Supporting Central European Scientists

Scientific research funding, focus and support vary widely across Europe, creating real barriers to the career development of scientists in some regions. The Central European Initiative (CEI) is a forum of 17 member states in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe that helps foster integration, cooperation and development within the region.

A year ago, ICTP set up the 'CEI-ICTP Researchers' Mobility for Sustainable Development' initiative with CEI to encourage early-career scientists from seven non-EU CEI member states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine) in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans to participate in ICTP's Training and Research in Italian Laboratories (TRIL) programme. The initiative’s first round saw four fellows spending time immersed in an international research environment in selected Italian labs before returning to their home institutions.

The first group of CEI-ICTP fellows, Stevan Vrbaski, Dunja Bulajic, Edlira Xhafaj, and Redi Muçi, talked a little about their time on the programme and what it meant to them.

Stevan Vrbaski, Serbia.

I come from Novi Sad, the second biggest city in Serbia. In high school, I spent some time in the USA on basketball scholarships, then I came back to Novi Sad for my undergraduate in physics. There was a medical physics field in Serbia at that time, and I was attracted to that as it combines technical skills with helping people, and you can see the benefits immediately. I did my Masters in Kaunas, Lithuania and PhD over the past three years in Trieste, with a fellowship from the Elettra synchrotron.

I love the science and the amount of institutes in Trieste, I’ve never seen this many research facilities, all packed in one place.

-- Stevan Vrbaski

My research is focused mainly on computer tomography, so using X rays to get a 3D image of a patient’s body. Computer tomography is used for quick diagnosis, but very often we cannot see differences in soft tissues with this technique. We're trying to use novel approaches like spectral detectors, and work with synchrotrons using a synchrotron radiation facility. The idea is to use more advanced algorithms to try to be more precise and catch diseases earlier.

How was starting out on the programme?

Starting the programme was a smooth process, since I already knew a lot of people in Trieste, and speak a bit of Italian. One great thing about ICTP is that people here are very internationally oriented; you really feel welcomed right away and you don't feel language or cultural barriers. ICTP is a true international institute. I love the science and the amount of institutes in Trieste, I’ve never seen this many research facilities, all packed in one place. During this time, I presented some of my work in Serbia, and even received first prize for most interesting abstract.

How did the fellowship help your research?

There was plenty of research I still wanted to do after my PhD, but had to stop somewhere and write my thesis. When I went back to Serbia afterwards, I wanted to continue on in high-level research, but saw that we are not quite there in terms of instrumentation, technology and knowledge. This programme helped me a lot to stay in top science, use data I’d already collected, and stay connected with people interested in helping and guiding me through the process. My fellowship was only two months, but it really assisted me in this transition from one country to the other.

How could the programme benefit medical physics research in Serbia?

I think the programme will have a huge impact. We do have some good science in Serbia, but once you do a PhD or a programme like this one, with access to first-class equipment such as a synchrotron, which we don't have in Serbia, you go back home really enthusiastic. You want to continue working on that research, and the programme provides the support and infrastructure to continue.

I think programmes like this are really important, where you can work on something, then come back a few months later, gather data, meet people and continue working on it. In this kind of transition between different countries, this really keeps you motivated.

Redi Muçi, Albania.

I grew up in Girokaster in southern Albania, and majored in civil engineering. I worked at the Polytechnic University of Tirana in the Faculty of Geology and Mining, focusing on soil mechanics. I received my PhD from the Polytechnic University of Tirana, where I currently work as a full-time lecturer.

My work was in a completely new field for me; I found it fascinating to be honest, and we made progress in the project and that gave us satisfaction.

-- Redi Muçi

When I came to OGS [National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics] for this fellowship, I would say that I dived deeper into the ground because we explored gas hydrates and their mechanisms of stability or dissociation. I studied gas hydrates forming in the ocean’s sub floor in specific parts of the world, for example, in the Chilean crust, and analysed the conditions in which hydrates release methane gas into the ocean, and then into the atmosphere. This is also related to global warming and the warming of the oceans, as well as the greenhouse effect of methane.

What was the programme like?

Working at OGS was a great experience for me. My work was in a completely new field for me; I found it fascinating to be honest, and we made progress in the project and that gave us satisfaction. I will continue my collaboration with OGS, and we hope to publish our work. I will be back this year for a conference on my field, which is being held at OGS.

How could this help develop research in Albania?

