Clara Rodriguez, Project Manager of LongTREC, looks back on four years managing the network: her first MSCA Doctoral Network and an experience she describes as truly wonderful.
When I joined LongTREC, I was stepping into my first MSCA Doctoral Network as Project Manager. Managing a European project of this kind means keeping many pieces moving at the same time. You work with partners in different countries and institutions, follow the requirements of the European Commission, and make sure that research and training progress hand in hand. Looking back, I can honestly say it has been a wonderful experience, and much of that is thanks to the people I have worked with.
A warm welcome from day one
From the very beginning I felt warmly welcomed by our coordinator, Ana Conesa. Her support made a real difference as I found my place in the project. The same welcoming spirit came from the whole consortium. The atmosphere within LongTREC has been fantastic: open, friendly and collaborative. Of course, we have faced our challenges along the way, as every project does. But we have overcome them successfully and, above all, we have done so as a team. For me, that sense of working together towards a common goal has been one of the best parts of this journey.
Huge admiration for our Fellows
If there is one thing I want to highlight, it is my admiration for our Fellows. Being a Doctoral Candidate in an MSCA Doctoral Network is demanding. They have worked under considerable pressure to reach all their research objectives. At the same time, they followed an intensive training programme, both within LongTREC and outside it, and produced results to present at international conferences. Balancing all of this is no small task.
I am truly impressed by the work they have done, by the quality of their contributions and by everything they have achieved over these three years. Seeing them grow as researchers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
Grateful to our supervisors
I would also like to thank our supervisors for their kindness and willingness to cooperate. Despite their busy diaries, they always find time to answer my requests (well… the European Commission’s requests 😉). Their responsiveness and goodwill have made my work much easier, and they are a large part of why LongTREC has run so smoothly.
Growing along the way
These four years have been a period of real professional growth for me. I have learnt a great deal about managing a complex European project, and about how much a good team can achieve together. I am already looking forward to the opportunity to manage another MSCA-DN.
To Ana, to the supervisors, to the whole consortium and, above all, to our Fellows: thank you for making this experience so special.
