Sebastjan's Erasmus+ experience in Ireland

At the end of my first year of master's studies, I already knew that I wanted to focus my professional career on research in the field of biopolymers. I am excited about this field because it combines advanced approaches to green chemistry, innovations in synthesis, and real solutions to contemporary challenges. Wanting to further my knowledge in an international environment, I started looking for opportunities through the Erasmus+ exchange program. The right opportunity presented itself in Dublin, where I was accepted by the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), known for its biopolymer synthesis department.

In order to be as well prepared as possible for the exchange, I wanted to gain additional practical experience before leaving. I applied for a student job at the Chemical Institute in Ljubljana, where I gained key experience in the field of synthesis from bio-based raw materials and learned what independent research work means. This gave me a good foundation and confidence for the challenges that awaited me in Ireland. Since I was enrolled as a full-time student in my second year, I asked the faculty to switch to part-time study, which would allow me to do student work and attend lectures in the first semester. I am extremely grateful to the faculty for approving my request and accommodating my needs.

I went to Ireland at the end of February this year, planning to stay for four and a half months. Although moving abroad is a big step, I was lucky that part of my family has been living in Ireland for several years. Thanks to their help, my first days in the new environment were much easier.

When I first entered the laboratory, I was impressed not only by the modern equipment but also by the extremely pleasant and open atmosphere in the research team. My mentor, Viviane, immediately involved me in research work based on the development of sustainable polymer networks using dynamic imine bonds. The project focuses on the synthesis of biomaterials from monomers obtained from renewable sources, forming imine bonds that give the material reversible properties and enable easier recycling. Most of the team comes from different parts of the world, including my mentor, who is from Brazil, creating a dynamic and international research environment. Such diversity is very interesting and means a lot to me—it encourages open exchange of knowledge and new perspectives, and has made it easier for me to adapt and integrate into the team.

Thanks to the experience I gained at the Chemical Institute and the Faculty of Polymer Technology, I can now confidently perform syntheses, analyses, and characterizations of various polymer materials, which greatly facilitates my current project work in Ireland. Of course, things don't always go according to plan in the laboratory, but it is precisely at such moments that the team's exceptional energy comes to the fore. Everyone is ready to help, we share our knowledge and look for solutions together. I feel like part of a real research family.

In addition to my research work, I also had the opportunity to get to know Irish culture. From the famous Guinness and Jameson to the relaxed and warm people and inspiring nature. Dublin is a wonderful city with a genuine energy. It is dominated by brick houses, full of pleasant streets that give it an authentic character, and beautiful sandy beaches located just a few minutes from the center. With my family and friends, I also had the opportunity to explore other parts of Ireland – Cork, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, and many other hidden gems around Dublin.

The faculty offers numerous sports activities, including fitness, which allows me to maintain an active lifestyle alongside my studies. I have also joined the soccer community, which includes students, professors, and other faculty staff. Being part of the team has allowed me to socialize and connect with people from different parts of the faculty. I also took part in the annual internal tournament, which ended with our team winning—which was just the icing on the cake of an already enjoyable experience.

I can say that I am very happy with my decision. Not only did I improve my knowledge and research skills, but I also gained valuable personal experience. I met new people and established important connections for the future. I am grateful to my faculty, mentors, and everyone who helped me along the way. My experience in Ireland is proof that persistence, courage, and the desire to progress always pay off.

Sebastjan Perković