Committed to Planet A

Simply Science - Intercultural Communication Ep. 4

The first block of Simply Science episodes will take a closer look at the topic of Intercultural Communication and explain 3 important theories in this field. Episode 3 and 4 introduce us to Geert Hofstede and his six dimensional model of (national) culture. In The Anxiety Map - Planning, Time, and lmpulse, we take a look at the final three dials in this theory.

Simply Science - Intercultural Communication Ep. 3

The first block of Simply Science episodes will take a closer look at the topic of Intercultural Communication and explain 3 important theories in this field. Episode 3 and 4 introduce us to Geert Hofstede and his six dimensional model of (national) culture. In The Hidden Software - Power, ldentity, and Competition, we take a look at the first three dials in this theory.

Simply Science - Intercultural Communication Ep. 2

The first block of Simply Science episodes will take a closer look at the topic of Intercultural Communication and explain 3 important theories in this field. Episode 2 High Context vs. Low Context: The Secret Frequencies of Communication, tackles theory number 2: Edward T. Hall's concept of High Context versus Low Context Communication.

Simply Science - Intercultural Communication Ep. 1

The first block of Simply Science episodes will take a closer look at the topic of Intercultural Communication and explain 3 important theories in this field. Episode 1 Lost in Translation? The Hidden Rules of Our Conversations, explores Edward T. Hall's Iceberg Model of Culture and how intercultural misunderstandings arise because people from different cultures communicate according to different, often invisible, cultural norms rather than simply because they speak different languages.

From Lab to Leadership: Project Management for Researchers

Project management is one of the most important skills researchers need, yet it’s rarely taught in academia. From drafting budgets and schedules to building well-coordinated teams – knowing how to run a project is essential for PhD students and early-career researchers. This episode of “Committed to Planet A” takes us to the “Management of Research Projects” workshop hosted in June 2026 by Technical University of Leoben. During this intense five-day workshop, young researchers from 3 EURECA-PRO partner universities came together. They learnt essential skills and tools to propose and run their future projects successfully and sustainably. Join the workshop organizers, Michel Varelija (Research Coordinator, TUL) and Isabella Zick (Communication Manager, TUL), as they discuss the growing need for project management in academia. And, dive even deeper into the topic of project management and the biggest challenge for researchers: transitioning from a project contributor focused on fine details to a project leader overseeing the entire scope and “bigger picture”. Expert trainer Caroline Rotter shares practical insights on budgets, timelines, and team dynamics to turn proposals and projects into sustainable, real-world success.

Science Ethics Ep. 4 - Whistle-blowing and the Moral Courage of Scientists

Whistleblowing in science sits at the uneasy intersection of ethical responsibility, personal risk and institutional power. Episode four of the EURECA-PRO podcast special edition on Science Ethics explores the moral courage required of scientists who choose to speak up when they encounter misconduct, suppression of evidence or practices that endanger public health. Through the landmark cases of Jeffrey Wigand in the tobacco industry and Nancy Olivieri in pharmaceutical research, the episode illustrates how whistleblowers often face retaliation, legal threats, professional isolation and lasting personal consequences. At the same time, these stories reveal why whistleblowing is essential for safeguarding scientific integrity, protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining public trust in research. By discussing both the individual costs and the broader benefits for the scientific community, the episode examines current legal protections, structural shortcomings and future strategies to better support scientists who act in the public interest.

Science Ethics Ep. 3 - Trust and Transparency in a Post-Truth Era

In this episode of Science Ethics, students of the University of Applied Sciences Mittweida explore the current state of science communication in relation to truth and transparency. Scientists have been facing mistrust for ages. With Trump’s election in 2016 a new term for the mistrust and negligence of scientific facts has become mainstream: “Post-Truth”. The students discuss various reasons for post-truth behaviour, obstacles for science communicators and different dimensions to consider when communicating science nowadays. Lastly, an interview with the leading expert David Kaldewey reveals possible ways for science communication to be effective.

