What is a Secondment in Project PARTICIPATE?
The PARTICIPATE Project, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, requires doctoral candidates (DCs) to complete one academic and one non-academic secondment abroad. These secondments are designed to provide inter-sectoral research experiences and foster the development of both practical and academic skills.
As part of Project PARTICIPATE, we—doctoral candidates Ebru Ozbek and Luisa Morello—had the privilege of spending time at the INVEST Research Flagship Centre in Finland. INVEST is home to a renowned psychology research lab led by Professor Christina Salmivalli at the University of Turku. Now, as our academic secondment comes to a close, we would like to share our reflections on the academic and personal growth we’ve experienced as part of this exceptional initiative.
Understanding the INVEST Research Flagship Centre
The INVEST Research Flagship Centre, recognized as a flagship by the Research Council of Finland, focuses on inequalities, interventions, and the development of a new welfare state. It aims to improve well-being during childhood, youth, and early adulthood by designing and evaluating interventions that address critical developmental challenges.
Under the supervision of Professor Christina Salmivalli, a leading figure in the field, we were exposed to groundbreaking research on social relationships and networks. This area of study examines the influence of family, peer, and community networks on youth development, including outcomes related to mental health, educational attainment, and behavior. Being part of INVEST allowed us to deepen our understanding of these critical research areas while contributing to Project PARTICIPATE’s broader goals.
Academic Experiences in Project PARTICIPATE
Our academic journey in Finland began with an extensive presentation of our PhD projects to the INVEST team. While we were initially anxious about presenting to esteemed researchers, the team’s encouraging feedback provided valuable insights and set the tone for an enriching experience.
Participation in weekly research meetings and the Peer Relations course further enhanced our academic knowledge. These sessions offered a fresh perspective on bullying and cyberbullying research, introducing new theoretical frameworks, innovative methodologies, and practical applications. As part of Project PARTICIPATE, this exposure was invaluable in broadening our research horizons.
During my secondment, I (Ebru Ozbek) began working with Christina Salmivalli’s Challenge data, a rich dataset collected from primary and secondary school children and their parents in Finland. This data focused on schools that participated in an intervention study against bullying.
With this study, I aim to reveal the role of parents’ perspectives on school intervention action and the susceptibility of children to amplify or attenuate the level of adverse outcomes following offline and online bullying victimization. This hands-on experience underscores the impact of cross-sectoral research fostered by Project PARTICIPATE.
Beyond the immediate research environment, we also observed the administrative and organizational aspects of INVEST. These insights provided a comprehensive view of how a world-class research center operates, preparing us for future roles in academia or industry.
Personal Growth Through Project PARTICIPATE Secondments
Project PARTICIPATE not only enabled academic growth but also fostered significant personal development. Immersing ourselves in a highly international research team at INVEST allowed us to build meaningful relationships with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. Activities like hiking in the scenic surroundings of Turku, experiencing the Finnish sauna tradition, and attending social events strengthened our bonds with the team.
Living in student housing during the secondment provided another layer of cultural exchange. Interactions with other international students enriched our understanding of different cultures and perspectives, adding immense value to our Finnish experience.
Adapting to a new culture and academic environment in a relatively short time was both challenging and rewarding. This opportunity, made possible by Project PARTICIPATE, was instrumental in expanding our professional networks, enhancing our cross-cultural communication skills, and broadening our outlook on academic collaboration.
Final Reflections on Project PARTICIPATE
As our secondment draws to a close, we are deeply grateful for the opportunities provided by Project PARTICIPATE. The program exceeded our expectations, offering both academic excellence and personal growth in equal measure. The secondment served as a transformative experience, equipping us with the skills, knowledge, and connections to excel in our future careers.
Project PARTICIPATE exemplifies the value of international collaboration, bridging the gap between academia and industry while fostering innovative research. For doctoral candidates seeking a dynamic and enriching research experience, Project PARTICIPATE offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
