Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine
Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance
Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust
Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine
Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History
Luxembourg Centre for European Law
Luxembourg Centre for Socio-Environmental Systems
A motivating introduction to the more interactive and collaborative aspects of academic life.
The GREITMA Opening Conference marked an important moment in my early PhD journey, as it was the first time I participated in a conference not merely as an attendee but as an active contributor. Although I had been to conferences before, this was the first occasion where I formally presented my research and also acted as a discussant – both of which made the experience feel significantly different and more meaningful.
Presenting my own work was both challenging and encouraging. Articulating my ideas at this early stage reminded me of the importance of sharing and discussing research even before it feels fully formed. Engaging in conversation with researchers at different stages of their careers was particularly valuable, as each perspective contributes to something different.
A particularly valuable part of the conference was listening to the REMS II Alumni speak about their doctoral research and the paths they have taken since completing their degrees. It is rare to hear such detailed engagements with their PhD projects. Seeing where they stand now, while we are still at the beginning of our journey, provided a helpful sense of perspective on the long-term process of doctoral research.
Serving as a discussant offered an insightful introduction to a role I had previously only observed from the outside. Preparing comments, engaging closely with another researcher’s work, and contributing to the discussion gave me a first sense of what it means to participate more actively in academic dialogue. It also made me look forward to taking on similar roles in the future and to presenting my own work more often as my PhD progresses.
Overall, the conference offered a motivating introduction to the more interactive and collaborative aspects of academic life. It strengthened my sense of belonging within the research community and made me look forward to future opportunities to present, discuss, and exchange ideas as my project develops.