Student gains overseas research experience through PhD student mobility scheme

Born in Albania, Mr. Dini Sejko is a PhD candidate of the Faculty of Law with research interest in state capitalism. Dini has extensive international experience, including studies in Italy and internship in China. Last year, he expanded his footprint to Australia by undertaking a research attachment at the University of Melbourne (UMelb) under the support of the Global Scholarship Programme for Research Excellence. Colleagues at the Office of Academic Links met with Dini recently to learn more about his experience in Melbourne.

• How did the exchange at UMelb facilitate your research project?

During my three-month visit in the Melbourne Law School, I was introduced to a number of distinguished academics and practitioners specialised in international economic law. Through intellectual exchange with my host supervisor and these experts, I have deepened my knowledge on the practical and theoretical aspects and expanded my research scope on the impact of mega regional trade agreements on the regulation of state-owned enterprises.

• What were your achievements during the visit?

I delivered two seminars about state-owned enterprises organised by the Global Economic Law Network and developed a comparative study on the treatment of sovereign investment in the Asia Pacific region. Based on the valuable feedback received, I have further developed my thesis and submitted papers for publication.

Besides, my PhD supervisor Prof. Julien Chaisse and other professors at the Faculty of Law have been collaborating with the Melbourne Law School in a number of projects. My visit has further strengthened this framework of collaboration.

• Any tips for applicants who are interested to submit an application for the PhD Student Mobility Scheme?

The first thing that comes to one’s mind when considering undertaking research attachment is probably the host supervisor. Do start by asking your PhD supervisor for potential host supervisors as he/she might have a well-established research network with leading institutions. And do take every opportunity to attend conferences to meet with academics from other universities as they may one day serve as your host supervisor abroad.

My second tip is about the application itself. Don’t forget to highlight the objective and the potential impact of the proposed visit. It is important to show how your visit will facilitate the sustainable development of academic exchange and research collaboration between yourself, your home supervisor and the host unit.

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The University offers numerous opportunities for research students to work with world-renowned scholars worldwide. Since 2007, more than 350 awards have been given under two PhD Student Mobility Schemes, Global Scholarship Programme for Research Excellence and PhD Student Exchange Programme, to support postgraduate students to undertake research attachments at selected partner institutions overseas. The programmes are now open for application for 2018–19. PhD students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enrich their learning experience. Please submit an application to the Office of Academic Links by 3 April 2018.