In the scientific universe, it can be a lonely and frustrating experience to find that spark enabling one to begin shining among other scientists of stellar magnitude. Luckily, CAPHRI offers PhD students that nurturing environment where the beginning researcher acquires not only the skills of a good and competent scientist but also a wide-eyed inquisitiveness and critical objectivity to approaching the world. Working with the likes of Professors Onno van Schayck, André Knottnerus, Edward Dompeling and Hans Severens and under the encouraging supervision of Sandra Kuiper, I am being pushed toward that critical mass of self-realisation in scientific work.
Relaxed atmosphere
CAPHRI has a relaxed atmosphere that allows me to concentrate on working on my research which is a cost-consequence economic evaluation of a multi-faceted programme on the primary prevention of asthma in children. Here, the rigours of hierarchy are eschewed in favour of the accommodating personal relation with senior researchers and fellow PhD students. The physical facilities and professional networks within and without the university further help to the completion of one’s research project.
International
Because CAPHRI is part of Maastricht University at the heart of Europe, I am surrounded by a vibrant and international student body which makes for an intense and satisfying exchange of ideas. Having come from the Philippines, CAPHRI has tried to make sure the re-settlement is a smooth and quick process. I still have two more years of PhD study to complete and I hope to contribute to CAPHRI’s goal of showing excellence in scientific quality and societal relevance.