The first doctoral student to defend a thesis funded by The Transition Institute 1.5 (TTI.5), Eleni Effraimopoulou has just earned her doctorate at Mines Paris – PSL. Her work, which focuses on super-insulating bio-aerogels for controlling heat loss, illustrates the spirit of innovation and multidisciplinarity at the heart of TTI.5.
Eleni shares her experience and her perspective on research in the service of the transition to a carbon-neutral world.
You have just defended your thesis after three years of doctoral study. How do you feel?
It’s very satisfying to see the culmination of three years of effort and learning and to realize how much this period has allowed me to grow, both personally and professionally. I’m really happy to close this important chapter of my life, surrounded by caring people and with very good memories.
How did you find these three years of thesis work?
These three years were intense but incredibly rewarding. I developed scientific and technical knowledge, but I also strengthened my communication, organizational, and autonomy skills. It was a journey of curiosity, discovery, and joy.
Why did you want to join the TTI.5 doctoral program?
What attracted me most to the TTI.5 doctoral program was its strong commitment to sustainability, combined with the multidisciplinary nature of the projects it supports. I believe that relevant solutions can only emerge when specialists from different fields work together on a common project.
How was the multidisciplinary nature of your thesis an asset/a source of challenges for you?
Working across several disciplines allowed me to broaden my scientific perspective and approach issues from a more comprehensive viewpoint, making my reasoning more creative and adaptable. At the same time, I had to make a significant effort to immerse myself in each research topic; it was both demanding and fascinating. Ultimately, this multidisciplinary approach enriched my work and I believe it will give it greater impact.
Would you like to add anything else? What are your plans?
I would like to thank my supervisors and colleagues for their support and guidance; without them, none of this would have been possible. In the near future, I hope to continue my research as part of a postdoctoral fellowship on sustainable materials.
Do you have any advice for students starting their TTI.5 thesis?
I would advise them to always remain curious, be open to collaboration, and not get discouraged when challenges arise. The doctoral journey inevitably has its ups and downs, which is completely normal and part of the process! For me, a successful doctorate is not just about completing a piece of research; it allows you to develop critical thinking skills, learn to manage your time (and sometimes your colleagues) and collaborate effectively. The development of these skills should not be underestimated, because they are essential for career development, whether scientific or not. Finally, I would advise them to take full advantage of the network offered by TTI.5, because the multidisciplinary nature of the Institute can really broaden their horizons and enrich their experience.
