Sarah Fothergill

In July 2019, I was given the opportunity to take part in the Global Fellows Program between Imperial College London and Technical University of Munich (TUM). This was built around the theme of ‘Cities of the Future’. In the first week of the program, I met with approximately 40 other researchers to discuss some of the main issues facing future cities and work on innovative solutions to solve these. The experience and diversity of skill sets within the group was incredible! The group was truly global, with students who had lived and worked in every part of the world. For the rest of the week we were split into smaller groups and developed a proposal that could become a working solution to improve the functionality of cities. This was completely different to my own research (I work in diagnostics!) but allowed me to think about other wider social implications my research could have. Our team came up with an idea for ‘Real-Time Population Data for Smart Resource Allocation’ and won runners up!

For the remaining 3 weeks, I was a visiting researcher at the Center for Translational Cancer Research TUM (TranslaTUM), funded by the International Relations Office. During my time here, I worked with a research group who were developing engineering technologies for fluorescent guided surgical imaging. This had some similarities to my own work, so it was great to learn about different angles being taken to improve cancer treatment. The centre worked in close parallel to the university hospital and had some fantastic facilities, with lots of exciting science going on! I was able to talk to not only my own group but others in and around the center. It was undoubtedly a valuable experience to observe how a different research environment operates. My host research group were also extremely welcoming to me, helping me learn new techniques, involving me in social events and providing recommendations and tours of the city. I am incredibly grateful for the hospitality and friendship they provided.

Whilst also in Munich I did a lot of sightseeing too! I was lucky to stay with very social young professionals in Munich who have since become good friends.  It was the peak of summer, so we spent a lot of time in Englischer Garten, as well of exploring local beer gardens via e-scooter of course! We also did weekend trips to Nuremberg, Salzburg and Neuschwanstein Castle.

For anyone considering applying in the future to this scheme I would say go for it! Overall it was a brilliant experience with the opportunity to make life-long connections. Munich is a beautiful city and, coupled with a productive research visit, it will provide a very memorable experience.