Author: Elena Diaz Vicuna, PhD Student at University of Turin
The PATHWAYS Early Career Immersion Programme (ECIP) is designed to give young researchers hands-on experience in new academic settings, offering them the chance to broaden their skills, build international networks, and discover fresh perspectives in their field.
Reflecting on her time with the PATHWAYS programme, Elena Diaz Vicuna shares how a week at the University of Reading became a turning point in her professional journey.
The PATHWAYS Early Career Immersion Programme gave me the opportunity to spend a week at the University of Reading, where I worked under the supervision of Prof. Laurence Smith, whom I had previously collaborated with during a six-month research stay at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, in Uppsala (Sweden). During the week, I prepared a poster presentation for an international congress based on the data analysis I had previously conducted in Sweden, summarising my contribution to the PATHWAYS project.
Although my time at Reading was short, each day brought something new—whether it was refining my presentation skills, learning about data management, or connecting with researchers working on a range of topics. It was an intense but enriching experience that offered both professional and personal growth.
What I appreciated most was being immersed in a completely different academic environment. Coming from a veterinary background, it was especially stimulating to work within the Department of Agri-Food Economics and Marketing, which exposed me to new perspectives and ways of thinking beyond my usual field. This exposure to new stimuli has been a recurring theme throughout my involvement in the PATHWAYS project, which has truly challenged me—particularly in the areas of statistical analysis and team management. At the same time, it taught me a valuable lesson: when facing challenges, a calm mind and an open conversation with someone more experienced can go a long way.
Overall, the experience confirmed my passion for statistical analysis, which was at the heart of my work in the PATHWAYS project, and it helped me see more clearly how I want to shape my career moving forward. I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone—it’s a unique chance to build connections, grow professionally, and explore new perspectives.
