public engagement. 00:42:50 — Final advice & key takeaways for early-stage researchers  Apply widely, stay active in your field’s discourse, embrace transatlantic opportunities. 00:45:50 — Closing and credits  Hosts, editor, and dedication.  Send us a message!

    47 min

  2. DEC 4

    Dual Careers, Global Mobility & Scientific Life with Prof Jessica Cauchard and Dr Michael Levant

    In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks we speak with a remarkable dual-career academic couple: Dr. Michael Levant, a physical chemistry and microfluidics researcher at TotalEnergies, and Prof. Jessica Cauchard, Full Professor for Embodied Intelligent Interaction at TU Wien and a pioneer in human-drone interaction. Together, they share their deeply personal and highly practical journey across countries, disciplines, and career systems. From navigating the “two-body problem” to balancing family, mobility, professorship hiring cultures, and industrial vs. academic pressures, this conversation offers a rare look into what it takes to build two successful research careers while living abroad. This episode is a warm, insightful, and honest look at the human side of scientific careers. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Career paths & research identitiesThe dual-career challenge (“two-body problem”)  Navigating academic vs. industry positions across countries. Mobility experiences in different countries  Cultural differences in higher education, research support, and hiring systems. TU Wien’s dual-career program  How Jessica’s professorship offer emerged and how the program supported their move. Balancing parenthood with global career transitions  Visa concerns, childcare access, and adjusting start dates. Industry vs. academia cultures  Confidential research, publication pressure, KPIs, and expectations. Language learning, cultural integration & communication  What makes academic life easier in a new country. Advice for early-career researchers on mobility  Why leaving the comfort zone accelerates growth. Cross-disciplinarity within a dual-career household  Unexpected synergies between microfluidics, HCI, robotics, and interaction design.  ⏱️ Timestamps  01:31–04:00 — Research Backgrounds 04:00–07:00 — Industry vs. Academia Pathways 10:55–13:00 — Research Support & Mentoring Cultures 13:00–16:00 — Finding two fulfilling positions, timing, relocation.  13:20–15:20 — TU Wien  15:40–17:00 — Becoming Parents While Relocating 17:00–20:00 — First Impressions of Austria 21:00–23:30 — Publish or Perish vs. Confidential R&D 24:20–26:00 — Cross-Disciplinary Inspiration at Home 29:30–31:00 — Language Skills & Adaptation 30:30–33:00 — Advice for Early-Career Researchers 33:00–35:00 — Cultural Differences in Confidence & Networking 35:00 — Closing & Credits Send us a message!

    36 min

  3. NOV 15

    Beyond Relocation: How Dual Career Services Transform Global Mobility at Universities

    In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Mary Kagendo Kobia, Senior Global Mobility Consultant at the University of Copenhagen. Mary shares her decade-long experience supporting international researchers and their families as they transition to life in Denmark. From practical relocation challenges to creating a sense of belonging, Mary explains why dual career services are essential for retention, well-being, and tapping into hidden talent pools. She also offers insights into tailored career support, intercultural integration, and the evolving role of global mobility in academia. Whether you’re a researcher planning a move, a university administrator, or simply curious about international talent strategies, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Key Topics Covered What are Dual Career Services?  Why they matter for researchers and their families.Retention and Well-being  How supporting spouses impacts researcher satisfaction and institutional success.Practical Support for Families  From childcare and schooling to housing and tax advice.Career Coaching and Networking  Tailored support for spouses, including CV feedback and job search strategies.Collaborations Beyond Academia  Partnerships with companies, municipalities, and international networks.Impact and Success Metrics  Data on employment outcomes and growing demand for services.Personal Stories  Real-life examples of transitions and the importance of asking “What do you really want to do?”Question Timestamps 00:02:01 – What is dual career support and why is it important?00:03:07 – Context: University of Copenhagen’s scale and international staff.00:04:43 – Why dual career services matter for retention and belonging.00:06:02 – How the program started and evolved over 12+ years.00:06:45 – How researchers and spouses can access these services.00:08:52 – Real-life story: The importance of “being real” behind the services.00:13:01 – Are opportunities limited to universities or also in companies?00:14:47 – Tailored support vs. one-size-fits-all solutions.00:21:02 – Support for families: childcare, schooling, and social services.00:23:26 – Story: From burnout to new beginnings in Denmark.00:25:01 – Success rates and popularity of dual career services.00:27:01 – Short-term vs. long-term contracts: Who benefits?00:28:01 – Closing thoughts: Why supporting families means everyone wins DUAL CAREER RESOURCES, REPORTS, AND ARTICLES  DUAL CAREER SERVICES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN Dual Career ~ Spouse Network – University of Copenhagen - https://ism.ku.dk/dual-career/Dual Career Brochure - https://ism.ku.dk/contact/brochures-checklists/brochures/Dual_Career-web-050220.pdfISM Dual Career Newsletter - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pLWFjNvnR2qXgXLqNGdrwOKHw9-YxVXI Monthly insights from guest speakers, recruiters, expats & international spouses.International Staff Mobility (ISM) - https://ism.ku.dk/ International Staff MSend us a message!