I will continue researching the topic and I will have the opportunity to also include my students in the research, which is something that has never been done before in Albania. I'm always open to new experiences, to be honest, and this is also a field of great concern to all as it is related to global warming, so it affects pretty much everybody. I think that the focus of scientific research needs to be aligned with the main concerns of our times.

Nobody in Albania is dealing with my kind of field, for example gas hydrate formation in the ocean’s sub floor, so the effect of this will be to open this up as a new research field there, also in the university where I work.

Dunja Bulajic, Montenegro.

I’m from Montenegro, and studied physics in my home country before my undergraduate studies at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. As part of the programme, I was at the ALS [Applied and Laser Spectroscopy] Laboratory of ICCOM [Institute of Chemistry of Organometallic Compounds] in the Research Area of CNR in Pisa, led by Prof. Vincenzo Palleschi.

What was your experience of the programme?

My experience with the ICTP-CEI programme was excellent. As I had previously written my thesis in the same laboratory, and with the same supervisor, I didn’t have to deal with any logistical problems, which can sometimes be time-consuming.

Researchers measured a wide range of samples such as algae, nanomaterials, and most interesting for me,  materials sampled from a small chapel in Campo Santo in Pisa.

-- Dunja Bulajic

During my stay at the ALS laboratory in Pisa, different researchers from Europe came to the lab to make analyses, mostly using Raman spectroscopy. Researchers measured a wide range of samples such as algae, nanomaterials, and most interesting for me, materials sampled from a small chapel in Campo Santo in Pisa.

How could your time in the programme benefit research in Montenegro?

In Montenegro there isn’t any research institute or laboratory work in the field of lasers or spectroscopy. In the Faculty of Natural Sciences at University of Montenegro, there are existing study programmes for physics, but these were established only a few decades ago. However, experimental work almost does not exist. There is still no study programme for chemistry. That’s why we are trying to set up a small laboratory there for laser spectroscopy.

Two years ago, a new study programme “Conservation in Cultural Heritage” was established at the Academy of Arts in Cetinje, and we hope that young students and researchers will use laser techniques in their work in cultural heritage.

Edlira Xhafaj, Albania.

I am from Albania, known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. I have master’s degrees in civil engineering (Geodesy) and Urban Planning and Geographic Information Systems, and think this eclectic foundation empowers me to approach challenges from diverse perspectives, as a versatile and well-rounded researcher.

The practical experiences, methodologies, and analytical techniques acquired during this fellowship will serve as valuable assets as I progress in my career...

-- Edlira Xhafaj

My current research is focused on Albania, known for its seismic activity due to its location in a seismically active region. Working on seismic hazard in Albania involves addressing critical challenges associated with earthquake risk and ensuring the safety of communities in the region using earthquake catalogue analysis, source models, ground motion selection, hazard modelling, and computations. In the fellowship, I worked with the OGS-CRS [Centro Ricerche Sismologiche] laboratory on disaster risk reduction activities along the coasts of Albania.

What was your experience of the fellowship programme?

I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this programme, and my experience has been both enriching and transformative. One of the most valuable aspects of this experience is the mentorship provided by my supervisors, Antonella Peresan and Chiara Scaini. Their guidance has not only enhanced my understanding of the specific research focus but has also provided insights into the broader field of seismic research and its applications in disaster risk reduction.

The hands-on experience of working with real-world data, conducting case studies, and employing advanced modelling techniques will significantly enrich my research capabilities. This exposure to a comprehensive research framework will not only deepen my understanding of seismic risks and disaster preparedness but will also allow me to develop a nuanced perspective on the complexities involved in mitigating such hazards. The practical experiences, methodologies, and analytical techniques acquired during this fellowship will serve as valuable assets as I progress in my career, whether in academia, research institutions, or other relevant sectors.

How could your work during the fellowship help risk assessment in Albania?

My work is on assessing and mitigating risks associated with potential tsunamis triggered by seismic events. This is particularly significant as it addresses the aftermath of the 2019 Mw6.4 Durres earthquake in Albania. The findings of this investigation will not only contribute to advancing scientific knowledge but also play a crucial role in informing disaster preparedness strategies and guiding urban development planning along the Albanian coastline. By actively participating in this programme, I am not only contributing to the scientific community but also working towards practical solutions that can positively impact the resilience of coastal communities in the face of seismic threats.

LINKS:

https://www.cei.int/

https://www.ictp.it/opportunity/training-and-research-italian-laboratories-tril