Student’s RUN-EU Journey to Research and Beyond

RUN European University (RUN-EU) Discovery Student Academy offers students an opportunity to explore a career path in research. The application period for the second edition of the mentoring programme is now open.

RUN Discovery Student Academy is a comprehensive mentoring programme tailored for late-stage B.Sc. students, M.Sc. candidates, and young researchers (in the first year of their PhD) embarking on their academic journeys.  HAMK student Åsa Enholm shares her own RUN-EU Discovery Student Academy experience in this article.

Valuable Experiences from the RUN Discovery Student Academy

When I applied to the RUN Discovery Student Academy, I was in the middle of my M.Sc. studies in the Bioeconomy Solutions programme at HAMK. Although the study schedule was filled with ongoing courses and a research-oriented thesis, I could not let the unique chance pass. So, I sent the application and was luckily admitted to the mentoring programme. This was the beginning of a journey that I am happy today that I started.  

Together with participants from other higher education institutions in the RUN European University, the nine-month mentoring programme began with an online meeting in last April. The participants represented different subject areas within applied sciences and could be in the final stages of their B.Sc. studies, have ongoing M.Sc. or PhD studies, or be working in research. Being a mixed group proved to be educational. It gave an insight into other research areas and underlined the need to express yourself in a way that everyone understands. Even though we were from different fields and had different relationships to research, we had a lot in common.  

During the year, we have had regular online sessions led by committed lecturers who provided extensive, in-depth information about research and development skills, communication, and personal development. Many practical tips and valuable advice have been noted in the margins of the study materials. We also developed our own projects, and each one has received guidance from its own mentor from another RUN-EU university. 

Offline ‘for real’

In the middle of September, we met in Austria for a week of in-person studies at FHV Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences in Dornbirn. It was exciting and fun to meet the participants in real life. Many of the mentors were also present during this well organised week. Together, we spent informative offline lecture days interspersed with light leisure activities. We took part in each other’s projects and worked on team building. The importance of meeting ‘for real’ to improve interaction and communication became very clear. It really strengthened the Student Academy group´s togetherness.  

Throughout the week, we also had some time to explore Dornbirn’s cosy city centre, with marketplace sales and small bakery shops, and to enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. 

The year is coming to an end, and we have a few online sessions left. For me, the RUN-DIS Student Academy program has become a very important part of my studies. It has provided a holistic view of the world of research, skills that can be applied in various professional context, and I have come to know so many dedicated and friendly people. I will miss the inspiring enthusiasm and team spirit of the participants and leaders, the supportive mentors, and all the knowledge-rich meetings. 

RUN European University

We are part of RUN European University, which brings together ten European higher education institutions from nine countries committed to a common vision.

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