FROM RESEARCH TO INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: A PHD STUDENT JOURNEY IN INVEST
Across the INVEST alliance, students and early-career researchers are not just learning, they are connecting, collaborating, and actively shaping the future of sustainable development across Europe. Through international projects, interdisciplinary teamwork, and mobility opportunities, INVEST transforms locally grounded research into impact that reaches far beyond national borders.
This story highlights the experience of Maria Drogkoula, a PhD student from Greece, who transformed her research journey into an international one. Through INVEST, she gained new skills, broadened her perspective, and built meaningful collaborations that extend well beyond her home university. Her experience reflects how sharing ideas across countries and disciplines strengthens research and amplifies its impact.
My International Experience as a PhD student in INVEST
My name is Maria Drogkoula, and I am a PhD student in the Department of Digital Systems at the University of Thessaly. My research focuses on Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning Assessment Models in the Thessaly Region, using Machine Learning and Soft Computing methodologies. I first became involved with INVEST after my supervisor introduced me to the alliance’s activities related to sustainability and regional development, which aligned closely with my research interests. Initially, my role was mainly observational, allowing me to understand how INVEST operates and how my work could fit within its broader objectives. Over time, as I gained confidence and experience, my involvement became more active. I began contributing data and insights from the Region of Thessaly, collaborating within thematic groups, and participating in international workshops. This progression allowed my role within INVEST to evolve significantly.
My motivation for engaging in international work through INVEST was driven by a strong desire to understand how researchers from different countries approach sustainability challenges and the use of digital tools. I was particularly interested in exploring diverse methodologies, planning systems, and cultural perspectives, and in learning how my research could extend beyond the Greek context to contribute to a wider European discussion on sustainable development.
Before joining INVEST, I had very limited formal experience in international academic collaboration, which made this opportunity especially meaningful. I saw it as a chance to challenge myself, strengthen my communication skills, and connect with researchers outside my local academic environment. INVEST became my first substantial gateway to international cooperation. What initially fascinated me most was the opportunity to observe how sustainability strategies are designed and evaluated in other countries. I was keen to understand how researchers abroad collect data, develop decision models, and integrate environmental, social, and spatial dimensions, particularly in comparison to practices applied in the Thessaly region.
Through my participation in INVEST, I aimed to learn new methodologies that could be adapted to my own decision-support models, explore alternative approaches to spatial planning from regions facing different challenges, and experience firsthand how interdisciplinary teams collaborate to address complex environmental problems. Equally important was learning how to communicate technically oriented research to audiences from diverse academic backgrounds. The possibility that my work could contribute to an international dialogue, rather than remaining confined to a local context, has been a strong and ongoing source of motivation.
2. Internation work through INVEST
Working with colleagues from different countries and universities through INVEST has been an inspiring and energizing experience. Each collaboration brings together diverse academic cultures, perspectives, and priorities, turning every discussion into an opportunity to see familiar challenges through a new lens. Approaching the same sustainability issues from different angles has pushed me to communicate more clearly, think more openly, and appreciate the value of interdisciplinary exchange. The mix of technical, environmental, and social expertise creates conversations that go far beyond what is possible in a purely local setting, making each interaction feel like a step into a broader European research community.
Certain moments truly capture what international collaboration through INVEST feels like. During a discussion with professors from Spain on water-resources management, I was struck by how closely their experiences in agricultural and irrigation planning mirrored those in the Thessaly region. Despite coming from different countries, we shared common challenges, which made the exchange both familiar and insightful. Another unforgettable moment came from an unexpected conversation with a professor from Slovakia who specializes in bees. Listening to him describe their role in ecosystems made me realize how interconnected sustainability issues really are. Although my research focuses on decision support systems and spatial planning, this encounter reshaped how I think about environmental planning and highlighted how even small ecosystem elements can influence broader sustainability strategies.
Through INVEST, I also had the opportunity to travel for academic purposes, most notably to the Symposium “Transdisciplinary Research for a Healthy Planet” held in Reims in March 2023. Attending such a large international event for the first time was both humbling and motivating. Engaging with discussions on circular economy, zero pollution, and transdisciplinary research helped me see my own work within a wider European and global context. Equally valuable were the informal moments between sessions, where conversations with researchers from ecology, sociology, and environmental policy revealed how digital tools and machine learning can connect disciplines that rarely meet.
Traveling and collaborating through INVEST made the alliance feel tangible and alive. The people behind the screens became real collaborators, and the sense of belonging to an international academic network became stronger. This experience continues to shape the way I work, collaborate, and envision the impact of my research beyond national boundaries.
