I was invited to Berlin, Germany for presenting my research work at an International conference- ‘3rd Green and Sustainable Chemistry’. I was awarded financial assistance through International Travel support (ITS) scheme of Department of Science and Technology- Science and Engineering Board (DST-SERB), Government of India to attend this science event. In all, there were 6 students from India that were selected for this travel grant award.
I am also availing Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from UGC after qualifying UGC-NET-JRF.
The conference was organised by prestigious Elsevier foundation in association with Leuphana University, Luneberg, Germany and International Sustainable Chemistry collaborative centre, Bonn, Germany. The conference helped me create a network and form new connections with researchers of similar interests. This also led to an incremental growth in my approach by imbibing the knowledge and ideas shared.
I also visited Helmohltz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Halle (Salle) and interacted with Dr. Martin Schadler and Dr. Lioudmila Chatalova from the Department of agriculture and worked with them for future collaborations. I thank the Government for providing me financial support to attend an international science event. Travelling solo for our scientific growth provides a very good exposure not only in professional terms but also enriches our mind with many life-changing experiences. We learn how to travel alone, take care of everything and stay mature which instils a lot of confidence in us.
While visiting the Helmohltz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Halle (Salle), I shared the hostel room with a Pakistani girl and also met a masters student from Pakistan. Meeting them and sharing space and thoughts with them was a lifetime experience that I would cherish for a long time. I learnt that borders can divide the countries not the hearts and people on both the sides are friendly and peace loving. They both were really helpful and went out of the way to make sure I was comfortable and did not have any kind of problem. They are now my friends for a lifetime.
In all, my personal experience in Germany was excellent. It is a beautiful country with really helping and positive people. I really enjoyed my stay and had the very best of all-round exposure.
I thank DST-SERB, Govt. of India for providing me financial assistance and Lovely Professional University for being my guide in every way.
About the Author:
Shivika Datta
Shivika is a PhD student in the Department of Zoology from School of Bioengineering and Biosciences at Lovely Professional University.
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