Supporting and empowering the next generation of scientists is at the heart of the SPECTRA project. Over recent weeks, the consortium proudly marked two important milestones for its Early Career Researchers (ECRs): a dynamic training Boot Camp and the graduation of several outstanding PhD students.
Building Skills and Networks: The SPECTRA Boot Camp
The Boot Camp brought together SPECTRA’s ECRs for several days of intensive training, discussions, and team-building. Through a blend of hands-on sessions, expert lectures, and interactive group work, the young researchers gained valuable insights into analytical techniques, sustainability challenges, and cross-disciplinary approaches to tackling micro- and nanoplastics.
Beyond the technical content, the Boot Camp fostered collaboration and peer-to-peer exchange, equipping participants with new tools and confidence to contribute to SPECTRA’s scientific and societal goals. The event also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in shaping a research culture that is both innovative and resilient.
Celebrating Success: Graduation of SPECTRA’s ESRs
In parallel, SPECTRA proudly celebrated the graduation of several PhD students and Early Stage Researchers from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and affiliated groups, including:
- Nikos Bikiaris
- Dimitris Kalaronis
- Kyriaki Anagnostopoulou
- Nina Maria Ainali
- Eleni Psochia
- Renia Nakiou
- Sofia P. Makri
Their research has made lasting contributions to environmental monitoring, mass spectrometry, polymer and advanced material science, and green technologies. As Professor Dimitra Lambropoulou (AUTh) reflected:
“We are deeply proud of our graduates and ESRs—their dedication, resilience, and achievements inspire us and give us great hope for the future of science.”
Why ECR Training Matters in SPECTRA
According to the SPECTRA Grant Agreement, empowering young researchers is a core element of the project’s mission. The project’s mobility scheme, training activities, and mentoring structures are designed to:
- Strengthen scientific excellence across the consortium.
- Build transferable skills and confidence among ECRs.
- Provide opportunities for hands-on training in advanced infrastructures.
- Foster lasting networks across disciplines, institutions, and countries.
By investing in ECRs, SPECTRA ensures that its legacy will extend beyond immediate research results—cultivating a new generation of scientists equipped to address pressing environmental and health challenges.
Looking Ahead
These recent activities mark just the beginning. Future training schools, mobility exchanges, and stakeholder engagement events will continue to expand opportunities for SPECTRA’s Early Career Researchers, ensuring that they remain central to the project’s success and impact.
