1. May I ask you to introduce yourself briefly?

Marco Masia

My name is Marco Masia, I am Italian and I was an MSC Fellow at Boston and Frankfurt Universities from 2012 to 2015. I have been an Assistant Professor of Theoretical Chemistry at the University of Sassari (Italy) since 2006. I have been a visiting scholar in seven Universities in Europe and USA. I joined the MCAA in 2014 and I have chaired the Policy on Successful Researchers working group since last year.

2. Why did you apply for the Vice-Chair Person position within the MCAA?

I had the opportunity to work with the previous Board, and I wanted to contribute more actively to the Association’s decision-making process. I knew that Brian Cahill was going to run as Chair; I have been working with him within the Board of the German Chapter and I decided to join as Vice-chair.

3. How will you organise the handover with the previous Vice-Chair?

Luckily the previous Vice-Chair sits in the board and I am in contact with him continuously. We have a good personal and working relationship and I know that I can always count on his help.

4. As the MCAA Vice-Chair, what do you plan to do first?

I would like to sit with the new Board and make a strategic plan before deciding what to do first. I have many ideas that I will share with the Board at our first meeting in April. The main goal is to exploit the yet-untapped potential of the association. I think that we should do more to help our Members make an impact in Europe, either in research or in any other field in which they are in.

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

Boost members' careers, create high quality content, contribute to policy debate in Europe, partner with outstanding organisations and exploit synergies.

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

As I said, I have worked with Brian (the current Chair) within the German Chapter, where team work was a very good experience. I expect to use a similar work pattern within the MCAA Board.

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

First of all, I would like to thank those who elected me.

Unfortunately I couldn't stay in Venice for the vote and I haven't had the opportunity to thank people. As for the Alumni in general, I would like them to participate more in the Association and to help us make it as lively and interconnected as possible. We have many ideas and we need people to make them reality.