Don’t give up: keep trying

The process of applying, being rejected and then being accepted is like climbing a very high mountain full of snow. It’s tiresome, you need endurance and perseverance. But it’s worth it.

And Maruf didn’t give up. In both cases.

What’s your research activity at RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment? 

My research interests include low-carbon innovation development pathways, climate change adaptation and climate change policy. 

I am a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellow at RFF CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE) Milan, Italy and a researcher at the National Centre for Technology Management, Nigeria.

My MSCA project, ECO-innovation and the Dynamics of External Knowledge Sourcing (ECO-DEKS) examines the dynamics of alliance portfolio for eco-innovation in the manufacturing and service sectors in developing countries. I am investigating points of departure or convergence between the two sectors in open eco-innovation studies.

What brought you to RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment? 

I won a MSCA fellowship [October 2019 – October 2021] also thanks to the energy and persuasiveness of my supervisor Elena Verdolini. She pushed me to re-apply even though it would be my third attempt. She really believed the proposal was strong.

The project is now in top gear despite the lockdown!

Tell us a special moment during your time at RFF-CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment.  

Without a doubt, a special moment was the last EIEE retreat in January 2020.  That was the first time I ever climbed mountains full of snow. By and large, at the end of it all, the view was worth it. The Alps are magnificent. More importantly, I learnt about teamwork, selflessness, endurance and perseverance.  It was very funny and formative. Do I want to try it again? Of course yes!