    30 min

  4. OCT 29

    Let’s get science out of the lab! A conversation with Professor Marina Joubert

    In this inspiring episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, we sit down with Dr. Marina Joubert, a trailblazer in science communication from Stellenbosch University. With a rich background in food science, journalism, and agricultural sciences, Dr. Joubert shares her journey from the lab to the public sphere, advocating for evidence-based discourse and the democratization of science. We explore how scientists can better engage with society, build trust, and navigate the evolving landscape of science communication in the digital age. Whether you're a researcher, student, or science enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections on making science more visible, accessible, and impactful. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: Dr. Joubert’s personal journey from science to journalism and backThe importance of science communication in AfricaDeficit, dialogue, and engagement models of science communicationPublic trust and distrust in scienceThe role of emotion and empathy in effective communicationChallenges in communicating complex issues like antimicrobial resistanceIncentives and support structures for scientists to engage with the publicPractical tips for balancing research and outreach ⏱️ Timestamped Highlights & Questions: 01:12 – Introduction to Dr. Marina Joubert and her career02:28 – Why she chose science communication over pure research04:00 – Building science communication education in South Africa06:36 – Bridging theory and practice in science communication08:00 – Why facts alone aren’t enough: the role of emotion and identity13:13 – Models of science communication: deficit, dialogue, engagement16:21 – Trust in science: what global research reveals18:48 – The rise of vocal anti-science groups and how scientists should respond20:02 – Tips for building trust: personalization and empathy26:01 – Communicating about antimicrobial resistance (AMR)28:26 – How to attract scientists to public engagement31:45 – Balancing science communication with everyday research34:00 – Tangible and intangible benefits of outreach36:35 – Final advice: start small, build visibility, and engage meaningfully   Newsletter to subscribe to (lots of resources and jobs in scicomm)  • The Scicommer: https://thescicommer.substack.com     Resources  • Quality and Effectiveness in Science Communication (QUEST) - https://questproject.eu/  • Observatory for open and outstanding science communication (ENJOI) https://enjoiscicomm.eu  • Science communication and sensemaking (RETHINK) https://www.rethinkscicomm.eu/  • A resource page from the HSRC: https://hsrc.ac.za/home-page/science-in-society/useful-links-on-science-communication/  • A legacy page from a recent (2024) conference on communicating discovery sciences (Stellenbosch) - https://www.discoveryscience.co.za/   Companies who offer science communication services and training (there are many more!)  • Jive Media Africa  https://jivemedia.co.za/ Send us a message!

