I Encuentro Momentum: Connecting Researchers, Sharing Reflections 🧠

On February 26th, I had the pleasure of attending the I Encuentro Momentum, held at the Centro de Física Teórica y Matemáticas (CFTMAT) in Madrid. This event brought together all of us who are part of the Momentum Fellowship Programme, offering a unique opportunity to meet in person, share our research, and reflect on our roles as researchers in today’s rapidly evolving world.

The day began with an opening presentation by José M. Martell, Vice President of Scientific and Technical Research at CSIC, who introduced the vision and goals of the Momentum Programme. It was inspiring to hear how this initiative supports researchers from across disciplines and aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific growth.

One of the most enriching parts of the event was hearing from fellow Momentum researchers about their ongoing work—ranging from archaeology to geology. It was fascinating to discover the diversity of research paths represented and to learn about approaches and challenges in fields quite different from my own. A big thank you to all the speakers for sharing their work so openly.

We were then welcomed by Eloísa del Pino, President of CSIC, who offered an institutional perspective on the importance of supporting early-career researchers and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue.

A definite highlight of the day was the Masterclass titled “La IA en la investigación: luces y sombras” by Carles Sierra, Director of the IIIA. His talk tackled the role of Artificial Intelligence in scientific research—discussing both its immense potential and the ethical responsibilities that come with it. He emphasized the importance of fairness, transparency, and the use of open and inclusive data, reminding us that as researchers, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that AI is developed and used ethically and for the common good. A powerful message to reflect on as we embark on our research journey under the Momentum Programme.

The afternoon included two very practical and insightful sessions. The first was a workshop on social networks as tools for scientific communication, led by Oriol Borràs (URJC). We explored how to use platforms effectively to share our research, identify our audiences, and engage with society. It was packed with useful advice on how to communicate science in a meaningful and accessible way.

We closed the day with a microcredential session titled “El porfolio como instrumento de aprendizaje y desarrollo profesional: el comienzo de tu CV formativo”, delivered by Mª Jesús García, Director of the Postgraduate Department. This session gave us a fresh perspective on how to build and maintain a research portfolio—not just as a record of accomplishments, but as a tool for reflection, learning, and professional development.

Overall, the I Encuentro Momentum was a meaningful experience—both personally and professionally. It set a collaborative and reflective tone for what I hope will be a very rewarding stage in my research career. I’m excited to continue growing within the Momentum Programme, and grateful to the organizers and participants for making this first gathering so insightful and inspiring.