Successful GETM4 Secondment for Thomas Cooney in Chile.
Prof Tom Cooney recently completed an academic secondment at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Viña del Mar (Chile) for the full month of January. The secondment was made possible through funding from the EU project Global Entrepreneurial Talent Management 4 Project (GETM4) and supported by the School of Management, People and Organisations. This experience provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in international academic collaboration, attend a consortium meeting, deliver lectures, and network with researchers from diverse backgrounds.
During his time in Chile, Prof Tom Cooney participated in the week-long sandpit (consortium meeting) organised as part of the GETM4 project. This meeting facilitated discussions on ongoing research, project goals, and future collaborative opportunities among consortium members. The intensive discussions provided insights into interdisciplinary approaches and fostered stronger connections between European and Latin American researchers.
As part of Prof Tom Cooney's secondment, he delivered several talks to local academics at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. These presentations allowed him to share his research findings and methodologies, while receiving valuable feedback from experts in related fields. The exchange of ideas was highly beneficial, enabling a deeper understanding of parallel research initiatives being conducted in different countries.
Throughout Prof Tom Cooney's stay, he engaged with researchers from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, discussing potential collaborative projects and exploring synergies between both universities. These interactions highlighted areas of mutual interest and laid the groundwork for future research partnerships, increasing publication opportunities and expanding the scope of his research.
Beyond academic engagement, this secondment provided Prof Tom Cooney with a unique cultural and life experience. Living in Viña del Mar for a month allowed him to immerse himself in the local environment, understand different perspectives, and appreciate the academic culture in South America. The exposure to a new cultural setting enriched both his professional and personal development.
Reflecting on the experience Prof Tom Cooney highlighted how GETM4 international secondments are an excellent opportunity for young and new researchers to develop their international network. The experience reinforced the importance of global academic collaboration and demonstrated the value of international research exposure. By connecting with researchers working on similar topics in different parts of the world, young researchers can gain fresh insights that will contribute to the advancement of their own work. Prof Tom Cooney said that he would highly recommend such opportunities to early-career researchers who are seeking to expand their academic horizons on an international level.