Former Ernst Mach scholarship holder Randa Natras participates at the European Forum Alpbach 2018

Randa Natras had heard about the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) as a life-changing experience from other scholars from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, the young researcher, who is always eager for opportunities, decided to apply for the EFA scholarship programme covering participation fees, costs for accommodation and a daily allowance for food.

“Through its interdisciplinarity and by gathering smart minds from around the world, the European Forum Alpbach provides a unique place to address relevant questions of today, to create a constructive dialogue on the international level and to establish a network of global citizens”, says Randa Natras who also enjoyed staying in the beautiful village of Alpbach which for her has become a brain-storming place in the diversity of ideas, mindsets, contacts and topics, enabling participants to think outside the box and to meet different nations and cultures.

Randa Natras’ personal highlight during the EFA was the openness and approachability of the different participants ranging from scholars coming from different parts of the world to experts, scientists and decision-makers with whom she had the opportunity to discuss in a formal and informal environment. “Encouraging critical thinking and constant questioning was my other personal highlight”, says the engineer about her scholarship.