Aligarh: The Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, in collaboration with the AMU Alumni Association Germany, organised an insightful webinar titled, “PhD and Post-doctoral Opportunities in Europe” bringing together over 250 participants, including current students and distinguished alumni, with the objective of guiding and motivating students aspiring for international academic careers.
The programme served as a vibrant platform for students to engage directly with alumni who have pursued advanced research across reputed global institutions. It aimed to provide them with the practical guidance on navigating application procedures, securing scholarships, preparing essential documents, and adapting to diverse academic cultures.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Zeba N. Siddiqui, Chairperson, Department of Chemistry, emphasised the department’s commitment to mentoring students for global success.
“We are proud to bridge the gap between our aspiring students and successful alumni. Their journeys are not only inspiring but also provide practical guidance to students shaping their academic futures,” she stated.
Dr. Ajax Mohamed, Managing Director of Nutragroup GmbH, Germany, discussed how to structure an impactful curriculum vitae (CV) tailored to international academic standards. Dr.Mohd. Akram, Senior Scientist at Formycon AG, Germany and a PhD holder from the Max Planck Institute, offered a step-by-step explanation on drafting an effective Statement of Purpose (SOP) for both PhD and post-doctoral applications.
Adding further perspective, Dr. Parvez Alam, Research Scientist at the National Institute of Health (NIH), USA, underscored the importance of taking consistent small steps in pursuit of long-term academic goals and outlined the general requirements for PhD positions in Europe. Dr. Mohammed Yasir, Materials Scientist at Huntsman Advanced Materials, Switzerland, spoke about how students can explore and develop their specific research interests. Dr. Zia Tariq, Senior Scientist at Evotec, United Kingdom, highlighted the nuances of reaching out to potential research supervisors and building effective academic correspondence.
The participants cleared their doubts and queries during the interactive Q&A session.
A notable highlight of the event was the launch of the “Global AMU Alumni Group,” an initiative led by Dr. Mohd. Akram, Dr. Parvez Alam, and Dr. Anamika Gupta, and aimed at building a worldwide network of AMU alumni to support students through mentorship and academic collaboration.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Anamika Gupta thanked all speakers and participants for their enthusiastic involvement, while Mr. Tawseef Najar, MSc (IV Semester) student, proposed a vote of thanks.
