ESR 15 - Samaya El Hajj Hassan

Ghent University

Where do you call home?  Can you describe it?

If I were to answer in a sentence, I’d say home is where one feels local, welcome, and understood. However, it feels strange to call a place home where you no longer are in the same city as the people with whom you’ve shared the fondest of memories. I come from a small village in Lebanon, called Haouch El Nabi. When asked about it, smells of freshly made Arabic coffee, home wooden-baked Lebanese bread and, sound of sheep grazing in the nearby fields come to my mind. The main economic activity in the village is farming, on-field and greenhouses. On a larger scale, regardless of its small size, Lebanon is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and, of course, not to forget, exquisite cuisine. Nonetheless, I’m happy to call Ghent my second home.

What are some of your personal interests and hobbies?

I like to read, walk and take pictures. Living in the medieval city of Ghent, has made it quite easy to do each of the hobbies I enjoy, the untouched historical streets makes walking effortless and gives so much scope to the imagination. Another hobby that living in Ghent has made me start is cycling. There are libraries everywhere in the city, my favorite has to be De Krook, Ghent’s public library. I’m also a big fan of comics, they can be of great help when trying to learn a new language, as it is in my case while I learn Dutch, official language in Flanders, the Flemish region of Belgium.

What is your biggest personal achievement so far?

My biggest personal achievement is doing research in a field I’m passionate about at a reputable university as Ghent University. I knew what I wanted to do research in during a joint master’s program between the Lebanese University and the CIHEAM-Montpellier, where I learned crop modelling and followed courses on environmental and territorial management and sustainability. Following my graduation I had the opportunity to work in a professional non-academic setting, however I never ceased to try to make effort to achieve one of my biggest dreams, which what I’m doing at the moment and the reason I’m able to share all of this. On a more personal note, making my parents proud and knowing that I have their constant support is something I’m utterly grateful for.

What is the title of your PhD project?  Can you explain it to a non-academic?

My research project’s title is: Economic evaluation of the inclusion of bio-based fertilizers in the fertilization strategy across Europe. To put it in simple terms, when it comes to farming, many factors influence the decision a farmer takes on farm-level. These decisions impact every human being’s life as farmers are responsible for feeding the population. On the other hand, crops have nutrient requirements that need to be met in order to yield. Nutrients can come from synthetic fertilizers or bio-based fertilizers. An important factor plays a role in farmers decision-making process is national policies, and, in the case of the EU members, the EU directives, we can take the Nitrate directive for example, that limits the total Nitrogen that can be applied on a field. So far, synthetic fertilizers have been more accessible, easier to deal with and even cheaper. Including bio-based fertilizers, mainly manure-based, in the fertilization management plan of the farmer helps to decrease the dependency on synthetic fertilizers, and helps make use of the manure that is being produced. In my research, I’ll be testing how a change in the fertilization standards have an impact on the bio-based fertilizers industry. This will be done through model simulations that can show what difference in decisions can be made when the farmer is faced with uncertainties on different levels.   

What drives your interest in bio-based fertilisers?

My interest in circular economy roots from my love of repurposing things in general. This is translated in my daily life. As an agricultural engineer, and a human being aware of the need for a sustainable agriculture to feed the growing population with depleting and limited natural resources, and being aware of the importance of nutrients needed for crops to grow and the amount of manure and other bio-based by-products produced that can be upcycled and benefiting the agricultural sector, has made me eager to do research about this topic to contribute to the solution, and hence applying for the FertiCycle project.

Describe your experience with the FertiCycle ITN so far?

My experience with the FertiCycle ITN, so far, has exceeded my expectations. Having diversified backgrounds, different depths and breadths of knowledge and field experience is thought-provoking and gives space for innovation. It also allows you to learn about the topic from another technical perspective. With every meeting we have, we learn something new. Within the Covid context, I have to admit I was a bit worried about how the connection and interaction with fellow ESRs and consortium partners will be and how far it will go without having ever met in person. However, we have experienced smooth launch of the project and we’ve been encouraged since the beginning to put effort into staying connected.

What would you say are the benefits of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship?

One of the best things about the MSCA doctoral fellowship is belonging to a community of learners who engage together for the sake of finding a solution of a problem that is of concern for all of them. It’s a privilege to be part of the FertiCycle network and I have loved all the connections and interactions we’ve had and still having. is the In addition, it’s not only about doing research, but also being trained along the way. This has been made possible through the FertiCycle courses that took place and the upcoming ones.

How has the experience traveling abroad for this program been for you?

It is the not that the first time that I travel abroad to study, however, moving abroad during covid times is definitely something new. It has been smooth with the support of my supervisor and the department staff. Additionally, Ghent is filled with people from around the world, students and expats, which makes it easier to integrate and feel part of the community.