New OpenAIRE Team Member Feature – Meet Nicola Sgambelluri

Dear OpenAIRE members, NOADS and partners,

We are pleased to announce one more addition to the OpenAIRE team!
Allow us to present to you, Nicola Sgambelluri, our new Operations and Development Director!
Read on and learn more about the newest addition to the OpenAIRE family!

Getting to Know You

• Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
  
  

I am an Electronic Engineer with a PhD in Automation, Robotics, and Bioengineering. I spent several years as a researcher at the University of Pisa, which gave me the opportunity to delve into cutting-edge technologies and participate in international interdisciplinary projects.

After transitioning from academia to industry, I worked for 20 years as an Engineering Manager, in companies of various sizes and I have collaborated with multiple teams with diverse cultural backgrounds, something that I found has greatly enriched and enhanced my own overall experience and communication skills. Outside of work, I'm passionate about sports, as I feel they help me maintain a balanced and focused mindset.

• How does your previous experience align with OpenAIRE's mission and goals?
  
  

My background in engineering, automation, and research has provided me with a strong foundation in problem-solving and data management. During my academic years, I developed a deep understanding of the importance of open, accessible data and the value of collaboration within the scientific community. In my roles over the course of my carreer, I focused on fostering efficient workflows and improving communication across teams, which I believe will be valuable in supporting OpenAIRE's growth and all its initiatives and projects.

• What is a favourite quote from a film/ book or any other medium, that you would like to share with us that tells something about yourself?
  
  

A quote I always carry with me is: "Never stop learning, need to learn."
This reflects my personal and professional philosophy, that learning is a lifelong journey; whether through academic pursuits, hands-on experiences, or interactions with others, I believe constant learning is essential for growth and improvement in all aspects of life. It reminds me of the importance of personal values that I will pursuing while I am part of OpenAIRE, such as collaboration, innovation and perseverance.

Role & Responsibilities

• What inspired you to join OpenAIRE?
  
  

I was drawn to OpenAIRE because of its commitment to fostering Open Science and creating an inclusive and accessible research ecosystem. I believe strongly in the power of collaboration and transparency to advance science. The opportunity to be part of an organization that supports researchers and promotes knowledge sharing globally was really exciting for me, especially since OpenAIRE's focus on empowering researchers to make their work open and impactful aligns with my own professional values and aspirations.

• What will your role at OpenAIRE involve?
  
  

As the Operations and Development Director, I will be responsible for overseeing operation development. I will be working closely with the technical team, focusing on team coordination, resource management and the technical roadmap. Additionally, I will focus on continuous process improvement to ensure that OpenAIRE continues to enhance its services and support the research community.

• What are you most excited about in your new position?
  
  

I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with different teams of experts who are passionate about Open Science. The chance to contribute to impactful projects that can shape the future of research and support scholars in sharing their work with a wider audience is something I'm truly looking forward to.

• How do you see your contributions supporting OpenAIRE's growth and impact?
  
  

I will be focusing primarily on building effective teams and ensuring that OpenAIRE's processes and services are constantly improving. By fostering collaboration, enhancing communication, and managing resources effectively, I believe I can help OpenAIRE grow its impact and support the global research community.

Perspectives on Open Science

• What does Open Science mean to you? Why do you think Open Science is important for the future of research?
  
  

Open Science means making research processes, data, and results freely accessible to everyone, thus enabling greater collaboration and innovation. It's essential for the future of research, as it ensures that knowledge is available to all, accelerating discovery, enhancing reproducibility, and fostering transparency - core elements in advancing scientific progress.

• Are there any particular Open Science trends or challenges that interest you?
  
  

I'm particularly interested in the evolving role of open data sharing and the challenges surrounding data privacy and security. As more research becomes open, it's crucial to address these challenges while ensuring that the integrity of the research is maintained. Another trend that excites me is the growing use of open peer review and how it can improve the quality and transparency of scholarly publications.

Closing Notes

• As a closing note, what would you say is the one thing that you'd like people to know about you as you step into this role?
  
  

As I step into this role, I remain deeply committed to continuous learning and improvement. I believe that no matter where we are in our careers, there's always room to grow, and I approach every challenge with this mindset. I'm eager to collaborate, contribute to meaningful projects, and help OpenAIRE achieve its mission of supporting Open Science.

Thank you for your time Nicola and welcome to the OpenAIRE team!