Title: NuFFER kick-off meeting
Time: 15:00-16:30 CEST
Where: EUNPC2025 conference
Description: This meeting marks the official launch of the NuFFER forum dedicated to supporting early-career researchers (ECRs) in nuclear physics across Europe.

Title: Beyond Publications: What does success look like?
Time: 18:40-20:00 CEST
Where: ESSENA26 school , Catania, Italy, and via Zoom
Description: What does success really mean in research? Publications, grants, and academic positions are often used as measures of success “or failure”, but research careers are shaped by many different experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Success can take many forms, both within and beyond academia. Join us for a panel discussion bringing together researchers from different career stages and backgrounds to share their perspectives on career development, personal growth, and the diverse paths that can define a successful career.
Panelists:

• Marialuisa Aliotta (University of Edinburgh, UK).
• Thanassis Psaltis (Saint Mary's University, Canada).
• Teodora Petruse (INFN, Italy).
• Luis Acosta (Spanish National Research Council, Spain).
• Cesare Scalia (Causal ML & AI Systems, Italy).

The panel discussion is open to ESSENA26 school participants and members of the wider NuFFER community joining Zoom session. Please note that the start time of the online connection may be subject to small delays depending on the school program.

Title: Pathways to European Funding: ERC and Marie Curie Opportunities
Time: 15:00-16:30 CEST
Where: via Zoom
Description: Funding is a crucial step in a researcher`s career path. This NuFFER event presents key European funding programmes, with a particular focus on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC).
Invited Speakers:

• Isabel Herzhoff (Head of Team ERC & MSCA, KoWi): Funding opportunities for early-career researchers within MSCA.
• Nicolas Villacorta (Delegate for Helmholtz Matter in Brussels): ERC funding schemes and strategic insights.

The keynote presentations will be followed by an open Q&A session with participants.

Title: Mental Health in Early Career Research
Time: 15:00-17:00 CEST
Where: via Zoom
Description: First NuFFER event dedicated to mental health in academia, with a focus on the challenges faced by early career researchers.
Invited Speakers:

• Jorg Bergmann (Berlin Clinical Psychology, Germany). How to recognize pressure early and respond in ways that help
• Francesca Cavanna (INFN Torino, Italy): Presentation on researcher's perspective, sharing experiences and engaging in discussion during the Q&A session.

The event will begin with a short introduction to NuFFER, followed by the keynote talk, a moderated discussion, and an open Q&A with participants. The session is designed as an interactive space and explore practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being in academia.