NetCastPL4.0 Seminars Series – May 12, 2026

The link to the Seminar is the following:

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NetCastPL4.0 Seminars Series – May 12, 2026, 02:00 – 03:30 pm CET

The seminar on Building a Career in R&D: From PhD to Professional Pathways will be delivered by Monica Favaro.

Careers in research and development today extend far beyond the traditional academic trajectory, spanning industry, applied research organisations, policy, innovation ecosystems, and hybrid roles. Navigating this landscape can be challenging—especially during the PhD and early career stages, when uncertainty, mobility requirements, and career decisions are most acute.

This webinar provides a structured and realistic overview of how to build a sustainable and fulfilling career in R&D, starting from the PhD and moving toward a wide range of professional pathways. Participants will explore how research skills translate across sectors, how innovation, collaboration with industry, and research impact shape modern R&D roles, and how to strategically develop a professional profile through publications, projects, networking, and international experience.

Drawing on concrete examples and practical frameworks, the webinar will address common challenges faced by early career researchers and offer actionable strategies to manage uncertainty, make informed career choices, and build options over time. Designed for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early career professionals, the session aims to empower participants to view their research training as preparation not only for academic excellence, but for meaningful and impactful professional contribution across the R&D ecosystem.

Monica Favaro

Monica Favaro, PhD in Chemistry, is a Senior Researcher at CNR ICMATE with over 20 years of experience in advanced research in materials science and technology. Her activities focus on the design, characterization, and application of innovative materials, as well as the supervision of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. She has extensive experience in research management and strategic planning, leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating complex national and international projects, and contributing to institutional governance, technology transfer, and the definition of long term research priorities.