Hi, I’m Chman Shahzadi, currently working towards my PhD at the IUSS Pavia, with my host university being the G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara. I’m originally from Pakistan, and I chose Italy for my PhD because of its rich cultural heritage, its perfect balance between work and life, and the beautiful landscapes that offer both a rewarding academic and personal experience.
The SDC program, in particular, stood out to me as it connects students to over 50 universities across Italy, creating opportunities to attend various courses, seminars, and events. This broad collaboration offers a unique chance for students like me to gain research exposure and network with different institutions and professionals.
As part of the program's six-month mobility requirement, I’m currently at the Center for Cellular Imaging, University of Gothenburg. I chose this facility due to its state-of-the-art microscopic imaging capabilities, including both light and electron microscopy (LM and EM). The experts here, from cell biologists to IT engineers specializing in image analysis, have created an inspiring and collaborative environment. The way everyone supports each other's projects has been both motivating and a wonderful learning experience.
Arriving in Sweden, I quickly noticed how different life is compared to Italy. Things move much faster here, and the bureaucratic system is impressively efficient. I was relieved to find no language barriers since most people here speak English. The international environment, with colleagues from countries like France, Spain, India, Sweden, and Italy, has fostered a respectful and collaborative atmosphere. Although the weather is much colder, and people here seem less fond of outdoor activities compared to Italy, the diverse and welcoming academic environment has made me feel right at home.
I’ve also had the chance to travel to several European countries, including France, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, during holidays. I’ve also explored many beautiful cities in Italy, such as Turin, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Pescara, both for SDC events and for leisure. Among all these places, I believe Italy stands out for its wonderful weather, incredible food, and affordable cost of living. Compared to other European countries, living expenses can be much higher, especially on an Italian salary. I would encourage anyone in a similar situation to look into funding options, such as Erasmus+ or additional funds from host universities while going for mobility abroad.
My experience in Sweden has been amazing, and it has made me appreciate the mobility requirement of the PhD SDC program even more. It has not only enriched my research but has also broadened my understanding of different academic environments. I’m now looking forward to my next four-month mobility at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. With the support of my SDC coordinator, Prof. Mario Martina, and my supervisors, Prof. Piero Di Carlo and Prof. Marcella Reale, and their collaborations with U.S. labs, this next phase seems well within reach. I’m excited to work in Maryland, USA, and to learn from the renowned NIH research environment.
In conclusion, my experience with the PhD SDC program has been life-changing. It’s been a journey of learning, growth, and adventure, and I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone considering a PhD in Italy.