Q: Hi Cristina, you have recently joined the ERIS team at VUB TechTransfer and the IMPACT Management Team. Welcome! Can you tell us a bit about your background?
A: Certainly! I hold a Ph.D. in Bioscience Engineering from Ghent University, specializing in single-cell technologies with a focus on their applications in microbiology for fingerprinting. In my postdoctoral research, I extended my expertise to the field of drinking water quality monitoring. As a scientific coordinator, I successfully contributed to the preparation of grant applications for both national and Horizon EU funding initiatives. Moreover, my role as the social media manager in the Young Belgian Society for Microbiology allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience in scientific communication, reaching both scientists and the general public.
Q: Why did you decide to switch from an academic career to EU grant writing?
A: I am deeply passionate about innovation and find great satisfaction in supporting Life Scientists in their pursuit of securing EU funding. Transitioning to a research support career enables me to play a pivotal role in facilitating groundbreaking research initiatives and fostering collaboration within the scientific community.
Q: What are your plans for the future as member of the IMPACT Management Team?
A: As a member of the IMPACT Management Team, I aim to leverage my expertise to expand our international network. By forging strategic connections and collaborations, I intend to enhance the global reach of our initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment for impactful research and innovation. This expansion will not only strengthen our existing partnerships but also pave the way for new opportunities that align with our mission to make a lasting impact in the field.
Dr Cristina García Timermans holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from Ghent University, specializing in single-cell technologies with a focus on their applications in microbiology for fingerprinting. During her postdoctoral research, Cristina further enriched her expertise by delving into the realm of drinking water quality monitoring. In her capacity as a scientific coordinator, she played a pivotal role in successfully preparing grant applications for both national and Horizon EU funding initiatives.