Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Researcher, Sara Cucurachi from Italy, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a PhD in General Practice at the University of Galway, Ireland

Hello, my name is Sara Cucurachi. Currently, I’m based in the Department of General Practice at the University of Galway, where I lead a project on Virtual Wards. This work brings together healthcare professionals, technology developers, and patients to codesign solutions that enhance quality, safety, and patient experience in healthcare.

The Journey

My journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Turin (Italy, where I was born), followed by an international research experience at Örebro University in Sweden. I then gained practical experience in the private sector in Brno, Czech Republic, which helped me develop strong organisational and cross-cultural skills. My current research explores how virtual wards and remote patient monitoring are implemented and experienced across health systems, combining insights from psychology, implementation science, and digital health to improve patient care.

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Scholarship Details

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Researcher in General Practice, Programme Tools4Teams Project No 101072843

This programme has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2021 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Tools4Teams Project No 101072843, as well as, if relevant, the EU and Marie Sklodowska-Curie logos.

€35,836.82 plus annual mobility allowance of €6,204.22 per annum, pro rata.

€ 34,560 research and training budget and € 16,000 institutional overhead (institutional cost)

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks Apps for Good: Using cybersafety apps to support parental mediation in cyberbullying, with Grant Agreement number 101073332. Dublin City University Gross Salary €48 900

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks Parents and Technology in Cyberbullying: Intervention and Prevention for Future Experts, with Grant Agreement number 101073332. Stavanger University. Gross salary NOK 575 400 per annum. I rejected both for the current phd position

Educational Background

My background in Clinical Psychology, through both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, provided me with a strong foundation in human behaviour, research methods, and qualitative analysis, which are central to my current role. This training helped me develop the skills needed to understand patient and stakeholder perspectives in complex healthcare settings. My internship at Örebro University further strengthened this preparation by giving me hands-on research experience in an international and interdisciplinary academic environment, allowing me to apply psychological theory to real-world research contexts and adapt to different research cultures.

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

I found information about the scholarship on the EURAXESS website and needed to take the IELTS test. My time in Sweden, along with watching YouTube videos and English-language films, really helped me improve my skills and prepare for the exam. I also used the app Tandem, where I connected with fluent and native English speakers to practice, which greatly boosted my confidence and ability to succeed.

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

I focused on making sure my proposal clearly explained my research ideas, why they matter, and how they fit with the host institution’s expertise and resources. Part of that was researching the professors and labs I wanted to work with, so I could show how my skills and interests align with their work. I also highlighted my academic background, my skills, and my international experiences (like my internship in Sweden) to show I can adapt, collaborate, and contribute to different research teams. On top of that, I included a plan for developing my skills and long-term career, and I made sure to get strong recommendation letters to support my application. Starting early, revising carefully, and seeking feedback really helped me put together a strong and coherent application.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Galway?

My experience at the University of Galway has been extremely enriching. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with experienced researchers, participate in interdisciplinary projects, and develop my skills in a supportive environment.

How Does the University of Galway Support International Students?

There’s an International Office you can go to if you have questions about visas, housing, or anything else, and the staff are really helpful. They also have orientation programs and resources that make it easier to settle in and meet other students

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my application stood out because it clearly showed how my background and experiences matched the project. I highlighted my academic training, international experience in Sweden, and relevant skills, and I also made it clear that I had researched the professors and labs I wanted to work with. I think they could also see that I was genuinely passionate about the topic and had put a lot of effort into preparing and understanding the field

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

I would say reach out to previous fellows or mentors to get tips and examples of successful applications, which would have helped me fine-tune my proposal even more

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

My advice would be to really show your passion for the topic and clearly connect your skills and experiences to the project. Do plenty of research on the professors, labs, and host institution, start early, ask for feedback, and make sure your application highlights both your motivation and your ability to thrive in an international research environment