PhD Artificial Intelligence for Embedded Systems Student Thomas Debelle from France Shares His Journey of Studying at Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany

My name is Thomas Debelle, and I come from the Nice region in the south of France. I am currently pursuing a PhD on artificial intelligence for embedded systems at Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany. This doctoral program is part of a European research project funded by the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). I chose to undertake this PhD with the goal of further developing my expertise in AI model development for embedded systems, both from a software and hardware perspective. I view the PhD as a period of specialization during which I can build deep technical expertise and academic credibility in my field, while also expanding my professional network across both academia and industry.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Details

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions fellowship is among the most prestigious funding schemes available in Europe for doctoral research. In my case, this funding is secured through a structured research project coordinated by Delft University of Technology: the ANT project. The project brings together around fifteen doctoral researchers across Europe, along with approximately ten academic and industrial partners, and aims to develop machine learning methodologies and applications for embedded systems.

Educational Background

I hold a Diplôme d’Ingénieurin Industrial Engineering from INSA-Centre Val de Loire, and a Master’s degree in Mathematical Engineering from Université Bretagne Sud, both completed in 2025.

In parallel, I gained three years of industry experience through a work-study program, where I contributed to a warehouse automation project for Carrefour Supply Chain’s fresh produce logistics in France. Prior to joining NES-LAB, I also worked during five months as a research assistant in SAMI research group at Tampere University, Finland.

How Did You Find Information About Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and the Technical University of Darmstadt?

I first learned about Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actionsfunding during my research internship in Finland. I later discovered the ANT project through EURAXESS, a platform that lists numerous PhD and postdoctoral opportunities across Europe.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions?

I prepared a comprehensive application file detailing my academic and industrial experiences. I also included several letters of recommendation from professors and supervisors from my internships and work-study experiences, and submitted my application through the ANT project website. The selection process involved several rounds of interviews. In one of them, I was asked to present and discuss a scientific paper related to the project’s research domain.

How is Your Experience at the Technical University of Darmstadt?

TU Darmstadt is a high-quality university offering a vibrant academic and student life, numerous events, and strong connections with industry.

How Do You Rate Technical University of Darmstadt Academically?

In the field of computer science research, TU Darmstadt is ranked 3rd in Germany and 9th in Europe according to CSRankings.

How Does the Technical University of Darmstadt Support International Students?

TU Darmstadt is very welcoming to international students and provides an efficient support service to assist them from arrival to graduation. Most administrative and academic procedures can be easily completed in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing German?

TU Darmstadt is a very international university, and I conduct all my work entirely in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that the diversity of my experiences - spanning research, academia, and industry - along with my ability to clearly highlight the specific contributions of each experience to the project, allowed me to stand out during the interviews.

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

I am satisfied with the way I managed the interview process and would not have done anything differently.

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

I believe that having a clear project before applying is key. During your studies, aim to gain diverse research and industry experiences and develop a coherent project to present during interviews. The ability to connect research-driven innovation with industrial needs is essential for gaining access to this type of program.