Participating in NexusNet was one of the most enriching experiences of my PhD journey. As a researcher working at the intersection of economics, sustainability, and data-driven policy making, the dynamic environment of NexusNet provided a unique opportunity to engage with a multidisciplinary community addressing some of the most pressing challenges in Europe and beyond.

I had the privilege of co-authoring the blog titled “Boosting Grant Transparency and Impact: Insights from NexusNet’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework” together with Naomi Timmer (H₂O People, Netherlands) and Prof Tamara Radjenovic (University of Niš, Serbia). This collaboration was not only academically fulfilling but also practically enlightening. It allowed me to dive deep into NexusNet’s funding strategies and, in particular, to examine how financial resources were distributed across the different geographical focus groups (Western, Northern, Southern, and Central Eastern Europe) in 2022 and 2023, also taking into account gender and funding types (STSMs, VMs, dissemination and ITC conferences) as shown below.

                         Year 2022                                                                         Year 2023

What stood out in this experience was the emphasis on equity and transparency in the allocation of grants. The structured monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework we explored and co-assessed serves as a model for ensuring inclusivity across all regions and demographic groups. Key opportunities for improvement were identified, including lowering barriers for applicants from high-cost regions and encouraging balanced participation across all geographic focus groups, as shown below.

                           Year 2022                                                                    Year 2023

By working closely with Naomi and Tamara, I have not only acquired knowledge in transdisciplinary evaluation but also developed practical skills, especially in report writing and financial management. These are skills that are often overlooked in traditional academic training, but are essential for effective, practical research and project implementation. It was particularly valuable to learn how to summarize different data sources, present actionable findings, and communicate results clearly.

Furthermore, NexusNet’s integrated approach to water, energy, food, land, soil, and ecosystems aligned with my academic values. The platform’s commitment to transdisciplinary dialogue, capacity building, and regional equity underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing complex challenges, such as climate adaptation, resource scarcity, and sustainability.

I would especially like to thank my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Muhittin Kaplan, and Ibn Haldun University for their constant support and encouragement during this virtual mobility. Their guidance and institutional backing have enabled me to make a meaningful contribution to the NexusNet initiative.

To summarize, my NexusNet journey reinforced the value of inclusive networks and structured collaboration. I strongly recommend that other researchers, especially early-career researchers, get involved in similar initiatives. It is not just about funding or networking, but a real opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

I am grateful to NexusNet for its trust and support and look forward to continuing to contribute to its mission.