Can you describe your IMPACT story in three words. Why those words?
My IMPACT journey can be best described as a story of Growth, Grit, and Gratitude. This journey has greatly changed me, helping me not only in my profession but as well in my personal growth. This fellowship has given me the platform to expand beyond my PhD niche by acquiring advanced trainings, and collaborative research environment. It has strengthened my ability to work independently as a researcher. And I have learned to lead the projects from conception to dissemination, and contribute meaningfully to my field. I have developed greater confidence in my scientific knowledge. And at the same time, exposure to different scientific cultures, work styles, and perspectives has improved my adaptability and broadened how I think about research and collaboration. It has also strengthened my communication skills, especially when spreading my scientific knowledge to more general and common audiences. This journey required grit as I faced uncertainty and challenges during the course of the project. I have gained a lot of persistence and flexibility over the period of time. On a personal level, I’ve become more patient and resilient. Experiments don’t always work, and timelines can be uncertain, but now I’m better at handling setbacks and staying focused. Last but not the least, the very important word in this journey for me is gratitude. I am truly grateful to the whole IMPACT program team for the mentorship, constant support, and guidance that I received throughout the program. The IMPACT program has provided crucial support by actively involving early-career researchers from across the globe.
What has been the most surprising or transformative moment during your fellowship?
I used to view my project purely as a means of advancing scientific knowledge, never imagine it could evolve into a startup or business opportunity. The business case development training week transformed this perspective. Through these training weeks I have learned to draft the business case rooted in my research, I began to see the commercial potential of my work. This change has helped me see how to use my skills in industry and find ways to make my knowledge useful in a business
How do you see your IMPACT experience influencing your next steps?
During the course the IMPACT program from the last one and half year, I have not only gained a lot scientific knowledge and exposure to different new technologies that was lacking during my Ph.D. But It has also improved my personality as a whole. This international research experience has provided me a lot a self confidence as a researcher which certainly I was not feeling to a large extent after finishing my Ph.D. Resulting of which, I wanted to explore more in my respective field of research. Having such a prestigious international research fellowship added credibility and prestige to my academic and professional profile, making that more attractive to future employers, academic institutions, and funding agencies. Overall, this funding have influenced my career positively by providing valuable research experience, expanding my professional network, exposing me to diverse research techniques, enhancing my reputation and recognition, fostering personal and cultural development, and improving my job prospects in the global scientific community.