Working at SERI: Myriam Paulina Cevallos Christen

What do you do exactly?

As Scientific Advisor for the International Research and Innovation Programme Unit, I am in charge of Cluster 1 (Health) within the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programmes. This Cluster offers funding opportunities for health research and related topics. I am also involved with the topic of Open Science in the EU, which means I represent Switzerland in various EU working groups and handle both internal and external matters relating to this topic.

What do you like about your work in particular?

As a trained epidemiologist, I am fascinated by health research, so in this role I am completely in my element. The international nature of my work gives me the opportunity to interact with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds on a common topic. I find that incredibly stimulating. 

What challenges do you expect in the near future?

Switzerland's lack of an association agreement for Horizon Europe has made my work more difficult. For instance, I am no longer part of EU working groups and am no longer in regular contact with colleagues from other countries. The flow of information is no longer as good as it used to be with Horizon 2020. For our team, the situation requires innovative thinking and a high degree of flexibility - which is also very exciting, but exhausting in the long run.