Being here at ESO has been great for my career because ESO encourages a proactive mindset.
Being a student at ESO is definitely a good launching point for a career in astronomy
I feel like I've been challenged and been given the opportunity to really push myself to develop
The studentship at ESO exposes me to a large variety of ideas
ESO studentships give PhD students the chance to work on their doctoral project for one to two years at ESO
They remain under the formal supervision of their home university
but also have the co-supervision of an ESO staff astronomer and the mentorship of an ESO Fellow.
Studentships are available both at ESO’s Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, and at ESO’s astronomy centre in Santiago, Chile.
ESO Headquarters is situated in one of the most active research centres in Europe,
boasting one of the highest concentrations of astronomers in the world.
Leading scientists, instrument experts and other professionals are within easy reach.
They provide students with many training opportunities which will prove very valuable for their future careers.
I think what I most enjoy about the studentship is all the people
and it’s not just because they are astronomers but a lot of them are engineers or people from outreach
so yet again I learn so much about astronomy outside what I do most of the time.
I enjoy the most the possibility to explore things and to talk to a lot of people.
What I enjoy the most about being a student at ESO is that it puts you at the centre
of the thriving astronomy community
and it also gives you the opportunity to network.
In addition to the studentships at ESO’s Headquarters, ESO offers a similar programme in Chile.
Here, in Chile, it’s a great opportunity to speak to the experts in instrumentation
and to really get to grips with the instruments that you’re using.
One can get a hands-on view and a practical experience of how the observations are taken.
Wherever they are based, students at ESO research a wide range of cutting-edge astronomical topics...
I study the evolution of galaxies.
My primary research is in supermassive black holes.
Here at ESO I work on how stars and star clusters are formed.
ESO is a place to challenge yourself and get the opportunity to learn new things
and better yourself as an astronomer and as a researcher.
ESO also puts strong emphasis on supporting and nurturing students in their personal development,
as well as encouraging a wider atmosphere of collaboration, friendship and respect...
ESO is a unique place.
I enjoy the most the non-hierarchical, friendly and stimulating atmosphere.
I enjoy most the opportunity to speak with astronomers, to speak with fellows and staff,
and to get new ideas, and to learn something new everyday.
I like the fact that there is a very strong social support at ESO.
If you would like to become one of our students and enjoy the benefits of spending some of your PhD at ESO
apply to our programmes in Chile or Germany.
Don’t forget to take into account the advice from our current or past students!
Advice I’d give to prospective fellows and students would be
— whatever area you’re interested in, you should really throw yourself at it.
speak to everyone you can
and always be on the lookout for that one new piece of information that could revolutionise your project.
I would firmly encourage you to apply.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
So my advice to students is: do it!
I never regret that I actually applied because it turnout is amazing
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