Date added: 2026-08-21
Research stay in Sweden. Kareem Ayyad’s experience
What made you choose Sweden and Chalmers University of Technology for your research stay?
I chose Sweden and Chalmers because the research environment was closely related to my PhD topic, particularly flood risk, stormwater management and urban planning. Before leaving, I hoped to work in an international environment, exchange ideas with other researchers and gain a broader perspective on my own research. Overall, the stay met these expectations and proved to be a very valuable academic experience.
What exactly did you work on during your research stay, and what do you consider your most important achievement?
During my stay, I mainly worked on research combining flood risk assessment and stormwater modelling with urban planning and decision-making. I also took part in research meetings, seminars and academic discussions. The stay helped me make progress with my PhD research and develop my research and academic skills, including academic writing. I also received valuable feedback on how I could further develop and validate my research.
What was the most challenging part of your stay in Sweden?
The main challenge was adapting to a new academic environment and everyday life while maintaining steady progress with my research. Spending several months in another country naturally requires some adjustment. Taking part in university activities, seminars and research meetings helped me become familiar with the new environment and made the transition easier.
What surprised you most about the academic culture in Sweden?
What I appreciated most was the open academic environment and the strong emphasis on discussion and knowledge exchange between different research fields. There were many opportunities to share ideas, receive feedback and learn from researchers with different backgrounds and areas of expertise. I found this particularly valuable because my own research combines urban planning with environmental and flood-related issues.
Is a research stay like this worth it, and would you recommend Gothenburg?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this type of research stay. It can be particularly valuable for PhD students who want to experience a different academic environment and further develop their research. My stay was carried out as part of the ENHANCE Alliance Internship project, which gave me the opportunity to gain experience in an international academic environment. I think it is worth going with clearly defined research goals while remaining open to new ideas and opportunities that may arise during the stay.