EUTOPIA-SIF Monthly Fellow Seminar - January 2023

Within the framework of the EUTOPIA Science and Innovation Fellowship Programme, monthly fellows seminars will take place, in which the 35 researchers enrolled in the two cohorts will in turn present their research projects.

We are therefore delighted to invite you to the upcoming EUTOPIA-SIF Monthly Fellow Seminar, on Thursday 12 January 2023, 13:00-14:30 CET.

The seminar will be held on Zoom: https://cyu-fr.zoom.us/j/93189480027

Fore more information and testimonials from a few researchers from the Second Cohort of SIF Fellows, click here.

Event schedule: 

• 13:00-13:05: Introduction
   
• Cohort 2
• 13:05-13:25: Fellow Presentation: Evelina Liarou (University of Warwick)
  • Project Title: Imaging the polymer behaviour
  • Abstract: My research aims to shine the light on the visualization of fundamental chemical reactions that govern the formation and behaviour of what is conventionally called a “polymer”, with the use of cutting-edge characterization tools. The mechanisms that govern the polymer assembly are monitored on a molecular scale, in order to provide insights on the interactions of single polymer chains with their environments. The interdisciplinary alliance between Chemistry and Physics, as well as chemical engineering synergistically reveal the real world of polymers and polymerizations on molecular, or even atomic level, and answer questions existing for decades in the field of polymer chemistry.
• 13:25-13:30: Q&A
   
• 13:30-13:50: Fellow Presentation: Marcos Araújo Castro e Silva (Pompeu Fabra University Barcelona)
  • Project Title: Genomic insights from historically underrepresented populations: population history, genetic diversity and health of Brazilians
  • Abstract: Latin American populations were shaped by extreme founder events and population decline, as well as extensive and widespread admixture. As a result, their ancestry can be traced back to very divergent genetic lineages with distinct evolutionary histories that only came together during the last five centuries. This complex scenario, which is still largely unknown, raises a number of concerns about genetic diversity and its health implications. Such as antagonistic effects of population decrease and admixture on the prevalence of recessive disorders, or genetic adaptations to specific diets and infectious diseases. Thus, characterizing these populations' demographic and evolutionary histories is critical for understanding how their genetic diversity evolved and its health consequences.
• 13:50-13:55: Q&A
   
• Cohort 1
• 13:55-14:05: Fellow Presentation: Madeline Polmear (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
  • Project Title: Civil and Architectural Engineering Students’ Construction of Ethical and Societal Responsibility
  • Abstract: Civil and architectural engineers are the planners, designers, and constructors of the built environment and are entrusted to serve the safety and welfare of the public. The responsibility of civil engineers is evolving as they are tasked with addressing local to global challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, population growth, access to clean water, and climate change. However, there is a disconnection between engineering education and practice as societal, ethical, and environmental impacts receive little coverage in the curriculum. The aim of this research is to examine students’ conceptualization of their future responsibility as engineers and the factors inside and outside the classroom that inform it.
• 14:05-14:10: Q&A
   
• 14:10-14:30: Breakout rooms: discussion with the speakers