In the competition, which featured 48 participants, two UGent students advanced to the final. Maïté Verstraeten (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) presented her research on the effects of liver cirrhosis on the lungs and explored alternative solutions to avoid liver transplantation. Patricia Caballero (Faculty of Bioscience Engineering) explained how specific bacteria and micro-algae can be used to create useful molecules from waste gases.
Participants from across Europe received two days of online training in rhetoric and science communication in May. Following a pre-selection in early July, the final took place on October 14 during the SGroup's General Assembly. Although no podium finish was achieved, it was a rewarding experience.
“"The SGroup PhD Cup was a great opportunity to connect with inspiring PhD candidates from different countries and disciplines. It was wonderful to exchange ideas and learn from each other!"
The SGroup, a European university network of which UGent is a member, was founded in the late previous century to foster institutional networks while preserving personal contacts. The network comprises over 47 higher education institutions from 20 European countries and 9 countries outside Europe, focusing on internationalization strategy, academic cooperation, mobility, and knowledge transfer, with a special emphasis on the universities' ‘third mission’ and ‘social engagement’.
Meanwhile, support continues for the six UGent students who reached the final of the Flemish PhD Cup. The final of this event can be followed via livestream on the evening of Wednesday, October 21. Interested UGent students are advised to keep an eye on the doctoral school newsletter for announcements of new editions.
