In this episode, we sit down with Professor Marco Piccardo, the first INESC researcher to win an ERC grant while at INESC, marking a major milestone in his professional journey. Marco shares the fascinating intersection between creativity and scientific research, drawing from his groundbreaking ERC grant-winning project, MetaPOWER. He offers a rare glimpse into the unpredictable nature of idea generation, the importance of collaboration in refining research proposals, and the critical strategies behind a successful ERC application.
Our conversation goes into both the personal and professional challenges Marco faced, shedding light on his approach to balancing the pressures of academia with the need for creative space. A key focus of this episode is "slow productivity" a concept that emphasizes sustainable, high-quality research outputs over time, which Marco argues is essential for long-term success in a demanding field like his.
In addition, we explore the role of institutional support in fostering innovative research, a factor Marco credits as crucial in his achievements. Whether you're an aspiring researcher, an academic, or simply curious about the inner workings of cutting-edge science, this episode offers valuable lessons on perseverance, planning, and the art of managing both ideas and energy in the world of research.
Key Takeaways:
Episode Chapters:
00:00 - The Birth of Creativity: How Ideas Emerge
07:12 - Navigating the ERC Grant Application Process
10:31 - Introducing the MetaPOWER Project: Vision and Impact
17:36 - Strategic Insights for Crafting a Winning ERC Proposal
25:14 - Balancing Work and Life in the World of Research
37:45 - Future Directions for MetaPOWER: What's Next?
53:21 - The Critical Role of Institutional Support in Research Success