Imperial hosted the 4th Imperial-TUM-NTU Global Fellows Programme, challenging doctoral students to enhance collaborative and professional skills.

International and interdisciplinary teams of students from Imperial, Technical University of Munich, Germany (TUM) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) have come together to collaborate on innovative solutions for zero-pollution mobility.

The Global Fellows Programme (GFP) is a five-day professional skills course which prompts students to improve their teamwork skills, self-reflect and facilitate potential future collaborations.

"We are proud to work with TUM and NTU on this programme which offers a unique opportunity for PhD students to develop skills to succeed in international and interdisciplinary collaborations whether in research or beyond." Professor Maggie Dallman Vice President (International)

During the week, the students engaged in interactive sessions with leading academics from the three universities who are working in transport, engineering and sustainability. Guided walking tours in Central London provided contextual examples and a sight-seeing opportunity. At the end of the week, the student teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges, including Professor Cecilia Mattevi (Department of Materials) and Michael McTernan (Director of Imperial's International Relations Office), for feedback and discussion.

Professor Maggie Dallman, Imperial's Vice-President (International), said: “Imperial’s world class research relies on international and interdisciplinary collaborations, and we are proud to work with TUM and NTU on this programme which offers a unique opportunity for PhD students to develop skills to succeed in international and interdisciplinary collaborations whether in research or beyond.”

Professor Sierin Lim, Associate Dean of Global Partnerships at NTU Graduate College, said: "The tripartite Imperial-TUM-NTU Global Fellows Programme has been evolving since its inception in 2020. It adds new features and shed irrelevant ones over the years with one goal: to provide our students with unique learning experiences.

"Over the five days, students also evolve as they develop transferrable skillsets, such as interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration and communications, while developing out-of-the-box thinking that culminate in the Accelerator project. The students started as strangers and we hope they leave as friends."

'An enriching experience'

Participants from this year's Global Fellows Programme also shared their experiences of collaborating with students from different universities.

Piotr, from Imperial's Department of Chemistry, said: “I wanted to take part in the programme to have the opportunity to build networks and connections and collaborate with peers from other backgrounds and other universities.

"It’s been great to learn from others that have new ideas about different areas and fields of research. When people from different backgrounds come together it helps improve all individuals." Sonia Global Fellows Programme participant from Technical University of Munich

"The theme of the programme was also interesting to me as I work on sodium ion batteries, so I wanted to learn more about the zero pollution mobility and investigate other areas that could be useful to my research."

Sonia, from TUM's Medical Life Science and Technology PhD programme, said: “It’s been great to learn from others that have new ideas about different areas and fields of research. When people from different backgrounds come together it helps improve all individuals. It’s my first time in London and it’s been a childhood dream to work in such an environment. I have followed my dreams to work here in academia."

Ankit, from NTU's School of Materials Science and Engineering, said: “I am drawing inspiration and enjoying collaborating with other students here and there are potentially lots of avenues I can explore in the future through networking and building connections. If I get chance I would like to collaborate with partners at Imperial in the future.”

Chotiwat Jantarakasem, a previous GFP participant from Imperial who returned to support this year’s programme, spoke about the long-lasting connections and friendships he made through the programme.

He said: "Through the training programme and group activities, the programme allowed me to apply my knowledge and skills outside of PhD research and gave me the opportunity to develop leadership skills and interpersonal relationships. I have met many talented people and formed friendships with PhD students from different departments, which last until today."

Experiences from other participants from this year’s programme: 

• ‘An enriching experience that opens your mind and creates great connections’
• ‘By joining this amazing project and meeting incredible people, I gained an unforgettable experience and lifelong friendships.’

Application rounds for future Global Fellows Programmes are announced on the Imperial webpage and advertised in the Graduate School newsletter to Imperial students.