1. When you started your project through the Marie Curie initiative, what were your expectations?

When I began my Marie Curie fellowship in 2006, I was not well acquainted with the initiative and, hence, I had few expectations about it. I was just excited that I would study abroad and for me this was the challenge to get out of my comfort zone.

2. When you started your placement, did you imagine that you’d be where you are today?

Taking the decision to obtain a PhD abroad, I hoped it would accelerate my career development. So, definitely yes.

3. If you had to choose the most memorable moment during your Marie Curie project, what would it be?

The very first Marie Curie project meeting when I discovered that one of the students was a former university colleague of mine. Both of us were astonished by what appeared, back then, to be pure chance – to meet and collaborate even though we were affiliated to institutes in different countries – Belgium and France, respectively.

4. Three words that sum up your Marie Curie Actions experience?

Self-confidence, networking, edutainment (education + entertainment)

5. How do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself as the founder of an innovation-based company, most probably in the domain of material science.

6. Is there a famous researcher who inspires you?

Ana Aslan – a Romanian biologist and physician who founded the Geriatric Institute of Bucharest, the first of its kind in the world, and which is recognised by the World Health Organisation.

7. What is your favorite quote by a scientist?

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” – Albert Einstein

8. Your advice to a researcher who would like to apply for a Marie Curie Action?

A Marie Curie Action  is significant as it outweighs all other training programmes for the  professional experience gained.

9. Imagine your ideal Marie Curie Alumni Association event. What would it be and where?

In a sunny location and organised in a fully transparent manner with regards to agenda, elections (nominations, voting), funding, memberships, etc.

10. If you could introduce us to another Marie Curie Alumni, who would it be?

My former colleagues from DRIVE (“Diamond Research on Interfaces for Versatile Electronics") project: http://www.eu-drive.com/5.html