Science Ethics Ep. 2 - Integrity in the Age of AI

This is the second episode of Committed to Planet A's special edition on Science Ethics. It explores how artificial intelligence is transforming medical research and diagnostics and examines whether machines can act as ethical researchers. The discussion combines host dialogue with expert perspectives to connect practical AI applications with broader ethical implications, while addressing different current problems: • AI in scientific discovery and ethical responsibility • Pattern recognition in complex medical data • Support for high-stakes diagnostic decisions • Ethical concerns such as opacity, bias, and responsibility • Challenges around errors and ownership of AI-generated results Ultimately, the episode highlights that trustworthy science continues to depend on transparency, explainability, and human oversight in the age of AI.

Science Ethics Ep. 1 - Pressure, Metrics and Misconduct in Science

What if your academic career depended less on what you discover and more on how often you publish? In this first episode of the special edition of Committed to Planet A, we dive into the logic of “publish or perish”. A system in which publication numbers, citation counts and metrics like the h-index often determine jobs, funding and reputation. We explore how this pressure shapes everyday life in academia, especially for early-career researchers, and how performance indicators can influence research topics, priorities and even behavior. From salami slicing and ghost authorship to paper mills and predatory journals, we discuss where strategic adaptation ends and scientific misconduct begins. At the same time, we look at possible alternatives: more differentiated contribution models like the CRediT taxonomy, stronger research integrity guidelines and a broader understanding of what makes a “good” scientist. This episode asks a fundamental question: How can we build an academic system that rewards quality, transparency and integrity – not only productivity?

Amplifying Student Superpowers: The EURECA-PRO Student Council on Air

What happens when you bypass the geographical static and tune four different countries into the exact same frequency? You unleash the true superpowers of the student movement. In this new episode of Committed to Planet A, the Universidad de León coordinates a truly borderless recording, broadcasting simultaneously from Belgium, Spain, Pakistan, and Poland to capture a pivotal moment: the official board handover of the EURECA-PRO Student Council. Guided by our host, Andrés Sánchez (Andrelo), we mix the "old guard" and the "new blood" on the airwaves. We are joined by Ihtesham Ud Din and Aralia Muñiz (outgoing board) along with Juan Guerrero and Klaudia Cholewa (incoming board) to talk bluntly about what it really means to lead change within a European alliance. We turn up the volume on honest conversations regarding the gap between institutional bureaucracy and the human side of university life, explore how to ground the concept of Responsible Consumption and Production (RCP), and close with a very special studio dynamic: an exchange of "superpowers" and radio-ready advice to survive—and enjoy—the journey ahead! In this episode, you will find: On the Air: The real people behind the roles and what motivated them to join the council from different corners of the world. Brutal Honesty: Direct frequencies sent to rectors and coordinators to make the alliance truly work for its students. Future & Priorities: The new leadership's key signals to connect campuses across all 9 countries. The Handover: Essential tools and mutual advice for their upcoming professional lives. 🎧 Tune in, turn it up, and discover the driving force behind the student engine in Europe!

The Secret Life of a Smartphone: Insights into Mining with Michel Varelija

Have you ever wondered what’s actually inside a smartphone? What raw materials are hidden in there and how are they are actually extracted? In this new episode of Committed to Planet A, we take you to the mining grounds to explore what really goes into the smartphones we use every day. From the materials hidden inside your device to the environmental and social impact of mining, we uncover the journey from raw resources to finished product - and what we can do to make this process more sustainable. For this episode, Sandrina Gasser, Chair of the EURECA-PRO Communication and Dissemination Office, sat down with Michel Varelija, researcher and expert in Mining Engineering and Geotechnics at Technical University of Leoben. Together, they talk about the hidden life cycle of smartphones, why responsible mining matters, and how more sustainable practices could shape the future of our devices.

Tune into the research - What is the PhD student's path like?

