Meet the SPIRIT Partners: an interview with Digital for Planet’s Senior Project Manager Dr. Valentina Margaria
Dr. Valentina Margaria
Dr. Valentina Margaria joined Digital for Planet in 2023, contributing her expertise in management, consulting and proposal writing. Valentina is an experienced European project manager with a diverse background in research and innovation. Her competencies span the areas of medical and environmental biotechnology, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), circular economy and bio-based economy. Valentina’s expertise lies in supporting multidisciplinary teams in achieving shared goals through concrete planning, execution, and coordination. Prior to joining D4P, Valentina worked as project manager and scientific team leader in academia and in the public sector in Italy and Switzerland. Valentina holds an MSc in Biotechnology and a PhD in “Complex system applied to life science”.
Q: Who is D4P and what is its role in SPIRIT?
A: Digital for Planet is a non-profit organisation that unites digital innovators, researchers, public authorities, civil society, and citizens to promote a digital transformation that aligns with sustainability goals. Our community consists of various organisations and individuals working towards a digitally empowered society that provides equal opportunities for all while safeguarding our environment. Our mission is to make the twin green and digital transition a reality.
D4P’s role is to guarantee that sustainability considerations are fully integrated into the planned SPIRIT activities. Specifically, D4P leads Work Package 5, which is focused on defining and managing the Open Calls, implementing their procedures to assess and select at least 20 use case experiments, and providing support and mentorship to applicants.
Moreover, D4P is heavily involved in Work Package 6 (Impact Creation and Outreach) by supporting communication and dissemination activities to maximise the visibility of the SPIRIT project. This includes boosting engagement with various target groups through dedicated efforts on social media channels, newsletters, website content, and more.
Finally, D4P supports IMEC in Work Package 1 (Project Management) by organising project meetings, coordinating the production of the periodic progress reports, and overseeing the quality control of the deliverables.
Q: What is your contribution to the SPIRIT project?
A: D4P’s contribution to the SPIRIT project focuses on increasing stakeholders’ participation and enhancing communication and dissemination activities to drive the project’s success and maximise its visibility and impact. By effectively managing SPIRIT outreach through social media, newsletters, and other channels, we ensure that the project’s achievements and opportunities reach a wide audience, encouraging active participation and support for our initiatives. Moreover, through the management of open calls, we attract diverse and innovative proposals that foster greater engagement and collaboration across sectors.
Q: How do you think SPIRIT will benefit the European society?
A: SPIRIT will significantly benefit European society by promoting sustainability through advanced telepresence technology, by driving innovation and reinforcing the role of SMEs in the digital ecosystem.
On sustainability side, by reducing the need for travel, SPIRIT will lower carbon emissions and energy consumption, contributing to Europe’s environmental goals. Additionally, SPIRIT will enhance remote communication and collaboration, helping society remain productive and resilient during disruptions like pandemics. This not only supports environmental sustainability but also broadens access to services and opportunities, especially in remote areas.
Moreover, by providing opportunities for SMEs to engage in open calls, SPIRIT encourages a diverse range of innovative solutions across various sectors. This not only accelerates the development of cutting-edge technologies but also ensures that small and medium-sized enterprises have a significant role in shaping the future of immersive telepresence. Overall, SPIRIT will help create a more sustainable, equitable, and connected Europe.