Graduating from the DSI PhD Excellence Program

Today marks the end of my time at the DSI, where I was honored to be part of the PhD Excellence Program since I started in 2024 (announcement). We had a summer celebration in the villa of the DSI, with my lovely cohort all receiving their certificate. There are rumors that Nina, the heart of the DSI, could not hold back a few tears.

The program was a great addition to my PhD, as it allowed me to get out of my usual research bubble. During your PhD you tend to really hone in on a specific topic, and become (ideally) a small expert. Since you’re constantly surrounded by other experts that do related research, it can be easy to forget how much you actually know, as it seems so normal in your everyday surroundings. The cohort at the DSI was incredibly diverse, which led to many new insights both in their domains and, most importantly, in my own. Having to explain my work to someone that studies medicine, psychology or history forces me to rethink my own thinking, which has been one of the biggest lessons I have learned.

I feel very grateful to have been a part of this program, and would highly recommend everyone to join if you have the opportunity.