With one foot in Angers, France, and the other in Gävle, Sweden, PhD student Sacha Todoskoff is experiencing two cultures on his path to a doctoral degree in electrical engineering. The concept of a joint PhD student is part of the EU GREEN initiative, where the student spends part of their time at one university and part at another.
Sacha began his PhD studies in Gävle in October, after a teacher in France tipped him off about the opportunity. He is originally from Angers and still has family and friends there. Sacha sees great advantages in pursuing a PhD in electrical engineering in Gävle.
– It’s a global subject, and industries and issues relating to machine maintenance are found everywhere. Around Gävle, there are several industries. My research focuses on trying to predict when faults may occur in industrial settings and investigating which factors can optimise maintenance. I also look into ways to reduce energy consumption, he says.
The setup of the joint PhD means that Sacha has one main supervisor in Gävle and one in Angers, and one co-supervisor at each place. They have regular monthly meetings, and additional ones when needed to discuss specific matters related to his studies. The PhD programme lasts for four years. During the first year, he studies in Gävle. Then follows 1.5 years in Angers, before he returns to Gävle for the remaining 1.5 years.
– This concept is a great opportunity. In general, we need international collaboration in higher education, and now that we are part of EU GREEN, networking is essential to generate new ideas and partnerships. We have a close collaboration with Angers and are also involved in other ongoing projects, says Niclas Björsell, professor in electrical engineering and Sacha’s supervisor.
The so-called cotutelle model will also be used in the field of occupational health science, where it has been decided that a PhD student will be employed at the University of Gävle and jointly supervised with EU GREEN partner Université Angers in France.
Sacha Todoskoff has now spent more than six months in Gävle and appreciates both the environment and the opportunities available here.
