Thanos Fokaidis-Psyllas 

Completed his bachelor-degree in chemistry in Greece and is now doing a master program at the University of Ghent. 

‘When I was finishing my bachelor in my home country, I was searching for interesting research groups, and I stumbled upon Professor Filip Du Prez’s lab. So, I applied and next semester I will be doing my master thesis in the PCR (Polymer Chemistry Research) group. My research will be aimed at developing thermoset-like materials that can be reprocessed and recycled, by utilizing a new chemistry platform of reversible covalent bonds.’

’It has not been the easiest experience for me coming here. Especially the weather was a big shock, with the rain and the very short days, back in autumn last year and past winter. Moreover, the master program was quite time-intensive with many assignments and courses. However, I am getting the hang of it now and the coming academic year will be much better. I hope to get my master-degree next year and then continue with a PhD here. Possibly in the same group.’

’It is a great environment with of a lot of talented and professional researchers. For foreign students who consider doing their education here in Belgium/Ghent, I would wholeheartedly recommend it, as the courses are high-level and the job prospects are excellent. You might experience an initial culture shock, but in the end, the result is worth it.’ 

Fatemeh Latifi 

Studied Textile Engineering in Iran, followed by a master degree in chemistry at the University of Antwerpen. She currently works as a researcher at Agfa-Gevaert in Mortsel.  

‘I found out that the chemical industry is very strong in Belgium, so that is why I decided to do my Master program here. That turned out to be a great choice, as the diversity of courses was very high, and the professors were also very nice to guide and help me with the courses.’

’Of course, there were also some challenges. Especially because I arrived in Belgium during the Covid pandemic. That made it very hard for me to get to know the city and the university. Also, I did not have the chance to make friends with my classmates in the first two semesters. But that improved later.’

’There are some differences in education in chemistry between Belgium and Iran. In my home country, a master program is normally research-based and in Belgium, in this program, it was more course-based. In Iran, the students have the chance to publish articles based on their master thesis. However, in Belgium, I had the chance to dive into different subjects. Now I am a junior researcher in the R&D department at Agfa-Gevaert, investigating formulations of inks. I would like to keep on working in the chemical industry in Belgium.’