UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Simbiat Oladoja

"My journey at UM began when I embarked on a quest to find a course that seamlessly blended my passions for food, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This quest led me to the master's in Health Food Innovation Management, a unique programme that stands out as one of its kind globally. The decision to move to the Netherlands was significant, but the experience has been amazing. I've embraced the culture, the sometimes rainy weather (which, oddly, I've grown fond of), and most importantly, the delightful snacks. Limburgse vlaai and stroopwafels have become such favourites that I even allocate a monthly budget for them!

UM's approach to education, particularly Problem-Based Learning (PBL), initially seemed unfamiliar, but the Pre-Academic Training (PAT) provided an excellent foundation. Due to this training, serving as the chair for the first PBL session was made easier, and it's been incredible to witness how PBL has improved my academic skills and cultivated my ability to engage better in group discussions and critical thinking.

The interdisciplinary nature of the study programmes has been a highlight, allowing me to delve into various fields. Among the standout courses was 'European Food Law in a Global Context', which sparked a newfound interest in food law. This aspect of the programme emphasises leveraging laws and their role in ensuring food safety and trade.

One particularly memorable experience during my study was participating in the Dutch Ecotrophelia Challenge during the 'New Product Development' course. Collaborating with my team, we developed a healthy and sustainable product called 'ReVeg': a vegetable broth powder made from vegetable side streams. It was also a good networking experience during the competition, and I could interact with students from other Dutch universities and witness inspiring ideas first-hand.

The Brightlands campus stood out as a pinnacle of innovation and collaboration. Visiting more recently, I was struck by the synergistic impact of bringing science, food, and business together. The opportunities presented by the Brightlands campus are undoubtedly transformative, offering a space where ideas can truly change the world.

I am currently immersed in my research thesis at PECTCOF, a company located at the Brightlands campus. Here, they specialise in producing ingredients from upcycled coffee pulp, a truly innovative product with vast potential applications across various sectors, particularly food. My journey to this project stemmed from one of my courses when I wrote an individual paper on food waste valorisation. Writing this paper ignited a newfound passion for delving deeper into the sector, especially considering the growing importance of upcycling food waste in shaping the global food system.

It's remarkable how, amidst the array of companies, I found one aligning perfectly with my area of interest. Applying for an internship role at PECTCOF was a natural progression, and being selected was gratifying.

What truly sets Brightlands apart is its ability to foster close networking spaces that bridge the gap between academia and industry. This collaborative environment facilitates knowledge exchange and nurtures partnerships that drive innovation forward. Coming from Nigeria, where such integrative ecosystems are rare, I'm particularly impressed by the potential impact of replicating this model across different regions worldwide. Establishing institutes like Brightlands in other regions across the globe could catalyse positive change and innovation on a global scale.

Moreover, I have developed a profound love for the Netherlands and the friendly nature of the Dutch people. Their warmth and openness have made my transition smoother and enriched my experience.

My experience so far at UM has been nothing short of transformative. It has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in health food innovation and beyond."

Mohammad Daud

"The master’s in Biobased Materials is beyond my expectations, which I had as an applicant.

While applying to this programme, I knew that it is taught inside the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. But the high level of collaborations and exposure to innovations I am experiencing here is just incredible.

The Problem-Based Learning (PBL) structure of education here at UM is transforming my perception that learning is not necessarily vertical (from professors and tutors). It is wondrous that I am acquiring a lot of skills and knowledge horizontally (from my classmates and peers). I am amazed by this idea of PBL and the efforts to create a truly diverse study group to enhance the learning experience."

Liza Salhoub

"My journey at Maastricht University (UM), thanks to the Brightlands Talent Scholarship, has been nothing short of transformative. Nestled in the charming town of Venlo, I've found not just an academic institution but a warm and welcoming community that feels like home.

The unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system adopted by UM has been a revelation. It's more than just learning theories; it's about applying them to real-world scenarios, fostering practical thinking that's invaluable for my future in global supply chain management. The collaborative nature of PBL has not only enhanced my understanding of the subject matter but also honed my teamwork and communication skills. Through Brightlands, I had the opportunity to work with an innovative company that transforms coffee cherries into valuable bio-compounds used in food ingredient production, providing me with a unique hands-on experience.

