Author: Antigone Marino
Back in 2010, I had the chance to be one of three physicists who, together with the European Physical Society (EPS), launched the EPS Young Minds. At the time, the idea was simple but bold: give young physicists a real voice in Europe, help them connect across borders, and support professional growth beyond the usual academic track.
Things really stepped up a level when I became Chair of EPS Young Minds from 2013 to 2016. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about having good ideas anymore. It was about making things happen. That meant moving outside the comfort zone of scientific research and into leadership, coordination, and long-term strategy.
As Chair, I was juggling quite a few responsibilities: coordinating national Young Minds sections across Europe, acting as a bridge between early-career physicists and the EPS leadership, and helping define the overall direction of the initiative. In practice, this meant a lot of meetings, a lot of discussions with people coming from very different backgrounds, and a lot of work turning ideas into actual, concrete actions at a European level. And being honest, a lot of effort went into finding funding to keep the project growing.
What made Young Minds truly special was its place inside EPS, a federation of national physical societies. Across Europe there were already many initiatives by young physicists, but YM had to speak many “languages”: not just spoken ones, but also the very different ways national societies approach youth policies. It wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly enriching. That challenge gave me a view of European physics I’d never had before. I learned how to negotiate, how to really listen, and how to build consensus in a multicultural environment. To this day, I see this as one of the most important things YM and EPS gave me.
Along the way, EPS Young Minds connected me with an amazing network: motivated young researchers, senior scientists, policymakers, and professionals working at the intersection of science, education, and society. Those connections opened doors, sparked collaborations, and helped me see that a career in physics can take many different (and unexpected) paths.
So, to any young physicist wondering whether getting involved in EPS or Young Minds is worth it: yes, absolutely. Do it even if it feels demanding. Do it especially if it feels unfamiliar. These experiences expand your horizons, multiply your opportunities, and give you skills that stay with you long after a specific role ends.
Seeing Young Minds continue to grow today gives me a quiet sense of pride. Leaving a project is never easy; letting go is hard. But watching others take care of something that started as your dream? That’s one of the most rewarding feelings you can have in a career.