3. Learning & growth
Working in INVEST has given me new perspectives, practical skills, and experiences that I wouldn’t have gained in a purely local setting. I learned to see sustainability and spatial planning through a broader, European lens, understanding how different regions face similar challenges but approach them with different tools and priorities. This helped me rethink my own research and appreciate the value of comparative insights. I also developed stronger communication and collaboration skills, especially when explaining technical concepts, like machine-learning models, to people from non-technical backgrounds. It taught me to simplify without losing the essence of my work. Another important skill I gained is interdisciplinary thinking. Through discussions with experts in agriculture, ecology, policy, and data science, I learned to connect my decision-support research with real environmental and social contexts. Most of all, INVEST gave me the confidence to participate actively in international conversations and to see my research as part of a much bigger effort toward sustainable development.
This experience has definitely changed the way I approach my work and research. Through INVEST, I’ve learned to think more collaboratively and more openly. Instead of focusing only on the technical aspects of my research, I now consider how different disciplines, like agriculture, ecology, education, policy, and community needs, connect to my work. This has made my research more holistic and more aligned with real-world challenges. I also approach problems with a broader perspective. I now ask myself not only “What works for Thessaly?” but also “How might this apply in other regions?” or “What can I learn from how other countries tackle similar issues?” In terms of communication, I’ve become more confident in explaining my research to people with different backgrounds. This has improved how I present my work, how I participate in discussions, and how I collaborate with teams across the alliance. Overall, INVEST has helped me move from a more individual, technical mindset to a more integrated, interdisciplinary way of thinking, which has strengthened both the quality and the impact of my research.
4. Impact & meaning
My international experience through INVEST has significantly strengthened collaboration opportunities for my university. Through the alliance, new pathways have emerged for joint research projects, academic events, and long-term research connections that can benefit the institution well beyond the duration of the project.
One thing that genuinely surprised me about working in an international setting was how quickly a sense of connection develops, even among people from completely different backgrounds. I expected communication to be difficult or slow, but instead I found that most colleagues were eager to share, listen, and adapt.I was also surprised by how often small cultural differences, different working rhythms, academic habits, or even humor, led to interesting conversations rather than misunderstandings. These moments reminded me that collaboration is not only about exchanging scientific ideas; it’s also about understanding how others think, work, and solve problems. In the end, what surprised me most was how natural international cooperation began to feel. After a while, it didn’t feel “international” anymore, just teamwork.
One thing I wish more people knew about working in international higher education projects is that you don’t need to be an expert in everything to contribute meaningfully. Many people assume that international projects are only for those with years of experience or perfect language skills, but that’s not true. What really matters is being open to learning, willing to communicate, and ready to adapt to different perspectives. In fact, the diversity of backgrounds is what makes these projects successful. Even small contributions, sharing local insights, offering a different viewpoint, or asking the right question, can make a real impact.I wish more people understood that international work is not intimidating once you step into it; it’s actually a very supportive and collaborative environment where everyone is learning together.
5. Looking ahead
The most valuable thing I’ve learned through INVEST is the importance of viewing problems through multiple perspectives before trying to solve them. Working with people from different countries and disciplines showed me that there is rarely just one “correct” approach .This lesson has influenced not only my research, but also the way I communicate, collaborate, and make decisions. It taught me to slow down, listen more carefully, and consider ideas that might initially seem unfamiliar. As a result, I feel more confident working in interdisciplinary and international environments, knowing that complexity becomes manageable when tackled collectively.
The biggest change in how I work and think after joining INVEST is that I’ve become much more open and collaborative. Before, I tended to approach problems mainly from a technical point of view, focusing on models, methods, and data. Now, I actively look for perspectives from other fields and other regions, knowing how much value they add. I also think more globally. Instead of asking only how something applies to Thessaly, I now consider how a method or idea could work in different contexts, and what we can learn from how other countries approach similar challenges. Finally, I’ve become more comfortable working in diverse teams, communicating my ideas clearly, and adapting to different ways of thinking. In short, INVEST didn’t just change what I do, it changed the way I see and approach my work.
I hope to use this experience in the future by continuing to work in environments where international collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking are central. The skills I developed, communicating across fields, comparing regional approaches, and integrating diverse perspectives, are valuable for both research and real-world planning.
I also want to apply what I’ve learned to help create better decision-support tools that are adaptable to different regions, not just Thessaly. Understanding how other countries approach sustainability gives me a broader foundation for designing systems that are more flexible and effective. Most of all, the experience has shown me how productive and motivating international teamwork can be, and I want it to remain a part of my career moving forward.
If someone is considering applying for international work, I would tell them that the hardest part is simply deciding to start, everything after that becomes much easier than they expect. International work can sound intimidating, but once you step into it, you realize that people are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely interested in sharing knowledge. I’d also say that international experiences help you grow in ways you can’t predict: you gain confidence, you learn to communicate better, and you begin to see your own work from completely new angles. Even one conversation with someone from a different background can change the way you think about a problem.
Most importantly, I would reassure them that you don’t need to be perfect, your English doesn’t have to be flawless, and you don’t need to know everything. What matters is curiosity and willingness to learn. If you bring those, you will fit in naturally.
So my advice is simple: take the leap and you’ll gain far more than you can imagine.
