Can you describe your IMPACT story in three words. Why those words?
Experience: This was the first word that came to mind because it really describes my IMPACT story. The program gave me the chance to attend workshops on topics I had never explored before, and I learned something from each session. Coming from a Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences, I was not very familiar with science-business aspects and entrepreneurship, so this was a new learning experience for me. Each Impact Training Week was full of experiences. The making of a short documentary on our research topic was also a fun experience. Being also at VUB, a leading university in Brussels and Belgium, I got to know the university and experienced research life there. Last but not least, living in Belgium for two years was an amazing experience.
Development: I chose “Development” as my second word because these experiences helped me grow personally and professionally. The IMPACT program enabled me to advance and develop in multiple dimensions.
Advantage: I wasn’t completely sure which word to pick as my third, but I chose “Advantage” because the experiences I gained and the progress I made were possible thanks to the benefits of being an IMPACT fellow.
What has been the most surprising or transformative moment during your fellowship?
The most transformative moment during my fellowship was the opportunity to fully focus on research and explore different directions for my future work. The experiences I gained through the IMPACT program, including attending workshops on new topics and participating in a secondment, were invaluable in helping me gain clarity on which areas I want to pursue further.
How do you see your IMPACT experience influencing your next steps?
It enabled me to think beyond a single goal or topic and to take a broader perspective. I realized that research is not limited to academia but can also be applied in other contexts. The IMPACT program helped me develop new skills and gain different perspectives. I believe these experiences will play an important role in shaping my future research and career plans.