Can you describe your IMPACT story in three words. Why those words?
I. Challenging
II. International and interdisciplinary
III. Formative
Challenging, because I was suddenly immersed in an environment filled with talented researchers, high-level trainers, and inspiring professors. It was a demanding environment that pushed me to my limits and encouraged me to see my research (and myself) from a different perspective.
International and interdisciplinary, because the IMPACT group is a unique environment, bringing together people from different countries and academic backgrounds. This diversity has constantly inspired me and has reshaped the way I approach research questions, encouraging openness and dialogue across fields.
Formative, because after two years I feel profoundly changed. Not only better prepared as a researcher, but also shaped by the challenges I encountered along the way. I believe that it is precisely the difficulty of the journey that prepares us for future professional roles, both within academia and beyond. Success achieved without confronting our shortcomings is fragile; it is only by facing our weaknesses that we become ready for what comes next.
Regarding the most transformative moment, it is difficult to identify a single episode. It was rather a gradual process of becoming aware of both my strengths and my limitations. If I had to choose one turning point, it occurred during a discussion with my supervisor and Thomas Creespel, who trained us on how to translate research into real societal impact. As we were clarifying the true contribution of my project, we naturally arrived at a deeper understanding of its relevance for society. In that moment, I realized that the research developed during the program could generate meaningful impact not only within academia, but also in society at large.