Advent calendar - December 19th - Georgian Nedelcu

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse in their typical day at work. In Episode 19 meet Georgian Nedelcu, Funding Officer within the Zernike Institute Coordinating Office.

I joined the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials at the University of Groningen as a Postdoctoral researcher in October 2020 and later on, in May 2022, I took a lateral step and joined the Coordinating Office as the new Funding Officer. In this role, I support the EU collaborative grants and assist researchers in securing funding for their innovative ideas. My expertise includes identifying and assessing funding opportunities, partner search and consortium building, project development, and proposal writing.

The Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials is a top research institute known for its cutting-edge research in (nano)materials, surfaces and interfaces, devices, and biosciences. As a Funding Officer, I play a crucial role in helping the institute maintain its status as a leading research center by facilitating access to various funding sources across the entire Horizon Europe R&I programme. But my role doesn’t stop here. I collaborate closely with colleagues from different departments within the faculty and university on developing policies related to research funding and organizing better support in preparing a grant submission for researchers. Also, in a broader context, I collaborate with policy advisors from RVO, contributing to the final EU R&I Work Programmes, as well as with peers across the country, sharing best practices and developing programs for the community.

Prior to my current position, I had a background in scientific research. I am a chemist by training with expertise in the synthesis of photoluminescent nanomaterials, and I have co-authored several highly cited papers in the field of nanomaterials and perovskites. My transition to a funding role allows me to leverage my scientific expertise to support the institute’s research initiatives and help secure the financial resources necessary for advancing materials science at the Zernike Institute while having a positive and lasting societal impact.

As the year comes to a close, I reflect on the importance of collaboration and perseverance. Research and innovation are team efforts harmoniously orchestrated in perfect pitch. Behind every groundbreaking discovery, there’s a network of people working together to make it happen. I’m proud to be part of that network.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate the unsung heroes who help turn ambitious ideas into reality. My role as a funding officer ensures that Europe remains at the forefront of research and innovation, paving the way for a brighter future.

Jolly Holidays from me and the entire Coordinating Office team!

See all Advent Calendar items 2024 here!