A Week of Learning and Exchange
The program focused on Horizon Europe projects, providing workshops on funding opportunities, research methodologies, and career development. Students engaged in hands-on sessions, gaining practical insights into European research collaboration.
Marielle André, a Psychology PhD student, found the workshops on European project calls particularly valuable. "The sessions clearly outlined the guidelines, requirements, and challenges of these projects," she said. "The speakers were excellent, and their willingness to engage in discussion was really helpful."
Nassima Kareme, also in Psychology, appreciated the practical advice on academic publishing and literature searches from librarians. "The session on postdoctoral funding was eye-opening—it showed us how to identify opportunities and plan our next career steps," she shared.
Skills for Future Research Careers
The program also emphasized career development and funding strategies. Mohamed Elhariti, a PhD student in Education Sciences, highlighted two key workshops:
"The qualitative data analysis session was very hands-on, covering methods like interviews and observation—something I can use directly in my thesis. The career development workshop helped me understand funding options and how to prepare strong applications."
Constance Hinfray, an Arts PhD student, praised the practical approach to building interdisciplinary projects. "Professor Elena Solera and her team gave a fantastic overview of European Commission opportunities and potential collaborations," she said.
Beyond the Classroom: Cultural and Professional Connections
The program wasn’t just about academic learning—it also fostered international friendships and collaborations. Leaticia Ami Mathob Ouedraogo, a PhD student in Urban and Social Geography, valued the project management and international cooperation sessions. "Since I’m interested in higher education partnerships, these sessions were incredibly useful," she noted.
Students also enjoyed cultural exchanges, from sharing tapas with Spanish peers to exploring Santiago de Compostela. "The bus ride to Santiago was like a fun school trip—it brought everyone together," laughed Constance.
A Lasting Impact on Research and Careers
The EMERGE Alliance BIP provided more than just academic training—it inspired future collaborations and career growth. As Mohamed reflected, "Meeting researchers from different countries opened new perspectives and potential partnerships."
With its blend of skills development, networking, and cultural immersion, the program proved to be a transformative experience for all participants. As Europe continues to strengthen its research ecosystem, initiatives like EMERGE play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of scholars.
"This wasn’t just a training program—it was a stepping stone for our careers," Nassima concluded. "I left with new skills, connections, and a deeper understanding of European research opportunities."
*This article is provides a summary of an article originally written in French. To see the full article, please go here.
