MSCA Fellow of the Month
This month, we spotlight Christina Makoundou, an MSCA postdoctoral fellow at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, who is dedicated to making cities greener and safer.
Her research focuses on developing paving materials for roads from bio-based and recycled sources, designed to be stronger and last longer, that can promote more sustainable and resilient urban environments.
I study how we can turn waste, like old tyres, used oils, or plant leftovers, into useful materials for roads and sometimes other applications. This helps save natural resources while having a positive impact on our environment.
I also care about people who are often overlooked in city planning, pedestrians, and older adults.
My research looks for ways to make streets safer and more welcoming for everyone, while giving a second life to things we normally throw away.
From waste to pavement: tackling two challenges at once
Christina’s research addresses two urban challenges: construction waste and road safety. Traditional roads rely on resource-intensive materials, while pedestrians and cyclists face high risks from hard surfaces. Her work combines waste reuse with safety design.
During her PhD, she developed rubberised, impact-absorbing pavements that cushion falls like safety mats. Now, through BioROAD², she is advancing this idea with biobased and recycled materials to build pavements that are both safer and more sustainable, combining waste reuse with safety design.
What drew Christina to this field was recognising how urban planning often overlooks environmental concerns and certain people simultaneously. Cities are frequently designed primarily for cars, leaving pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable and material circularity is still limited in some regions. By integrating her chemistry background with a focus on real-world impact, she developed an innovative approach to address both environmental sustainability and social equity.
Growing through international collaboration and communication
Christina’s journey through three MSCA fellowships has taken her across Europe — from France to Italy, Sweden, and now Belgium. After her PhD at the University of Bologna, she continued her research at the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), focusing on advanced binders and coatings.
In 2024, she joined the YUFE4PostDocs programme before beginning her current postdoctoral fellowship.
As an MSCA fellow, I have had the unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with diverse international teams, make lasting relationships, and contribute to innovative solutions for the sustainability of materials.
The fellowship has expanded my perspective on how research can address real-world challenges.
It has been a transformative experience, fostering my growth as both a researcher and a communicator, while allowing me to engage with broader audiences and promote meaningful change in my field.
This international experience has not only advanced Christina´s technical expertise but also shaped her approach to research communication. She is deeply committed to bringing research beyond the laboratory, having participated in the Falling Walls Lab MSCA and the Three Minute Thesis competition at the University of Bologna.
She also contributed to the Horizon Results Booster with a SAFERUP! success story, participated in the European Researchers’ Night and engaged with local municipalities and stakeholders.
An active voice in the MCAA community
Christina discovered the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) during her MSCA journey and has been an active member since 2020. She currently contributes to the MCAA Communication Working Group, assisting in the production of the IRRADIUM magazine and the MCAA Newsletter.
Additionally, she engages with several regional Chapters, including the BeNeLux and France Chapters, and has been actively involved in the Mediterranean Researchers’ Night (MEDNIGHT) project.
Christina values the diversity of profiles and backgrounds within the MCAA and the opportunity to learn from the people she has met. The Association provides access to various opportunities such as international and local events, training activities, consulting roles in projects and expert calls, as well as initiatives led by Chapters and Working Groups.
When asked how fellows can make the most of their MCAA experience, Christina said:
I believe the ideal approach is to join at least the Chapter of the region of the fellowship and/or origin, while being part of a Working Group adds valuable benefits. This provides a clear overview of the possibilities and opportunities available within the MCAA. It is also perfectly acceptable to move between groups if needed.
The General Assembly and Annual Conference are great opportunities to know more about the MCAA and network, and connect with people we might never meet without the Association. Attending as often as possible helps strengthen relationships and discover new areas where we still need to grow.
