Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: I was initially nervous about moving abroad and knew little about what life would be like in Florence. When I expressed these concerns to the EUI, they were supportive and a researcher, who I’d not met before, wrote to me about his experience. I am forever grateful for this and think it is a testament to the EUI, which does its best to encourage all to fulfil their potential.

Thanks to the EUI, I have met scholars working in my area, who I would not have met had I remained in Ireland. I have travelled and participated in conferences, explored archives previously out of my reach, and organised events. One of my proudest moments was organising a talk on Ireland’s Gay Marriage Referendum in 2015. Through support by my Department, I invited Edmund Lynch, founding member of Ireland’s first gay rights organisation (IGRM), to speak about the campaign for gay rights

 Patrick McDonagh, EUI Department of History and Civilization researcher, from Ireland

Question: What would you tell yourself, now, when starting your EUI experience?

Answer: I did my undergraduate degree in the UK and then studied in East Asia. So I joined the EUI having spent several years outside of Europe and yet my advice to myself now, when I first started at the EUI, would be to show greater sensitivity to the different academic and cultural backgrounds of those around me. My British training, for example, was to raise questions and be direct in seminars but I’ve found that other European academic cultures operate in a different way. Sharing both aspects of this academic style has been a significant and enriching way to develop my work. I would also tell myself to be more confident speaking a language other than English. English is obviously my mother tongue but others at the EUI are working in this as a second language and it can seem daunting, at first, to meet people here who speak two, three or more languages. I’ve pushed myself to develop my linguistic abilities, so I can have real discussions and debate in a second and third language. It has taken time but now I would say to myself, when starting my EUI experience, not to worry. Language ability seems like a big deal but with practice and the confidence to have a go, you’ll get there in the end!

Nick Mithen, EUI Department of History and Civilization researcher, from the United Kingdom

Question: How has your EUI experience, so far, changed you?

Answer: A Ph.D. in history is often considered to be a solitary activity, where you may spend quite a bit of time alone in the archives and become buried in your research. However, that is not the case at the EUI, and this has really changed the way that I work and how my project has developed. Here at the EUI, I have been given an opportunity to enjoy intense, intellectual exchange with my professors and my peers. Seminars and workshops have further allowed me to discuss and exchange ideas, as have social events or simply going for coffee with a fellow researcher. This continuous feedback and exchange has helped me to widen my scope and enrich my view on many aspects, both academic and personal. I feel very privileged to be studying in such a dynamic environment.

Heloisa Rojas Gomez, EUI Department of History and Civilization researcher, from Poland

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: As a researcher at the EUI you bring your local academic cultures with you, you share them, and you work on problems and projects that are transnational and global.

One of the year’s most exciting moments is when scholars, politicians, journalists and policy-makers fill Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio to debate past, present, and possible futures of the EU. The State of the Union conference captures the exciting uniqueness of the EUI – an institute dedicated to advanced social science research, and closely connected to public debate, politics, and possibilities for social change.

I would encourage a new researcher to think about why they are researching. At the EUI you can seek, and publically speak about, the visions of society your research leads you towards. If you want to pursue such visions, I think there is no better place to do it.

Rian Derrig, EUI Department of Law researcher, from Ireland

Question: How has your EUI experience, so far, changed you?

Answer: For me, the EUI was an opportunity to return to academic studies after working as a practitioner in development cooperation, human rights promotion and politics. So far it has been a highly enriching to engage with the readings and with the many seminars and events here. I am starting to find my way, and my voice, in international legal research.

Everywhere we look we are surrounded by beauty, as seminars take place in old monasteries or renaissance villas in the Tuscan hillside. We have an excellent library, decent coffee, and the programme makes it easy to socialize and discuss your research. I enjoy the interdisciplinary approach here, as I can take seminars both in my department and in others. This gives me the possibility to combine perspectives and methods from different academic fields, and I always find the interesting topics to be at the edge of disciplines.

 Julie Wetterslev, EUI Department of Law researcher, from Denmark

Question: What has been the best moment, so far, of your EUI experience?