    32 min

  5. OCT 15

    Science Meets Startups: Inside the EURAXESS START-up Tour

    Guest: Prof. Milan Zdravković — Associate Professor and leading Applied AI researcher at the University of Niš, Serbia; Coordinator of the Serbian EURAXESS Network; Leader of the Scientific Startup Entrepreneurship Hub in the EURAXESS Hub project. 📄 Episode Description In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Darja Aksjonova and Jovan Arandjelović welcome Prof. Milan Zdravković to discuss the EURAXESS Startup Hub, an initiative connecting researchers with opportunities in scientific entrepreneurship. Prof. Zdravković explains how the hub supports researchers transitioning from academia to startup environments, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills and build networks across Europe. The conversation explores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the role of communication skills, and how the Startup Tour enables researchers to experience innovation ecosystems in countries like Estonia, Luxembourg, and Israel. 🎧 Key Topics Covered What is the EURAXESS Startup Hub and how it worksOpportunities for researchers interested in scientific entrepreneurshipFunding structure and open-access nature of EURAXESS programsThe Startup Hub webinar series and leadership academyTarget groups and eligibility criteria for participationHow early-stage researchers can translate their scientific ideas into startupsChallenges researchers face when shifting from academia to entrepreneurshipImportance of communication and “horizontal” skills in startup developmentInsights on the Lean Startup approach and market testingHighlights from the EURAXESS Startup Tour (Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tallinn, Luxembourg)LEARN MORE -> https://www.euraxess.rs/serbia/euraxess-startup-hub 🕒 Question Timestamps  | Time | Question / Topic | 01:11 | Introduction of Prof. Milan Zdravković | 01:56 | What is the EURAXESS Startup Hub and how does it work? | 04:27 | Who can apply and how does the joining process work? | 07:02 | Do applicants need additional financing or is participation covered? | 09:05 | What kind of webinars and digital toolkits are offered by the Hub? | 11:02 | Which researchers are targeted — early-stage, postdocs, or senior? | 12:40 | To what extent should a researcher develop their idea before applying? | 14:00 | What skills do researchers bring to entrepreneurship — and what are the challenges? | 16:30 | The role of communication and feedback in startup success | 17:56 | Applying lean startup principles to scientific innovation | 18:57 | What is the EURAXESS Startup Tour and how does it work? | 20:00 | Who can apply for the Startup Tour and what are the eligibility criteria? | 22:12 | Is participation free and how are travel costs covered? | 22:43 | Closing remarks and episode outro     Send us a message!

    23 min

  6. OCT 8

    How combining linguistics and mathematics turned into a successful company

    In this episode, we sit down with Marco Antonio Stranisci, a postdoctoral researcher in Natural Language Processing at the University of Turin and founder of aequa-tech, an AI startup focused on social impact. Marco shares his journey from humanities to computer science, his activism against hate speech, and the creation of Debunker-Assistant, a tool designed to combat misinformation. We explore the ethical dimensions of AI, the challenges of launching a startup in a crowded tech landscape, and the importance of participatory design in building inclusive technologies. Marco also offers advice to young researchers navigating academia and industry, and invites listeners to contribute to his open-source initiative, the Citizen Dataset Lab. We express our gratitude to University of Turin and personally Lucia Salto for the guest of the podcast Marco Antonio Stranisci. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Marco’s academic journey: from humanities to computational linguisticsThe intersection of activism and AI: detecting hate speechFounding aequa-tech and building Debunker-AssistantChallenges of entrepreneurship in the AI spaceEthical concerns in AI development and data collectionParticipatory design and citizen involvement in techOpen-source vs. closed-source models in AIAdvice for PhD students and early-career researchersThe future of NLP and interdisciplinary AIThe Citizen Dataset Lab initiative ⏱️ Question Timestamps 01:33 – Marco’s academic journey: switching from humanities to IT02:57 – How activism led to a PhD in computer science03:53 – Translating research into startup innovation05:12 – Why Marco chose entrepreneurship06:00 – Emotional highs and lows of startup life07:26 – Benefits and drawbacks of leaving academia08:45 – The crowded AI landscape post-ChatGPT11:56 – Marco’s elevator pitch for aequa-tech13:45 – Debunker-Assistant and participatory design15:02 – Challenges of analyzing social media data16:38 – Open-source values and transparency17:58 – Future plans: interdisciplinary and efficient AI19:00 – Advice for PhD students using AI21:45 – Ethical concerns and the importance of learning23:01 – Humanities in STEM: is something missing?26:18 – How listeners can help: Citizen Dataset Lab27:36 – Multilingual participation and open collaboration  Send us a message!

