Faezeh Heidari: My First Solo Scientific Journey: Exploring Germany and the World of Neuroimaging in Epilepsy
Embarking on my first solo scientific trip to Germany was a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. I had been to conferences before, but this time, it was different. The journey was not just about the knowledge I would gain but also about the experiences and connections that awaited me at the ILAE School on Neuroimaging 2024.
Arriving in Germany: A New Adventure Begins
As the plane touched down in Berlin, I felt a surge of excitement. Germany, a country rich in history, culture, and scientific innovation, was going to be my home for the next few days. After navigating the airport and figuring out the public transport system (a small adventure in itself!), I made my way to Potsdam, where the conference was being held. My hotel, located right at the conference venue in the middle of a serene forest, was a perfect blend of convenience and tranquillity.
There was little time to settle in. As soon as I arrived, I headed straight to the conference lectures. The excitement of being in a new environment was matched by the intellectual energy in the room. I quickly found myself engaging in discussions, meeting experts in the field, and forming connections with fellow attendees. Despite being alone in a foreign country, the warmth and openness of the people I met made me feel immediately at home.
By the end of the day, I had already made a few new friends—neurologists, radiologists, and epileptologists—each with their own fascinating stories and insights. We decided to continue our conversations over dinner, which turned out to be a delightful mix of good food and even better company. As I finally returned to my room that night, I felt a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the days ahead, knowing that this journey had already exceeded my expectations.
The Conference: A Hub of Knowledge and Connections
The conference on neuroimaging in epilepsy was more than I had hoped for. The atmosphere was charged with intellectual curiosity, with neurologists, radiologists, epileptologist, and researchers from around the world gathered under one roof. The schedule was packed with lectures, workshops, and networking sessions, each one more intriguing than the last.
One of the highlights was a lecture on the latest advances in neuroimaging techniques for epilepsy diagnosis and treatment. Shared insights in one of the sessions were both groundbreaking and immediately applicable to my own work. Another session focused on the role of general radiologists in multidisciplinary epilepsy teams, providing a broader perspective on collaborative care.
What stood out the most, though, were the people I met. Despite being there alone, I quickly found myself in conversations with experts who were more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I made friends with three neurologists from Italy and Austria, general radiologists from the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Macedonia an epilepsy specialist from U.S. We bonded over shared interests, discussed potential collaborations, and even explored the city together during breaks.
Exploring Germany: From Potsdam to Hidden Gems
After the intense days at the conference, I took some time to explore the state of Brandenburg. My first stop was Potsdam, a city steeped in history and beauty. Walking through the Sanssouci Palace gardens felt like stepping back in time. The grandeur of the palace, combined with the serene landscapes, offered a perfect contrast to the bustling conference atmosphere. Each place told a story, and each story added a new layer to my understanding of Germany’s rich cultural tapestry. I also stumbled upon local cafes, where I enjoyed German pastries and coffee, savouring the quiet moments of reflection.
Reflections: Growth Beyond the Classroom
As my trip came to an end, I realized that this journey was about more than just attending a conference. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting people who inspired me, and exploring a new country with all its wonders. Traveling alone taught me to be more independent, more curious, and more open to the unexpected.
Germany had welcomed me with open arms, and I left with a heart full of memories, a mind buzzing with new ideas, and a network of brilliant professionals who I now call friends. This was not just a trip; it was a journey of discovery, both in science and in life.
Faezeh Heidari works as a doctoral researcher in the Neuro-Innovation PhD Programme. Her research focuses on enhancing the identification of the epileptogenic zone.