Donada Rata is a Research Fellow at the European Strategic Institute Luxembourg (ESILUX) and a doctoral researcher at the University of Luxembourg. Her research focuses on EU enlargement, governance, democratic conditionality, and the reconstruction of post-conflict societies.
When I applied to the Europaeum Scholars Programme, I expected to meet brilliant people, attend inspiring lectures, and exchange ideas. What I did not anticipate was how much I would learn from the people around me. At its core, the programme is about addressing Europe’s most pressing challenges and exploring how we, as scholars, can contribute to tackling them. I quickly realised, however, that this contribution begins with learning from one another.
Our first module in Oxford, hosted at Harris Manchester College, brought together doctoral researchers from different disciplines, countries, and universities. Throughout the week, we attended lectures, took part in simulations, and worked in groups to address complex policy challenges. We were placed in unfamiliar scenarios, given limited information and competing priorities, and asked to negotiate, reach consensus, and develop practical policy recommendations. What made these exercises so valuable was not the search for a single “right” answer, but the opportunity to see how differently people approach the same problem. A lawyer, sociologist, historian, economist, and political scientist may all examine the same challenge yet identify entirely different priorities. Rather than making collaboration more difficult, these differences became one of our greatest strengths. Each discussion challenged our assumptions, broadened our perspectives, and reminded us that the most effective solutions rarely come from a single discipline. For me, this has been the most rewarding aspect of the programme so far. It showed me that good policymaking depends not only on expertise, but also on the ability to listen, adapt, and build on perspectives that differ from our own. In a world where today’s challenges are increasingly interconnected, interdisciplinary collaboration is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.
The week also reinforced something I strongly believe as a doctoral researcher and that lies at the heart of the Europaeum: research has an important role beyond academia. As scholars, we have a responsibility not only to generate knowledge, but also to translate it into language that policymakers and wider society can use. Whether we study politics, climate, medicine, economics, or technology, our work has the potential to inform public debate and contribute to better policymaking. Research should not remain confined to journals and conferences; it should help societies and governments make better decisions. The programme’s impact also extends beyond each individual module. After Oxford, we left with questions, reflections, and ideas to develop before bringing them back to the group in the next module. This ongoing process of reflection, collaboration, and exchange encourages us to think beyond immediate outcomes and towards long-term impact. The most exciting part is that Oxford was only the beginning. The relationships, conversations, and collaborations that started during the module will continue throughout the programme. I look forward to learning from scholars whose expertise differs so greatly from my own, while contributing my perspective on European politics and enlargement.
The Europaeum is much more than a series of academic modules. It is a community where curiosity is encouraged, assumptions are challenged, and diverse perspectives are valued. It reminds us that some of the most meaningful learning happens when people from different backgrounds come together to address problems that none of them could solve alone. With the right people, great ideas can become meaningful change, and the Europaeum creates precisely the space for that to happen. For this, I am especially grateful to Dr Tracey Sowerby and the Europaeum team, whose work behind the scenes makes this unique community and experience possible.
