Hi everyone, I'm Letizia Richelli from CU4, currently in the 38th cycle of the PhD in Sustainable Development and Climate Change. My academic journey began in cognitive sciences, and now with SDC, I am exploring the neurocognitive foundations of sustainable decision-making. This research brings together two of my passions—human behavior and the brain—with a topic that resonates deeply with me: environmental preservation and the collective effort to protect our planet.
I'm currently based at IUSS Pavia but originally from Verona. However, until February 2025, I’m being hosted by ASCoR, part of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). My choice to come to the Netherlands was influenced by my earlier experience completing my master’s at Maastricht University, where I met the professors now supervising my research in Amsterdam.
For those unfamiliar with Dutch culture, it’s incredibly open to internationals. The bureaucracy can still be complex, but it’s well-organized, and you feel welcomed right from the start. The same applies to academia—peers and faculty members have been wonderfully inclusive. Dutch society generally values openness and social awareness, and there’s little emphasis on formal hierarchies. Plus, everyone speaks excellent English, making integration easier.
One major challenge I’ve encountered is the high cost of living, especially in major cities like Amsterdam, which is facing a severe housing crisis. Finding accommodation is tough, so I highly recommend looking into additional funding sources beyond scholarships.
I’m just starting out, so I don’t want to say too much yet, but I feel optimistic about the experience ahead. I’m excited about what I’ll learn here and look forward to bringing that knowledge back to Italy to complete my PhD journey.
As for Dutch weather, I’m not a fan of the wind and rain combo, but fortunately, there are plenty of cozy cafes (not to be confused with coffee shops!) to take shelter in. One of my favorite things so far is the bike culture. Cycling is a huge part of life here—the streets, road signs, and even rush-hour traffic are all designed for cyclists. It’s fun and liberating, but if you’re walking, watch out for those bikes! They move fast, and they won’t hesitate to ride over you if you’re in their way.