Answer: It is actually hard to pick just one best moment. Where shall I begin? From the first days of excitement in my new environment? From meeting so many new people? From the endless nights, under the Tuscan stars, talking with new friends about hundreds of different topics? From the exciting new seminars and the cooperation with my professors? The moments are so many that it is hard to pick just one... I think every day at the EUI can hold a moment that you will remember forever.         

The EUI will give you the tools you need for an academic and professional career, and it will give you thousands of opportunities to meet new people, discover new ideas and enjoy your time here.

Promitheas Peridis, EUI Department of Law researcher, from Greece

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: My EUI experience has taught me how to balance excellence in my academic studies and performance but also how to relax and enjoy a good quality lifestyle. 

And so, I would tell a new researcher, who is about to join the EUI, this this institution will allow you to experience challenging and outstanding academic training, will give you a diverse and stimulating environment with other EUI colleagues, and will offer you a rewarding Italian lifestyle and culture. Don't think twice: just get ready for your EUI experience to provide you with these three things!

Maria Ana Barata, EUI Department of Law researcher, from Portugal

Question: What has been the best moment, so far, of your EUI experience?

Answer: One of my best EUI experiences has been the State of the Union 2016. The theme was "Women in Europe and the World" and, as I am working on questions related to law and gender, I got to participate in one of the expert panels, discussing gender violence with academics, policymakers and activists. I was extremely happy to see gender-related issues given the attention they need and deserve, if only momentarily.

My EUI experience has changed me in many ways. I have been enriched with new opportunities, perspectives, analytic skills, contacts, colleagues, and friends. Intellectually, it has been both humbling and nurturing. I would encourage new researchers, about to join the EUI, to savour this rare opportunity to truly focus on deepening your own research and scholarly thinking, but also to engage in the cultural exchange and curious blend of people and experiences that the EUI, and Italy, offers.

Daniela Alaattinoglu, EUI Department of Law researcher from Finland

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: The EUI is a world of opportunities, both for personal and academic development. What I would advise is to keep your feet on the ground: think on what is more important for you and your future, and choose accordingly. You can spend some of the best years of your life here so, first and foremost, enjoy! And whenever you need help or feel lost, just ask around. Everybody at the EUI is here to help you have a great time.

For me, my time at the EUI has been a life-changing experience in several different aspects. Most importantly, it has made me grow up. I see the people around me and the dynamics of life in a different, and in a better, way. 

 Ricardo Rodrigues de Oliveira, EUI Department of Law researcher, from Portugal

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: After five years in a high intensity job for one of Oslo’s largest law firms, it was a shock to arrive in Florence! Not only is the city beautiful but the EUI campus a truly inspiring workplace with historical rooms and gardens. The possibility to interact with Ph.D. researchers from all four departments is invaluable. The EUI has an open door policy to attend interdisciplinary seminars and workshops, and allows you to invite relevant speakers fitting your topic and to participate in conferences with judges, academics and practitioners from across the world.

Furthermore, your work-life balance is fantastic with possibilities to take free language classes and hike in the Tuscan countryside, accompanied by good Italian food and wine. It is unquestionably a life changing experience that I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.

Katrine Lillerud, EUI Department of Law researcher, from Norway

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

 Answer: The EUI is the sort of place where what you read in your books, about how the world should be, actually comes true. All those big questions on justice and fairness, on interdisciplinarity, on the weight of history and the arena of the international - all find their expression in these Tuscan villas that host us and inspire our work day. 

The EUI is also a place that is about people and ideas. People who believe in their ideas. And, most importantly, people who believe in each other. There is a strong network that is underpinned by shared interests and by shared beliefs. And also by the occasional beer in Bar Fiasco, a Coppa Pavone football match or jam session song!

Delia Radu, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Romania

Question: How has your EUI experience, so far, changed you?

Answer: For me, the EUI is a magical place. It is a place where you can engage in stimulating exchanges and seminars with many experienced and renowned professors across all departments. It is a place where you can have coffee and discuss your research with “big names” in your area of interest, who come to participate in workshops or conferences, or give talks. Last but not least, it is a place where you never feel alone. Here you are part of a community of researchers – people who are in the same situation as you are, who are struggling with similar problems during their Ph.D., and who are ready to support each other.

My best moments at the EUI spring from this strong social dimension of the EUI. Being able to grow in this great intellectual environment is a true privilege.

