Over the past two months, Alice Seffen has visited the research group of Prof. Valentina Carfora at UNINT University in Rome. During this time, a collaborative project was developed that aligns well with Alices's previous research. The researchers aim to conduct a two-week smartphone study to investigate strategies that promote healthy and sustainable eating habits. This study is part of a broader research project led by Prof. Carfora, which seeks to develop an app to encourage healthy and sustainable diets. The planned study is expected to result in a joint publication.
International collaborations like this offer valuable insights and opportunities. On the one hand, they enable researchers to pool expertise and work together to find solutions to global health and environmental challenges. On the other hand, they foster an understanding of cultural differences and help develop country-specific strategies—for what promotes healthy eating in one country may not be as effective in another.
A research stay also provides an opportunity to look beyond academic and personal boundaries. In Rome, Alice was able to collaborate with researchers from another country, learning new research perspectives and working approaches. This experience has enriched not only her academic career but also her personal journey.