Can you describe your IMPACT story in three words. Why those words?
My IMPACT story can be described in these three words: TRANSFORMATIONAL, POSITIVELY CHALLENGING, and ENCOURAGING.
It has been transformational because my worldview of academic research shifted profoundly, from a focus limited to the research bench to a broader perspective that embraces social relevance and business potential. Through the fellowship, I learned to view research not only as a generator of knowledge but as a catalyst for real-world change when positioned at the intersection of society, industry, and innovation.
The experience was positively challenging. My initial research plans could not be followed as intended due to unforeseen logistical constraints. However, rather than being limiting, these challenges pushed me to re-strategise, rethink, and execute my project creatively. This process compelled me to step outside my comfort zone, leading to the establishment of new and meaningful relationships with industry partners. Through collaboration with stakeholders beyond the traditional research community, my project evolved and revealed potential applications across multiple fields, well beyond its original scope.
My IMPACT fellowship has also been deeply encouraging. While navigating tight timelines and practical realities, I was continuously equipped through a series of impact-driven workshops that extended well beyond my area of expertise. These experiences reinforced the importance of co-creating and co-executing research through strategic partnerships with society and industry. They strengthened my confidence and expanded my capacity to engage with diverse actors in the innovation ecosystem.
Winning the MSCA-Falling Walls in Lyngby, Denmark, was an exciting and affirming moment. It was truly encouraging to see people connect with and appreciate the potential impact of my research on eco-friendly materials for prosthetic sockets. That recognition validated not only the science but also the broader vision of sustainable, socially responsive research that the MSCA–IMPACT fellowship champions.
Overall, the IMPACT fellowship has reshaped how I think, work, and engage as a researcher, empowering me to pursue research that is not only excellent but also impactful, collaborative, and transformative.
What has been the most surprising or transformative moment during your fellowship?
The most transformative moments of my fellowship occurred during the quarterly training weeks, when we spent five intensive days immersed in topics such as academic business development, building win–win collaborations, entrepreneurship, and developing compelling pitches, among others. These sessions were far more than just training; they were moments of perspective shift, and they also challenged my understanding of my role as a researcher.
They fundamentally broadened the lens through which I view my research and the responsibility that comes with creating knowledge. I began to see research not merely as a space for knowledge creation, but as a powerful vehicle for societal impact. Through these experiences, I learned that research can and should be co-designed with end-users who will ultimately benefit from the work.
These moments reshaped how I perceive research and how I engage with stakeholders. They reinforced the idea that impactful research occurs when research is not done for society, but with society.
How do you see your IMPACT experience influencing your next steps?
Going forward, my IMPACT experience will fundamentally shape how I design and pursue my work. I am committed to building win–win collaborations rooted in co-creation and co-execution, where researchers, industry, and society work together from the very beginning of a project, not as separate actors, but as partners with shared goals.
The fellowship has also equipped me with a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and innovation, giving me the confidence to explore pathways beyond traditional academic trajectories. I now see these areas not as optional add-ons, but as essential tools for translating research into real-world solutions. As a result, I intend to actively engage with entrepreneurial and innovation-driven approaches that will amplify the reach, relevance, and impact of my project.
Ultimately, my IMPACT experience has empowered me to move forward with a clearer purpose: to pursue research that is collaborative, application-oriented, and supports sustainability values.