How a Pakistani Scholar Secured a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Fellowship for a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Messina

My name is Rahool Dembani, and I am from Pakistan. My journey in technology has been driven by a passion for solving tangible, real-world problems. This passion has led me from my undergraduate studies in Pakistan to a Master's degree in China, and now to my current role in Europe.

I am currently a Doctoral Researcher within the EnTrust Doctoral Network, pursuing a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Messina, Italy. My research, however, is physically based at my host institution, Singular Logic, in Athens, Greece.

My decision to pursue this PhD was a direct result of my professional experience. After my Master's, I co-founded a technology startup in Pakistan called AGRIDUNYA TECHNOLOGIES, which focused on using AI to detect crop diseases. Through this venture, I witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of data in revolutionizing agriculture. However, I also encountered the biggest challenge: farmers' reluctance to share their data due to privacy concerns. I realized that a purely technical solution wasn't enough; we needed to build trust. This led me to the field of privacy-preserving technologies. I decided a PhD was the most effective way to dive deep into this specific challenge and contribute to developing robust solutions, like federated learning and anonymization, that could unlock the power of agricultural data while safeguarding individual privacy.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Fellowship Details

• Institution Name: My host institution is Singular Logic (Athens, Greece), and my degree-awarding university is the University of Messina (Italy). The entire program is managed by the EnTrust Doctoral Network.
• Scholarship Name: It is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Fellowship. These are highly prestigious and competitive fellowships funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe program.
• Amount: The MSCA funding is a comprehensive package designed to cover all aspects of a researcher's life. It includes a generous living allowance (adjusted for the host country's cost of living), a mobility allowance, and, if applicable, a family allowance. It's structured more like a salary for a research position than a simple stipend, making it one of the most attractive PhD funding schemes in the world.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, for my Master's degree, I was awarded a full scholarship.

• Scholarship Name: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
• Amount of Scholarship: The scholarship was comprehensive. It covered my full tuition fees and provided a monthly living stipend for the duration of my studies.
• Institution Name: Tianjin University, China.

Educational Background

My academic path provided a strong, cumulative foundation for my current research.

• MS in Software Engineering from Tianjin University, China (2017-2020)
  • GPA: 3.5/4.0
  • This program deepened my expertise in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. My thesis, "Deep Learning-Based Facial Expression Recognition and Face Recognition Model," gave me hands-on experience with advanced neural network architectures.
• Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan (2011-2014)
  • GPA: 3.2/4.0
  • This degree gave me a solid grounding in core computer science principles, including AI, computer vision, algorithms, and data structures. My final year project on "Hand Gesture Recognition using an Android Device" was my first serious foray into applied machine learning.
  • My educational background was crucial, but it was its combination with my professional experience at AGRIDUNYA that truly prepared me. My Bachelor's gave me the tools, my Master's sharpened them, and my startup experience showed me exactly where to apply them. This created a clear and compelling narrative for my PhD application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Messina?

For a Marie Curie fellowship, the search process is different from a typical university application. You are applying for a specific, pre-defined research project that is advertised as a job. My primary resource was EURAXESS, the European Commission's portal for researchers. I also monitored LinkedIn and the websites of specific EU projects and networks. I didn't just search for "PhD in Computer Science"; I searched for projects focused on "privacy-preserving machine learning," "federated learning," and "agricultural data," which led me directly to the EnTrust Doctoral Network's opening.

• Yes, I took the IELTS (Academic) exam to prove my English proficiency. I scored a 6.5. To prepare, I focused on a balanced approach:
• I used official Cambridge IELTS practice books to familiarize myself with the question types and test format.
• I practiced timed mock tests for all four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• For writing, I focused on structuring essays and reports correctly. For speaking, I practiced responding to prompts clearly and coherently.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Fellowship?

Preparing for the MSCA position was like preparing for a highly specialized job application.

• Tailored CV: I meticulously tailored my CV to match the project description (DR03: Privacy-preserving and anonymisation technology for farming data). I prominently featured my experience at AGRIDUNYA TECHNOLOGIES, my publications on related topics, and my Master's thesis.
• Motivation Letter: This was the most critical component. I didn't just state my interest; I constructed a narrative. I explained the specific problems I faced at my startup regarding data privacy and connected them directly to the objectives of the EnTrust project. I showed that this PhD was not just a career move but the logical and necessary next step in my professional journey.
• Understanding the Project: I thoroughly read the project description, researched my future supervisors and their publications, and familiarized myself with the work of the host institution, Singular Logic. This allowed me to speak with confidence and knowledge during the interview.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of Messina? 

The experience is unique and incredibly enriching. Being part of an MSCA Doctoral Network means I have a "dual home." I am an employee at a leading tech company, Singular Logic, where I work on cutting-edge R&D with direct industry application. Simultaneously, I am a PhD candidate at the University of Messina, ensuring academic rigor and supervision. The network structure also means I collaborate with 10 other doctoral researchers across Europe, creating a vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research community.

How Do You Rate the University of Messina Academically and Why?

I rate the University of Messina highly for its strong research culture, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to innovation. The collaboration with industry partners like SingularLogic enhances the practical relevance of the research.

How Does the University of Messina Support International Students?

The University of Messina provides comprehensive support for international students, including orientation sessions, language courses, administrative assistance, and help with accommodation and visas. The EnTrust network also offers training events, workshops, and networking opportunities across Europe.

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

All my courses, seminars, and research activities are conducted in English, which is the working language of the EnTrust Doctoral Network.

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

No, knowledge of Italian is not required for academic purposes, as all activities are in English. However, learning some basic Italian can be helpful for daily life and integration.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe three key factors made my application stand out:

• The Perfect Fit Narrative: My most recent professional role as a Co-founder of an agricultural technology startup directly mirrored the problem statement of the PhD project. It wasn't just a theoretical interest; I had lived the challenge I was applying to solve.
• Demonstrated Track Record: I had publications and projects that were thematically aligned with the research, such as work on federated learning and data privacy. This showed I was already active and thinking about these specific problems.
• International Experience: Having successfully completed a Master's degree in China demonstrated my ability to adapt to new cultural and academic environments, a crucial trait for an international program like MSCA.

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

Looking back, I would have been more proactive in academic networking earlier in my career. While I focused on building practical skills, establishing connections with researchers in my field of interest, even before the application process, could have provided more insights and potential collaborations. A stronger publication record from my Master's work would have also been an asset, so I might have aimed for a higher-impact journal.

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

• Treat it as a Job Application: An MSCA fellowship is a research job. Professionalism, a perfectly tailored CV, and a compelling motivation letter are more important than just grades.
• Find a Niche and Build a Story: Don't be a generalist. Identify a specific research area you are passionate about. Then, build your experience (through projects, internships, or jobs) and your application materials to tell a coherent story about why you are the best person to research that niche.
• Use EURAXESS: For any research position in Europe, EURAXESS is your most important tool. Filter searches based on your specific research interests, not just broad subject areas.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of saying "I am interested in privacy," point to a project you built, a paper you co-authored, or a professional challenge you faced that proves your interest and capability. My experience at AGRIDUNYA was my strongest proof.
• Research the People: Know the work of your potential supervisors. Mentioning their relevant papers in your motivation letter shows genuine interest and that you've done your homework.