This year, I had the opportunity to return to WatchFrog (France) for a second research stay as part of my PhD journey within the MSCA INCLUE project. Returning to a familiar environment offered a valuable perspective, not only on the progress of my research but also on my own development as a scientist over the past year.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this secondment was reconnecting with colleagues and friends I had met during my previous stay. It was a pleasure to see familiar faces again, exchange updates on our respective projects, and continue the collaborations that had begun during my first visit. These interactions reminded me of the importance of international research networks and the strong scientific community fostered by the INCLUE project.
From a research perspective, this secondment allowed me to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired during my first stay at WatchFrog. I once joked that while a year may be enough time to forget where you left your laboratory notebook, it is apparently not enough to forget good laboratory techniques and routine movements. Returning to the same ecotoxicological bioassays and analytical workflows, I was pleased to discover that the methods felt familiar and intuitive, demonstrating how deeply practical skills become embedded through repeated application during a PhD.
This familiarity translated into a more efficient and productive research experience. Tasks that had required extensive learning and troubleshooting during my first secondment could now be approached with greater confidence. The experimental workflow progressed more smoothly, allowing me to focus less on mastering the techniques and more on interpreting the scientific questions behind the data.
An especially positive outcome was the improved understanding of the complex matrices involved in our studies. Concepts and data interpretations that initially seemed challenging became much clearer with the additional experience gained over the past year. This deeper understanding has helped me better contextualise the results and appreciate their significance within the project’s broader objectives.
Most importantly, the results obtained during this secondment are highly promising. While further analysis and validation remain essential steps in the research process, the findings provide encouraging indications and contribute valuable knowledge toward our project goals. Seeing the progression from initial training to generating meaningful data has been both professionally satisfying and motivating.
Overall, this return to WatchFrog highlighted the cumulative nature of doctoral research. Progress often happens gradually, through the continuous refinement of skills, understanding, and scientific judgment. Looking back at my first secondment and comparing it with this year’s experience, I can clearly see how much I have learned along the way.
Beyond the laboratory, I also took time to further explore the rich scientific and cultural heritage of Paris. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellow, visiting the Curie Museum and the laboratory where Marie Curie conducted her pioneering research felt almost like a pilgrimage to the roots of the programme that supports our scientific journeys today. As a MSCA fellow, I felt it was only appropriate to pay my respects to the scientific “founder” of the family. I also visited the resting places of Oscar Wilde and Édith Piaf, reflecting on the diverse figures who have shaped European culture and history. Exploring these landmarks offered a reminder that discovery, creativity, and perseverance transcend disciplines, connecting science, literature, music, and society across generations.
I am grateful to WatchFrog, Sara and the MSCA INCLUE project for providing this opportunity once again. Beyond the scientific outcomes, this secondment reinforced the value of collaboration, international mobility, and long-term partnerships in research. I return with new data, renewed motivation, and an even stronger appreciation for how much growth can occur over the course of a PhD.