What are your tasks during the secondment?
During my secondment at ARCO Lab, I had the opportunity to present my research activities and discuss potential avenues for collaboration. The main objective is to explore how the outcomes of my research can be translated into effective findings with a tangible impact on society. In this context, my work focuses on bridging academic research with applied, policy-oriented analysis, in line with ARCO Lab’s approach to combining scientific rigor with practical solutions.
What are the main skills you are gaining or developing during your secondment?
I am developing my ability to connect academic research with real-world applications, particularly in the field of development and impact evaluation. This includes improving how I adapt findings from history to present-day challenges and refining analytical frameworks for policy-oriented contexts. At the same time, I continue to strengthen my quantitative and data analysis skills.
Are there any surprising or challenging aspects in your secondment?
One of the most challenging aspects has been engaging directly with real-world needs and translating academic outputs into actionable insights. This requires a shift in perspective, with a stronger focus on applicability and impact. At the same time, this has been an extremely valuable experience, as it highlights how historical research can inform and address real societal challenges — historia magistra vitae.