Interview with a SAFE fellow hosted in Spain: "I see this fellowship as an investment in my future"

SAFE interviewed a SAFE track 1 Astrophysicist researcher from Africa currently hosted in Spain. She shared her first impressions on the fellowship, especially about how she was welcomed at her host institution, about the meaning of SAFE and her future perspectives.

SAFE: What does the SAFE fellowship mean to you?

SAFE fellow: This fellowship means much more than funding a research project. For me, it has been a life-changing opportunity, both scientifically and personally. It has given me the chance to work in a stable and supportive research environment, where I can fully focus on my science without worrying about uncertainty. That freedom has really increased my confidence as a researcher. The SAFE fellowship has also allowed me to strengthen collaborations with colleagues across Europe and Africa, which I believe are essential for building a successful international career. Beyond my own research, I see this fellowship as an investment in my future. It is helping me develop the skills, experience, and network that will enable me to mentor young scientists, contribute to scientific capacity building in Africa, and strengthen long-term partnerships between European and African institutions.

SAFE: How were you welcomed at your host institution?

SAFE fellow: I felt very welcome from my first day. My host supervisor, colleagues, and the administrative staff made a real effort to help me settle in, both professionally and personally. The administrative process was very smooth, even though I didn’t speak Spanish when I arrived because the institute assigned someone to help me with all the paperwork, which made the transition much easier. Scientifically, I quickly became part of the research group. We have regular meetings where everyone shares their work and discusses new ideas, and I have also been involved in proposal writing and international collaborations. The institute also offers Spanish language courses, which I have been taking. They are helping me communicate more easily outside the workplace and better integrate into daily life.

SAFE: What is SAFE’s impact on your research work in the European Union?

SAFE fellow: The SAFE fellowship has a major impact on my research. It has given me access to an excellent research environment, world-class facilities, and a broad scientific network across Europe. Working in this environment has improved the quality of my research through regular discussions with experts in my field of research and collaborations with researchers from different countries. SAFE has also allowed me to visit another European institution for a research stay and to participate in conferences. These opportunities have been very important for advancing my project, strengthening collaborations, and increasing the visibility of my research. I am currently working on a scientific paper with my collaborators that we hope to submit to an high-impact journal in the coming weeks. Beyond the scientific results, I have developed skills in project management, proposal writing, and international collaboration, which are essential for leading research in the future.

SAFE: Ideally, where would you like to be after the SAFE fellowship?

After the SAFE fellowship, I would like to continue my research in Europe, ideally at my current host institution or another leading research institute.
My goal is to become an independent researcher leading innovative projects. I hope to secure competitive research funding, supervise MSc and PhD students, and contribute to developing the next generation of scientists/astronomers. At the same time, I want to use the experience and network I will gain through this fellowship to strengthen research capacity in Africa through collaborations, training, and joint research project, while contributing to sustainable development.