After returning to academia to study a Masters degree, I realised that my work focus and interest had shifted to study and research law in practice rather than just studying part of the legal system in my home country without questioning the intricate behind-the-scenes workings. I wanted more. I wanted to find connections underexplored in the literature using my research as a mechanism to promote change. Applying to the PhD in law was a natural consequence of my thirst for knowledge in law. Thus far, it has proven to be the right decision as the programme has aroused new questions and approaches for my scientific curiosity, along with new ways to look at and answer them.

The University of Birmingham is a leading global centre of research with specialised research clusters in law. This makes it the perfect host institution for my research. Moreover, my supervisors have outstanding expertise on the main topics of my research. They have been supporting my development as a researcher in the most amazing way. The University has provided me with numerous opportunities for research training, allowing me to understand further what is involved and how to conduct high-quality legal research.

The best thing about being a doctorate researcher at the University of Birmingham is undoubtedly the sense of belonging. I really feel like a member of the academic community who is heard, respected, and valued. The friendly atmosphere in our research community and the care senior academics show towards us is definitely one of the high points about my course. It contributes not only to the quality of my research but also to my personal well-being, making this an increasingly rewarding experience.

Despite the challenges the last year and a half have imposed upon all of us, the best part of my life is to be able to engage with my research on a topic that I am really passionate about in the academic community that received me so well and in which I feel I belong.

It has been a unique and wonderful opportunity in which I can reflect on my research, engage with the process of learning, find out new theories and read materials in subjects other than law – something I would never be able to do at this point in my life if I wasn’t a researcher and something I don’t take for granted. Instead, I value every moment of this process.

The continuous support supervisors have provided me is remarkable, and it has allowed me to develop my understanding of academia while also strengthening my self-confidence as a researcher.

In addition, I have received immense support from senior academics at the Law School that has helped me work on my teaching approaches and methods and put together a successful funding application. The academics at the Law School are willing to teach, share and provide us with opportunities that can shape me as a new member of the academic community.

Their continuous support with all my activities and experiences inside and out of Birmingham is the biggest part of being a doctoral researcher. I couldn’t be more supported in my aspirations and academic dreams. It has been my pleasure and privilege to be part of the University of Birmingham doctorate programme.

Alongside my research, I have been offered the opportunity to receive teaching training and act as a Teaching Assistant at the Law School. It has been a rewarding experience as I could strengthen my relationship with undergraduate students, collaborating with them to enhance their legal skills and understanding of the relevance of legal research to society.

I am also really fortunate to have received the opportunity to participate in the Frankfurt Summer School through a partnership between the University of Birmingham and Goethe Institute, which has allowed me to establish research collaborations with academics and students from all over the world.

Finally, I can safely state that I will be taking a PhD placement in the government sector to increase my understanding of UK policy and how academia can collaborate and input scientific knowledge into the policy decision-making process.

All these experiences can enhance my network contributing to the dissemination of my research and work collaborations in the future.