1. May I ask you to introduce yourself briefly (name, nationality, Marie Curie Action, Project, international experience…)?

   Hi,Ciao,Hola,Hallo!

   I am Roy Someshwar - a scientist by training, a multi-linguist cum globe-trotter by hobby and a prominent youth activist in the field of International Development and policy using low-cost ICT Technologies.

   I have had the honour and privilege to represent the youth community at some highly coveted international events, including COP15, St. Petersburg Internal Economic Forum, EU-India Summit, Erasmus Mundus Association and Asian Youth Forum.

   Having lived, worked in 6 countries (Germany, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Israel, India), travelled in over 30 countries and speaking 5 languages (English, German, Spanish, Hindi, Bengali), I consider myself as a global citizen of a world without borders. I believe all these qualities will come in very handy while working actively with an equally diverse community like MCAA.

   Marie Curie Actions - ITN

   project - INTRO (Interactive Robotics)

   Nationality - Indian

2. Why did you apply for the Treasurer position within the MCAA?

   People often hesitate to hold the position of a Treasurer because this post comes with an immense responsibility and an extra bit of hard work. After all, being answerable for the fund management of hundreds of thousands of euros of EU public money is no joke!

   My 5 years of vast experience withinin EMA (Erasmus Mundus Association) in various capacities and especially as Executive Board Member has given me enough exposure and experience and the much-needed skills to take on this responsibility.

   I am looking forward to delivering to the best of my ability.

3. As the Treasurer within the MCAA, what do you plan to do first? – or what is the first item you plan to put on the agenda?

   I plan to act for the deployment of ICT tools for Fund Management. This will make budget management easier, efficient and would allow us an opportunity to analyse it better for insightful reporting in our annual budget reports. And of course, to facilitate absolute transparency in the system.

4. What do you think the MCAA’s priorities should be?

   The MCAA’s priorities should be:

   • To go legal.
   • To establish itself as an important 'voice of researchers' in the EU Research Policy arena.

    

5. How do you plan to organise your work within the MCAA and especially your collaboration with the other Members of the Board?

   Thanks to Snezana, our President, we have established an excellent online forum 'MCAA Board Communication' within the MCAA website through which we discuss the strategies, action plans, aims and objectives of the Association.

   The MCAA Board is truly international (we have people from Asia to Africa to Latin America) and represents the true spirits of our association. The strength of this association lies in how well we collaborate.

6. How will your work within the association help build a “community spirit” among the Marie Curie Alumni?

   I was a Community Development Coordinator of EMA (Erasmus Mundus Association) from 2011 to 2013. So, I can tell you with conviction that the success of an Alumni/youth association depends entirely on how well the Board is able to imbibe this feeling of oneness/belongingness towards the association. It is this community spirit which is going to be the 'soul' of the association.

   The MCAA Board as a whole needs to take an inclusive approach to developing this spirit. We need to involve and touch the lives of more and more Alumni through interesting events/activities and most importantly by churning out the full potential of Web 2.0, especially social media.

7. Do you plan to meet Alumni? When?

   The Annual General Assembly recently held was an excellent opportunity to meet and network with Fellows and Alumni. Our very first GA was attended by more than 80 Fellows. I was fascinated to see that Members above 60 years old took part in the GA.

8. What would you say to the Alumni, especially to those who elected you?

   I am humbled with the support that I have received. Thanks for trusting me, for believing in me for this responsible position. I promise to give my very best. Still full of positive energy gained at the GA. It was great meeting you all. Let's make MCAA a great success.

Let's build the MCAA TOGETHER!