    29 min

  7. SEP 24

    Strategic Intelligence, Space, and Career Mobility with Dr. Frank Danesy

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Frank Danesy – a strategist, academic, and innovator whose career spans the armed forces, aerospace, academia, and entrepreneurship. With over two decades at the European Space Agency, Dr. Danesy shares insights on strategic intelligence, career mobility, and the evolving landscape of research leadership. From his early days in the military to co-founding Orbit8, a venture focused on career guidance, Dr. Danesy offers a unique perspective on navigating high-stakes environments, adapting across cultures, and shaping the future of research careers. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Career transitions: From armed forces to academia and spaceStrategic intelligence: Its evolution and relevance todayCultural adaptation: Lessons from working across continentsHuman resource leadership: Managing teams in complex settingsArtificial intelligence & bias: Implications for decision-makingSpace sector strategy: ESA’s role in innovation and safetyOrbit8: Career guidance for the next generationAdvice for early-career researchers: Passion, planning, and persistence ⏱️ Episode Timeline & Timestamps 00:01:36 – Introduction to Dr. Frank Danesy’s career journey00:01:39 – How diverse experiences shaped his research approach00:02:38 – Thoughts on Daniel Kahneman’s dual-system thinking00:04:34 – Challenges of adapting to different cultures00:06:25 – Advice for researchers pursuing mobility00:08:11 – Comparing hierarchy in academia vs. armed forces00:10:43 – Intersectoral vs. geographical mobility00:12:00 – Institutional support for transitioning researchers00:16:32 – Strategic intelligence: history, purpose, and future00:21:55 – AI and objectivity in intelligence gathering00:26:29 – Open access and boundaries in intelligence research00:30:55 – Leadership and HR management in research teams00:34:01 – Dual-use technologies and institutional responsibility00:39:00 – Strategic management at the European Space Agency00:47:01 – Moon, Mars, and the politics of space exploration00:52:00 – Space safety vs. space security00:57:00 – Global cooperation in space monitoring01:00:00 – Orbit8: Career guidance and youth empowerment01:05:01 – Dr. Danesy’s career planning and transition01:07:01 – Tips for early-stage researchers01:08:44 – Work-life balance and personal reflections01:11:00 – Final thoughts: passion, purpose, and having fun 🌐 Resources Mentioned Orbit8European Space AgencyIntelsourceInternational Association for Intelligence EducationVIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/lTP4Bov7t0A Send us a message!

    1h 12m

  8. SEP 8

    Entrepreneurship in Academia - From Idea to Prototype

    In this inspiring episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Darja Aksjonova and Jovan Aranđelović sit down with Dr. Artemis Kontou — a polymath whose career spans mechanical engineering, entrepreneurship, academia, and music. From her PhD in tribology at Imperial College London to co-founding a privacy-focused startup with over 1 million downloads, Artemis shares how she bridges the worlds of research and innovation. She opens up about her teaching philosophy, startup challenges, and the art of balancing multiple roles — all while composing music and mentoring the next generation of founders. Whether you're an early-stage researcher, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of science and creativity, this episode offers actionable insights and a dose of motivation. 🧭 Key Topics Covered Academic Foundations & Industrial Collaborations → How tribology research led to patents and global conferences → Working with Shell and Akzo Nobel on applied engineering problemsTeaching with Impact → Engaging students through real-world case studies and industry prizes → Making project management and energy law accessible and excitingStartup Life & Malloc’s Rise → Co-founding a privacy app and navigating early-stage funding → Lessons from viral marketing strategiesMentorship & Mindset Shifts → Helping researchers adopt entrepreneurial thinking → Advice for building MVPs and pivoting with resilienceBalancing Roles & Personal Passions → Managing research, startups, and music composition → Upcoming ventures in shipping tech and hospitality⏱️ Question Timestamps 00:03:00 – What inspired Artemis to pursue mechanical engineering   00:05:00 – How she approaches teaching project management and energy law   00:09:00 – Motivation behind creating Malloc and early startup challenges   00:13:00 – Navigating viral marketing and influencer collaborations   00:16:00 – Strategies for standing out in the cybersecurity market   00:17:00 – Balancing academia, entrepreneurship, and personal life   00:18:30 – Reflections on the EURAXESS Startup Tour in Israel   00:20:30 – Mentoring startups and sharing entrepreneurial insights   00:22:00 – Advice on building MVPs and staying resilient   00:24:00 – Upcoming projects in tech, tourism, and music Send us a message!

    27 min
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The EURAXESS Smart Talks podcast for talents is your personal guide to Research Careers, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

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  • Creator
    ERA Talent Project funded by the European Commission
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 EURAXESS Smart Talks
  • Show Website
    EURAXESS Smart Talks