How it all began
It all started with a casual comment like: “You should visit us in Cambridge someday.” Sure, those probably weren’t the exact words, but the suggestion stuck with me - and the more I thought about it, the more it felt like an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Thus, what started as a casual remark during an early conversation with both of my supervisors about future research ideas quickly turned into a plan I couldn’t resist.
My research activities already had strong synergies with the work at the University of Cambridge and we had even successfully published a paper together in the past. Therefore, the chance to be on-site and dive deeper into some new still unresolved research questions with the team was a great opportunity, both in terms of academic and personal growth. Fortunately, my supervisor, Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. René Mayrhofer, encouraged me to take this step, knowing that the experience would be a valuable asset for my academic career. Another key reason why I finally decided to take on this adventure was the opportunity to improve my language skills, especially in my role as a lecturer at the University and for presenting research results at international conferences.
Fast forward to today, and there I was, standing in Cambridge, ready to dive into an meaningful research collaboration.
Preparation and first Challenges
While the overall experience was incredible, I think it’s important to also acknowledge the challenges I faced, as this report aims to reflect the full range of my experiences. The adventure in Cambridge wasn’t without any hurdles. After I created an initial cost estimate, I realized quickly that this great opportunity would also become a financial challenge for me. The costs for accommodation, travel, and daily living were pretty high compared to Austria. Therefore, I immediately started to search for funding opportunities to make this adventure possible.
I applied to several grants and scholarships, including those offered by JKU scholarship, Linzer Hochschulfonds, and the Dean’s Office at JKU. I also applied to several other funding avenues, but faced a few setbacks, including a couple of rejections, which are also worth mentioning in this report as part of the adventure. However, when I finally received the first approvals, the research stay suddenly felt much more achievable and realistic.
One of the most challenging tasks was to find an accommodation in Cambridge while still in Austria. With no in-person meetings with potential landlords possible, it become quite difficult. I contacted around 30 landlords and several companies providing student accommodations, but most of them did not want to rent for a short/mid-term stay (for less than 6 months), required an in-person meeting beforehand, or simply didn’t respond. Finally, I decided to book accommodation through Airbnb, where I had the opportunity to stay with a wonderful family during the start of my time in Cambridge. The plan was to search for a more permanent place once I arrived, as I thought it would be easier to find something suitable in person.
Research and other activities
On my first day at the University of Cambridge, we had a meeting with the research group where I had the chance to share a bit about my current research in the field of supply chain security. What truly surprised and excited me was that right after this meeting, a team member approached me with a warm smile and suggested to have a brainstorm session together. I remember our first meeting clearly as it turned into a really productive session right after the conference during the first week. Just one day later, we were already writing the first lines of code, already started to make tangible progress, and it felt like such a rewarding and energizing start. The shared goal of a new research project right after the second day in the office, and the continuous exchange of ideas were incredibly motivating.
Another aspect that I want to mention at this point was that I was fortunate to get a desk in an office (SN17 - House of Fun) surrounded by passionate researchers. This collaborative environment made it easy to get support whenever needed, simply by asking in the room if anyone was familiar with a specific topic. In fact, it was one of the highlights of my stay in Cambridge, being part of a that team, always ready to help and learn from each other.
Beside my daily research tasks, I also had the opportunity to attend various inspiring talks. I also had the chance to participate at the CANS conference in Cambridge, where I presented a poster of my research. Additionally, I also got invited of giving my own talk at the University of Cambridge on one of my current research topics.
Experiences and Impressions
When I finally arrived in the historic city of Cambridge, the first impression exceeded all of my expactions. The city itself was incredible, with its historic buildings, stunning architecture, and the obvious sense of history at every corner. From the Newton tree and the hairdresser of Stephen Hawking to The Eagle pub, where the double helix structure was first announced, Cambridge was a place where the past and present truly came alive. I also had the chance to get to know the colleges in more detail through my collegues and gather fascinating insights, far away from the typical tourist attractions.
The people in Cambridge were very warm, kind, and helpful. In particular, I remember the small gesture of thanking the bus driver when getting off the bus. They are also very disciplined. For example, it is important to wait until everyhone has exited the bus before getting on - sounds reasonable, right? Another interesting observation was that if you don’t signal the bus driver to stop, the bus won’t pick you up at the station. The first time I waited at the station and watched the bus drive away without sopping was quite a suprise.
Academic and Personal Learning Experience
Academically, this experience was a huge milestone for me. It not only advanced my research and career but also helped me grow as a scholar. I’ve gained new skills, knowledge, and ideas during my stay in Cambridge. The nearly completed publication is just one example of the meaningful progress I made during this time. I hope you’ll be able to read our paper in the future once it’s accepted at the conference.
On a personal level, however, the highlight of this adventure was the connections and friendships I made. My colleagues made a real effort to include me in social events, making me feel truly welcome as part of their community. I had the chance to attend formal dinners, enjoy playful games like darts and pool, and even try a new sport, called padel. On weekends, we started with our own “brunch club,” visiting various cafes and colleges together. These moments, often simple yet meaningful, made my stay memorable.
Conclusion
My research stay in Cambridge was not just an academic experience; it was a personal adventure. From the initial challenges of finding funding and accommodation to the rewarding moments of collaboration and scientific achievements, every step made it a memorable time in my life.
I will always be thankful for my supervisor Univ.-Prof. DI Dr. René Mayrhofer, and my secondary supervisor, the Head of the Department of Computer Science and Technology in Cambridge, (name will be available soon), for making this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible, as well as for the funding that supported it.
