Two External Perspectives on the Pharm-ERA Summer School Experience

Where do you come from and where are you doing your PhD?

• Harriet : I am from the UK - I grew up in West Wales but I am currently living in York to complete my PhD at the University of York.
• Wissam : I am from Algiers (Algeria) and I’m currently pursuing my PhD in Environmental Toxicology at the University of Sétif 1, Algeria.

What is your research topic?

• Harriet : I study pharmaceutical pollution in agricultural environments. I am particularly interested in the fate and behaviour of pharmaceuticals in soil, and the uptake of pharmaceuticals by crops. 
• Wissam : My research focuses on wastewater bioremediation, specifically using bacterial approaches to remove pollutants, such as dyes and hydrocarbons.

How were you informed about the existence of this summer school?

• Harriet : An email with information about the summer school was circulated by my department.
• Wissam : I was informed of the program through the Pharm-ERA Doctoral Network post on LinkedIn.

What attracted you the most to the training offered?

• Harriet : I was excited to learn from the experts from the wide range of external research organisations involved with the summer school to understand the real-world implications of the current research.
• Wissam :What attracted me most was the program's comprehensive approach, seamlessly blending theory with hands-on practice. From ecotoxicological testing and modeling to in situ monitoring, the practical workshops were incredibly valuable. Additionally, having the opportunity to learn directly from researchers I already admire and consider mentors was a no-miss opportunity. And, to top it all off, the participation being completely free was the cherry on top, a true lifesaver for a PhD student's budget!

How did you experience your integration into the Pharm-ERA student group?

• Harriet : It was great to meet the Pharm-ERA doctoral network students! Everyone was really welcoming and I am looking forward to seeing the next steps in their research.
• Wissam : My integration into the Pharm-ERA student group was exceptionally smooth with an almost spontaneous connection with everyone. The atmosphere was very friendly and inclusive, and I truly valued the diversity, both cultural and scientific backgrounds of the group, which enriched the entire experience.

What was the most memorable moment for you during the summer school?

• Harriet : The most memorable moment of the summer school for me was conducting the enchytraeid avoidance tests as I've heard a lot about these tests before, but I found that the theoretical understanding became much clearer once I had the opportunity to conduct the tests myself. I also really enjoyed the farewell boat tour on the last day!
• Wissam : It's genuinely challenging to pinpoint a single "most memorable moment," as the entire Summer School experience was overwhelmingly positive, both scientifically and personally. But if I had to choose a memory to engrave, it would be the mentors' exceptional teaching methodology. They brilliantly delivered not just the practical aspects of each method, but also shared invaluable insights into potential pitfalls and offered clever tips to avoid or fix them. This profound dedication to our practical understanding was truly inspiring. It was a privilege to be part of this.

What are your plans after completing your PhD?

• Harriet : I am undertaking a postdoc based at the University of York aiming to develop novel methods to monitor and analyse chemical and microbial contamination in rivers. 
• Wissam : After completing my PhD, I’m looking to pursue a postdoctoral research position, if the right fit comes along. My goal is to dive deeper into bioremediation and ecotoxicological assessment. I'm keen on roles that let me connect fundamental science with practical, real-world solutions for environmental sustainability, whether that's in academia or a research role in industry.