Tune into the Research - What is the PhD Student Journey Like? In late November 2025, the University of León welcomed 13 PhD students from various universities within the EURECA-PRO alliance. Led by Andrés Sánchez, Communications Officer at EURECA-PRO ULE, we conducted a workshop called 'Tune into research' with the aim of having the students share their experiences as PhD candidates. Topics included the relationship with their supervisor, imposter syndrome and mental health, pursuing an academic or corporate future, and the pressure to publish. This new episode is the result of small group discussions held at León University Radio, followed by recorded interviews with several students who shared their experiences with the wider EURECA-PRO university community. Whether you're a PhD student, researcher, professor, or just starting your university career, you're sure to gain a lot from what they shared!

The Human Factor Behind the Staff Week in Leoben

In this new episode of Committed to Planet A, we take you to the heart of the International Week held at Montanuniversitat Leoben last October. Beyond the agendas and strategic meetings, we explore the "human factor" that drives our European alliance. This program marks a technical milestone for EURECA-PRO: it is our first-ever remote recording connecting 5 countries simultaneously (Belgium, Germany, Austria, France, and Spain), proving that collaboration truly knows no borders. Hosted by Maria Speck (Hochschule Mittweida University of Applied Sciences) and Andrés Sánchez (University of León), we are joined by three guests who are key members of the Working Groups meeting in Austria: Anna Rath (Montanuniversitat Leoben) – International Relations Office (IRO) Capucine François (Université de Lorraine) – Communication & Dissemination (CODI) Steven Palmaers (Hasselt University) – Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) Together, we discuss the latest developments in mobility, our joint communication strategy, and the fostering of entrepreneurship. We also share candid insights into the personal experience of organizing and living through these massive international events. Tune in to hear how we are building Europe—from Leoben to the world.

A new call for doctoral students: PhD Journey 2025.

In this new Student Sessions episode, we give you all the details about the PhD Journey 2025 call, organized by three universities in our alliance: TU Bergakademie Freiberg/Hochschule Mittweida and the University of León. Our colleague Andrés Sánchez interviews Beatriz Álvarez, EURECA-PRO technician at ULE, Beatriz Jiménez Parra, coordinator of the Doctoral School in León, and Ana Cuesta, a PhD student who took part in the 2024 PhD Journey. Listen to this episode and find out how to take part if you're a doctoral student!

European Universities and the Future of the Academic Sector

On the occasion of their visit at TUC last March, we chat with Vanessa Massegg, EURECA-PRO's General Project Lead and Lisa Pichler, former General Project Lead, both from MUL, about European Universities, and the future of the academic sector.

The 2024 PhD Journey in Hasselt

Phd Students Stavroula Panagiotidou (TUC) and Nikolina Pervan (MUL) discuss their experience as participants of EURECA-PRO's 2024 PhD Journey organised by Hasselt University in Belgium.

A EURECA-PRO Landmark

TUC's EURECA-PRO Student Ambassadors, Stavroula Panagiotidou, Ioannis Karagiannidis and Ioulia Koroptsenko welcomed at TUC's Language Centre Researchers: Georgia Velli, Myrto Pagomenaki, Anna-Pagona Papidi, and Ioanna Feidopiasti, members of TUC TIE Lab team who designed and installed the EURECA-PRO Landmark art installation at TUC's campus.

Special Episode: The EURECA-PRO Review Week 2025 in Nancy - France

During EURECA-PRO's Review Week in Nancy, May 2025, Maria Speck (HSMW), Maria Papadomanolaki (TUC) and Andrés Sánchez (ULE), EURECA-PRO's Podcast team, have worked really hard to record interviews with different members of the alliance to capture some of its highlights and breakthrough moments!

Powerful Citizens: Exploring Sustainable uses of Piezoelectric Materials in our Everyday Lives

Student Council Work: Change Towards a more Sustainable Europe

Andrés Sánchez from University of Leon's EURECA-PRO team chats with two students of ULE, Aralia Muñiz (also Vice-Chair of EURECA-PRO Student Council) and Ainhoa Villán, about their experience as members of the EURECA-PRO student council and the European Student Assembly as well as being part of the change towards a more sustainable EUROPE.