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Samuel Schmid, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Switzerland

Question: What has been the best moment, so far, of your EUI experience?

Answer: I find it difficult to identify one moment, because there are so many to choose from. But I will say, it is still – after four years here – amazing to pass through the gates, with the Tuscan landscape as a backdrop, knowing you will spend the day in a place which attracts world-class scholars and researchers. It is a very friendly environment and an endless smorgasbord of opportunities for learning and making new friends. Even if the EUI is a close knit community, it exposes you to a variety of people, ideas, and experiences, by virtue of the people working and doing research here

However, if I am forced to come up with onemoment, it would be when I participated with the EUI rowing team in a regatta around Venice. In all honesty, I think that was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.

Niels Selling, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Sweden

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: Pursuing your Ph.D. at the EUI is like entering into a new world. Opportunities are plenty: going on research missions, receiving valuable feedback from visiting scholars, or participating in specialised workshops on important topics and methods. These are just some of the many experiences that will shape your development as a researcher at the EUI.

My advice for newcomers is to enjoy their scientific work, but also to delve into the history and culture of Florence and Italy. It is hard to tell what is more enjoyable!

 Manes Weisskircher, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Austria

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: The EUI offers all the guarantees for its PhD researchers to have a great experience during their stay: a stimulating environment, a constant academic formation with multiple seminars and workshops that allow you to take advantage of the opportunities to explore interdisciplinary studies, high quality doctoral supervision, and scholarships with good conditions. All of this makes the EUI one of the best academic centres I have ever visited. The fact it is also situated in a place as magical and inspiring as Florence makes me feel very lucky.

Roger Fernandez Urbano, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Spain

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: The EUI is an exceptional place. I find the academic curriculum challenging, yet rewarding. The programme is well designed for the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and methodological skills that are indispensable for research. I appreciate the direct and extensive interactions between researchers and faculty. Speaking from personal experience, my supervisor is supportive and encouraging; he provides freedom to develop my research but is always available to give guidance.

It is hard to imagine a better place, academically and socially, for pursuing a PhD. I feel grateful and privileged to be here and advise everyone about to start their EUI experience to be open to the opportunities it presents and make the most of their stay in Florence, which will undoubtedly contribute to personal and professional growth.

 Grzegorz Krzyzanowski, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Poland

Question: How has your EUI experience, so far, changed you?

 Answer: Having spent a few years in the think tank-world, the EUI has given me the chance to develop as a full-time researcher, with plenty of opportunities to delve deeper into the nitty-gritty of my academic field. It has made me appreciate the variety of approaches taken and how these can be combined to produce more interesting research.

The EUI also offers a lot of fora to present your research and you find there are lots of interesting academics (including visiting professors) who are more than willing to talk to you. This has changed my thinking a number of times and has been immensely helpful in improving my skills as a researcher. 

Thomas Buitelaar, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from The Netherlands

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: For me, the best thing about doing my PhD at the EUI is that it is a four-year programme and the first two years are devoted not only to thesis writing but also to seminars and workshops. After completing my Masters, I had worked for five years and so I had been out of academia for a while before starting my doctoral programme. However, the first year at the EUI helped me to re-connect with academia, and to catch up with theories, methods, and recent empirical studies in my fields of interest, which in turn helped me reformulate my research questions and hypotheses, and improve my research design. 

Ilze Plavgo, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Latvia

Question: What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their own EUI experience?

Answer: I feel truly privileged to be pursuing my Ph.D. at the EUI. From an academic perspective, the priceless expertise of top class faculty is a constant source of intellectual stimulation, whilst inspiring seminars and workshops advance your theoretical and methodological knowledge. I appreciate the readiness of professors to offer attentive guidance, while leaving freedom to conduct one’s own work. The rich library and exchanges with universities in Europe, and beyond, are additional advantages.

Being part of this community of multicultural and multilingual researchers is enriching and mind-opening. You can participate in language courses or extracurricular activities, and get immersed in the life of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

I cannot think of a better place to embark on a Ph.D. My best advice for new researchers is to take advantage of what this prestigious establishment and Florence offer, as you will be rewarded with intellectual and personal development. 

Paulina Salek, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Poland