First USI member at the Swiss Young Academy

The assembly of members of the Swiss Young Academy has appointed five new members, selected from more than 80 nominations. The nominees, whose five-year term of office will begin on 16 June 2023, also include Marco Cavallaro, a doctoral assistant at the Institute of Communication and Public Policy at Università della Svizzera italiana.

Founded in 2019, the Swiss Young Academy is part of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences network. It aims to bring together young researchers from various scientific fields and universities. Marco Cavallaro is the first member from Università della Svizzera italiana.

What does the Swiss Young Academy do, and what motivated you to apply? 

The Swiss Young Academy brings together young researchers from diverse fields to collaborate on projects that bridge science, politics, and society. Some of these projects focus on important topics, such as the impact of scientific misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of scientific experts in legislative processes.

As a science policy researcher, I am fascinated by the connection between science and politics and how implementing research-related policies can positively impact society. Joining this network gives me a great chance to connect with like-minded researchers and showcase my work to policymakers.

Is there a particular goal you hope to achieve as a member of the Swiss Young Academy? 

As someone who understands the difficulties and pressures involved in finding funding, particularly for young researchers, I want to join the discussion on improving research funding policies to better address the needs and circumstances of researchers.

What does your research work consist of? 

Using sociology and organisational studies approaches, I study the organisation, conduct and effects of competition for research funding, particularly European funding programmes such as Horizon Europe.