Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Fellowship Recipient Katherine Rabik from Canada Shares Her Experience Pursuing a PhD in Science Communication at Stellenbosch University through the Eco2Wine Doctoral Network

My name is Katherine Rabik, and I am a Canadian PhD student based in South Africa. My research is in science communication and knowledge transfer in the wine industry, where I am seeking to better understand how to support the relationship between wine researchers and wine producers.

I have always known I wanted to do a PhD; it was just a matter of finding the right project. I actually had no background in wine, but I have always been interested in how researchers and universities transfer their knowledge to audiences outside of academia. This PhD drew on my existing interests but also presented a lot of opportunities for new learning and seemed like a really great option for me.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Fellowship Details

I was awarded a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Fellowship under the Horizon Europe funding program. Along with 9 other PhD students, I am part of the doctoral network Eco2Wine. I am hosted at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, though I also spend about 5 months/year travelling to the network universities across six different European countries for my research. The scholarship includes a monthly salary (adjusted by a country coefficient based on the cost of living), a mobility allowance, and my research and travel costs. If applicable, it can also include a family allowance. MSCA funding is quite generous and allows you to focus entirely on your research without worrying about supplementing your funding.

Educational Background

I have a BSc. Eng. in Geological Engineering from Queen’s University in Canada and an MSc. in Engineering Geology from Leeds University in the UK, where I graduated with distinction. Additionally, I have a BEd. In Primary/Junior Education, also from Queen’s University, and I recently completed my second MSc. in Science Communication and Public Engagement at the University of Edinburgh, where I graduated with merit.

I think my varied educational background prepared me well for working on this type of transdisciplinary PhD. I have a strong science background and high science literacy, which allows me to work collaboratively with the other microbiologists and biotechnologists on my project, despite it not being my science background. Having a career break before this PhD was also very valuable. An MSCA fellowship is much more like a regular job than a student position, and having professional experience has served me well in collaborating with researchers across Europe.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Stellenbosch University?

How Did You Find Information About the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Scholarship and Stellenbosch University?

I was in the middle of applying for industry jobs when I saw this scholarship opportunity on a science communication mailing list. As this was an existing project with secured EU funding, the PhD positions were advertised as job openings. If you are interested in similar positions, EURAXESS is the best place to start.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

No. My university did not require any standardized tests for admission, and English is my first language.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Scholarship?

Applying to an MSCA Doctoral fellowship is very similar to applying for a job. I had to submit my CV along with a motivation letter and a 1-minute video introducing myself and what I would bring to the project. As I was applying to an existing research project, I did not need to have a research proposal before I applied, though I did ensure I was familiar with the project in advance of my interview. I also made sure that I was very familiar with the type of research and projects my supervisor had previously worked on.

How Do You Rate Stellenbosch University Academically and Why?

Stellenbosch is one of the top-ranked universities in Africa and is a research-intensive environment. My supervisor is a world-class scholar, and I have been continually impressed by the caliber of research and teaching across the university.

How Does Stellenbosch University Support International Students?

Stellenbosch is a popular place for Europeans to do a semester abroad, so there is an established international office that was able to assist me with my visa process and verify my international paperwork. My research department frequently hires international postdocs, so they were also very supportive in terms of finding accommodation and opening a local bank account.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country’s Native Language? 

I do not have any course requirements as part of my PhD. Stellenbosch University has 3 official languages – Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English – though most courses and services at the university are in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing the Native Language of the Country?

As long as you speak English, you will have no problem academically or socially in South Africa. There is a huge diversity of local languages spoken in the country, though almost everyone also speaks English very well. This has definitely made my transition moving here much easier.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The demands of my position are unique, including frequent extended international travel and working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-lingual team. I think that my extensive travel experience (including a previous extended stay in South Africa), as well as experience living and working in different countries, helped show my supervisor that I would be able to adjust well to the position. My varied academic background and professional experience were also unique and allowed me to present myself and my qualifications well. As my position includes both research and supporting the communication and dissemination of our project results, highlighting my communication skills and previous work experience helped me to be successful in my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would have spent more time researching the specifics of an MSCA doctoral network. They are very different from a ‘normal’ PhD position, and having a better idea of what to expect would have allowed me to really hit the ground running from the beginning.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Give it a shot! I thought I had no chance of being hired for a position like this (someone paying me to travel across Europe while interviewing wine makers? Yes, please!). I have a strong academic background, but what has really allowed me to excel are my communication and interpersonal skills. MSCA fellowships are demanding but include so many amazing training and collaboration opportunities working within a large international network. If you are looking for a PhD experience above and beyond a typical research project, I highly recommend an MSCA Doctoral Network.