Mentorship Beyond Borders: Dr. Filip Sedlič on Strengthening Partnerships in Alliance4Life

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Filip Sedlič, the work package leader behind this initiative, shares his insights and experiences. Having previously participated in a similar mentorship program, Dr. Sedlič highlights the transformative benefits for PhD candidates, their supervisors, and the participating institutions. Discover how this mentorship model promotes knowledge sharing, professional development, and stronger ties between institutions, paving the way for a new standard of academic excellence in Central and Eastern Europe.

Can you describe your experience as a thesis committee member for doctoral candidates at the University of Ljubljana? What initially motivated you to take on this role?

It was a really nice experience for me. As a pathophysiologist, I always wanted to visit the Department of Pathophysiology at the University of Ljubljana. Since the PhD student was working in that department, it turned out to be a very convenient opportunity to perform this important duty that I feel all scientists are obliged to do, and to meet my colleagues from Ljubljana. I was impressed with the high-quality research they conduct there. I believe that I found reliable collaborators for international projects among the researchers I met in Ljubljana. Finally, that acquaintance with pathophysiologists from Ljubljana grew into a friendship. It is always interesting to share experiences and anecdotes in teaching and research.

In what ways do you feel that participating in a thesis committee outside your home institution benefited you as a mentor and researcher?

I did my PhD thesis in the USA, and I have always found it rewarding that I had the chance to receive input about my research from thesis committee members outside my country, who were also brilliant scientists. Now, I am in a position to be a thesis committee member myself and find it equally beneficial to interact with my peers during thesis committee meetings abroad. These meetings are an opportunity to spend quality time discussing and evaluating cutting-edge research. There are not many occasions to engage in such discussions with people outside my country. Of course, there is always an opportunity to talk about my own research after the formal meeting is over and to get honest feedback on the studies and projects we are conducting or planning to undertake.

From your perspective, what unique insights or approaches did you bring to the thesis evaluation process that might have been new or enriching for the students?

Mobility of young researchers is encouraged in the USA and Western Europe. Visiting different laboratories always provides an opportunity to learn new things—different methodologies, different ways of solving problems encountered in everyday work, and more. Thesis committee members not only evaluate PhD students but also contribute to their learning process through questions and comments that challenge and motivate students to improve their doctoral thesis work.

There is a saying that it takes an entire village to raise a child. Similarly, I believe it takes more than just a mentor to help a PhD student become an independent scientist. Thesis committee members also play an important role, and it is always beneficial to gain perspectives from outside the institution or country. I believe PhD students should insist on having thesis committee members from different institutions because they are the ones who benefit the most from it.

Moreover, researchers from Alliance4Life institutions would understand the problems and challenges that students and their mentors encounter during doctoral thesis work.

How did this international collaboration impact the students involved? Were there any noticeable shifts in their approach to research or critical thinking after interacting with committee members from diverse academic backgrounds?

I was fortunate to serve as a thesis committee member for a student and her mentor who had designed an excellent study for the doctoral thesis. There was no need for me to suggest any changes to their approach. My role was to ensure that the PhD student considered different aspects of the research results, particularly in the area of my expertise.

What value do you believe this kind of international mentorship adds to the students' overall academic and professional development?

I believe that partners in our project should strengthen our collaboration and establish new connections among research groups. This also means that our PhD students and postdocs would have the opportunity to visit laboratories at partner institutions and potentially secure postdoc positions. Having a thesis committee member from a foreign institution also provides students with first-hand information about different research groups from that institution that may be looking for postdocs.

In terms of institutional benefits, what do you feel the University of Zagreb and the University of Ljubljana gained from this cross-university collaboration?

Our institutions have a long history of collaboration because we share a similar culture, are geographically close, and understand each other’s language. Attending thesis committee meetings provides an opportunity to connect with other collaborators from that institution. In-person meetings and informal conversations are the best way to plan and execute joint projects.

Did you encounter any challenges in the process of participating in an international thesis committee? How did you address or overcome these?

There were no major problems because the student’s mentor had everything organized and planned well in advance. It was very helpful that the University of Ljubljana provided all the forms and instructions in English. I think this is very important, and I would encourage all Alliance4Life partners to prepare instructions and forms in English for thesis committee members and co-mentors if they do not already have them. This will make the process much easier for everyone, which is in the best interest of the institution if it aims to have more thesis committee members from abroad in the future. Having foreign thesis committee members is an important step for the institution in developing its graduate program.

How do you feel these international collaborations and committee interactions help foster stronger connections and networks across universities?

I believe that the future of research for any institution in Europe lies in alliances. I am very pleased that the University of Zagreb School of Medicine is one of the Alliance4Life partners. The most complex and prestigious projects will be carried out by alliances because no single institution can possess all the expensive equipment or employ experts in every area. This is particularly true for research in Central and South European countries. I see the Alliance4Life_BRIDGE project playing a crucial role in developing such connections through committee interactions, the Virtual Research Center, Open Call projects, Seed Funds, internships, training events, and other activities.

What would you say to other researchers or professors who are considering participating in an international mentoring program or thesis committee?

I would gladly do it again, and I would encourage others to do the same. Serving as a thesis committee member or co-mentor at a foreign institution is also a recognition of your work and expertise by an institution other than your own. I believe we all appreciate being acknowledged for our efforts and results. I also think this activity should be recognized by an individual’s own institution during the employee evaluation process.

Looking forward, what are your hopes or recommendations for the future of international mentorship programs like this one? How can they be further developed to maximize their impact on students, mentors, and institutions?

I think we should expand our collaboration and involve the best scientists among us to teach courses in graduate programs at other institutions. Online communication platforms offer new possibilities in this regard. We should also extend this activity to mentoring postdocs. Additionally, we should establish joint online courses for young mentors as part of a permanent training program. Lastly, I have high hopes for the Virtual Research Center, and I envision joint mentorship programs operating within this Center.

Do you want to join the Alliance4Life international mentoring program? Contact lozika.masic@mef.hr and request access to the mentoring database.