Tom has been with our chair for over three years now, leading our international activities. He's responsible for the Aurora Alliance, p2i in Action, and the RUHR Fellowship.

We sat down with him to talk about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and what it really means to work across borders.

Tom, what motivated you to work on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and internationalization together?

I did my PhD on the sustainability of e-commerce startups. E-commerce has some downsides related to logistics, especially last-mile delivery, but also a huge upside: even small communities in developing countries now have access to selling their products in top markets, e.g. London or Paris. I wanted to find the balance between the needs of developing and developed countries — and that's naturally connected to internationalization too.

What exactly is p2i, and what should participants take away from it?

p2i — Postdoc to Innovators — is a network combining some of Europe's top universities, like the University of Cambridge and PSL University, with industry partners like AstraZeneca. Our goal is to transfer researchers' knowledge from paper to market-ready products. For instance, one of our p2i alumni is currently raising €2 million for his startup. That's when you know the network works.

What skills can participants actually develop through p2i?

We teach the fundamentals: financial basics, the business model canvas, client relations, and how to pitch an idea. But the real magic is the mix — we bring together medical students, political scientists, sociologists, historians. The more diverse the group, the higher the chance of creating something that's never existed before.

What does being part of the Aurora Alliance mean for students and researchers at our university?

It means access to over 10 partner universities across Europe. Students can go for a short-term exchange or a full semester abroad. Researchers get access to matchmaking events and blended intensive programs. It's not just about mobility — it's about understanding each other.

Why is it worth taking that first step and getting involved?

Entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a business — entrepreneurship skills can be used in your daily life too, from managing your personal budget to presenting yourself at a job interview. Exchanges are all about those small connections — a coffee with someone you met on exchange, years later, memories that last a lifetime. We're lucky to have networks like Aurora that provide a wide range of opportunities. University years go by quickly — if you don't use them now, you'll miss the chance. So use the chance!

Curious about Aurora, p2i, or our other international projects? Reach out to our chair — your next opportunity might be one message away.