Living in the Netherlands has opened up a world of exploration. From Venlo's cozy streets to the vibrant culture of Maastricht, every corner has offered enriching experiences. The scholarship has not only relieved financial burdens but also empowered me to make the most of my academic journey.

In essence, my time at UM has been a blend of academic rigour, personal growth, and cultural immersion. I'm grateful for the opportunities and support I've received, and I'm confident that the skills and knowledge I'm acquiring here will shape a successful future in the ever-changing field of supply chain management."

Leena Al-Hazmi

Immersed in the world of imaging engineering, where my studies connect chemistry to electronics

"I am Leena, a master's student at Maastricht University (UM), fortunate to hold the Brightlands Talent Scholarship. 

My journey at UM has been incredibly fulfilling, offering a blend of diverse experiences and exciting opportunities. I am still in my first year, and my experience with practical labs in my programme has been a highlight, allowing me to perform MRIs, spectroscopy, and construct an optical microscope. All this has added fascinating dimensions to my learning that I could never have imagined. 

The unique learning approach at UM, Problem-Based Learning, has significantly improved my understanding of course materials, fostering better retention compared to traditional lecturing methods. It has also honed my critical thinking and teamwork skills. 

All of this unfolds in Maastricht, a beautiful, serene city away from the bustling crowds of big cities, with a vibrant campus and a diverse community."

Gabriel Domingues Gonçalves

"I remember the first time I entered the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. The first thing I saw was a huge cooling tower (the one we always think is from a nuclear power plant). It was very impactful for my life, as for the first time since I had started studying, I felt part of something bigger. 

This was still when I was in my bachelor's, enrolled at a Brazilian University, and I came to one of the campus’ companies for an internship. It was then that I got to know Maastricht University and the master's programme in Biobased Materials. I knew I would be able to accomplish so much, when staying here. So I applied for the master's programme and was awarded a Brightlands Talent Scholarship. 

Saying that this scholarship has changed my life is a bit of an understatement. The professional growth I have experienced during the programme is much beyond my initial expectations, and much of it is related to the programme being taught at the Brightlands Campus. Besides, of course, studying with amazing professors, the connection between the university and the companies of the campus allows for an almost endless number of opportunities. For instance, currently, I am working as an intern at another company at Brightlands, as part of my final thesis research project. 

What I really like here is the shared interest in sustainability, among basically the whole campus, which has always been one of my biggest motivations and what I want to commit to as a professional. 

Beyond professional growth, I also enjoy the Netherlands and Europe a lot. I had the opportunity to make many different friends from various nationalities and backgrounds, which is really different from what I could do in Brazil. Living this exchange of cultures really thrills me. Also, traveling, one of my strongest passions, is very easy around Europe. I feel very happy and realised both personally and professionally here and definitely see myself staying a little longer after graduating. 

I am very grateful for the opportunities I had as a UM student and as a Brightlands resident, and I think the most important thing is how it prepared me for a future that looks really exciting."

Anton Changalidi

"I am a student with a diverse background in data science and software development, focusing on projects involving genomic data processing and the incorporation of Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods into healthcare solutions.

Everything started two years ago when I decided I wanted to study in Europe – since it is a great opportunity for me to communicate with scientists and other professionals from all over the world without difficulties. Maastricht was one of the few places that offered not only good programmes in Data Science but also generous funding opportunities.
I applied, and everything went smoothly during my interview. In April 2023, when I received my acceptance letter, my journey started!

What I like about my study programme is that its duration is two years. So I had the whole year for studies and small research projects, and I did not have to think about my master’s thesis. 
For the first half year, I dedicated myself to studying, and now I am also involved in different activities. I participated in a hackathon by the bank 'Bunq' in Amsterdam, where I applied the knowledge and experiences I received from NLP courses here. I will also participate in the conference ByteMAL, organised by UM, and in the Sciencepreneurship Summer School at the end of April, where I hope to enhance my practical skills and make a lot of new connections!

Last, but not least, are trips and adventures: for the past year, I had several trips to Belgium, Germany, Andorra, Spain, and all over the Netherlands. I like living in the (almost) middle of Europe!"