Reflecting on the Marie Curie ITN Experience: Challenges, Highlights, and Recommendations

In this edition of our newsletter, we are delighted to present profound insights and introspections from researchers who have embarked on life-changing doctoral expeditions as part of the FERTICYCLE project. From conquering obstacles to rejoicing in milestones, their encounters offer invaluable lessons and inspiration for aspiring intellectuals.

Challenges encountered along the doctoral expedition

Throughout their individual doctoral expeditions, each researcher encountered distinctive challenges inherent to the essence of their work and circumstances. These challenges ranged from effectively managing time among multiple responsibilities to navigating uncertainties brought about by external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, Stamatis Chrysanthopoulos faced the arduous task of balancing experimental work with the composition of scientific articles. Despite the difficulty, Stamatis regarded this challenge as a rewarding aspect of his PhD experience. Similarly, Maja Karolina Rydgård highlighted the challenge of time management, stressing the significance of finding equilibrium among various tasks and priorities. This sentiment was echoed by several others, including Clara Sophia Kopp,Hellen Luisa De Castro e Silva and Aslıhan Ural-Janssen , who also confronted the daunting task of juggling numerous responsibilities while pursuing their doctoral research.

Unforgettable Moments Along the Path

Despite the challenges, there were moments of bliss, camaraderie, and triumph that stood out during the doctoral expedition. For Jared Onyango Nyang’au, the acceptance of his first manuscript and the arrival of his second child were particularly memorable milestones. . Others, like Tomas Sitzmann, cherished the annual meetings with fellow researchers, finding inspiration and collaboration opportunities during these gatherings. Joint activities such as project meetings and conferences, as highlighted by Aslıhan Ural-Janssen and Hellen Luisa De Castro e Silva, provided invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and personal growth. The sense of community and support fostered within their research projects served as a source of motivation and encouragement for many.

Recommendations for Future Comrades

Reflecting on their experiences, participants offer valuable insights and recommendations for aspiring researchers considering similar projects. Stamatis Chrysanthopoulos emphasizes the sense of belonging and collaboration fostered within the project community, encouraging colleagues to participate for the enriching experience it offers. Alvarez Salas Mario Alejandro highly recommends participation in similar projects for the invaluable scientific networking opportunities and personal growth experienced throughout the program. Maja Karolina Rydgård advocates for Marie Curie ITN projects as an ideal platform for building networks and collaborating with researchers across institutions and disciplines. Tomas Sitzmann believes that similar programs offer invaluable networking opportunities and recommends them to aspiring PhD researchers seeking collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences. Hellen Luisa De Castro e Silva enthusiastically recommends participation in similar projects for the robust academic network and enriching experiences that contribute to professional and personal growth. Jared Onyango Nyang’au highly recommends participating in Marie Curie programs for the networking opportunities and collaborative experiences that enhance research and career prospects.

Ongoing Ventures and Future Aspirations

As they approach the culmination of their PhD expeditions, the researchers are actively involved in various endeavors ranging from thesis composition to postdoctoral positions and job searches. Some are preparing for their thesis defense while transitioning into postdoc positions at esteemed institutions. Others have already set sail on new opportunities, commencing postdoc positions or preparing to do so in the near future. As they envision the future, they remain grateful for the support and guidance received during their PhD expeditions and eagerly anticipate the prospects that lie ahead.

Written by David Fangueiro with content contributions from the FertiCycle ESRs