Embarking on a PhD is not a journey for the faint-hearted – it is one filled with discovery and personal growth, but also a mountain of challenges and the need for persistence. You will need a solid strategy to make it to the finish line.

We’ve gathered the insight of a group of friends who, at the young ages of 26 and 27 years old, have just completed their PhD journey with the University of Malta’s Institute of Space Sciences and Astronomy.

• Rebecca Briffa, who graduated with a PhD in Space Sciences & Astronomy, focusing on theoretical models that help us better understand the evolution of the Universe and comparing them to observational data

“Stay curious and persistent. A PhD is a long and sometimes difficult journey, but surrounding yourself with a supportive network, staying open to learning, and embracing challenges as opportunities will make all the difference. Most importantly, remember that research is not just about results—it’s about the process and the passion for uncovering new knowledge.” 

• Maria Caruana, who graduated with a PhD in Space Sciences & Astronomy, focusing on theoretical cosmology

“Patience is key. From waiting for good results, trying multiple approaches to resolve an issue, searching for solutions to the problem you're working on, applying for conferences and funding; the journey is filled with waiting and uncertainty. It's important to stay persistent and not get discouraged by setbacks or delays, keeping in mind that progress often comes in small, incremental steps.”

• Daniel Magro, who graduated with a PhD in Space Sciences & Astronomy, with a focus on further exploring AI technologies

“Be confident and believe in yourself, if you're passionate about the topic and up for the challenge, you should go for it. Make sure to always maintain a balance in life and to also participate in activities or hobbies you enjoy, it really is a marathon and not a sprint.”

• Miguel Andrea Zammit, who graduated with a PhD in Space Sciences & Astronomy, focusing on applying AI techniques to determine which stars are more likely to host their own planets

“The path through a PhD is not always clear, and the process can feel very isolating sometimes, so it is always important to take the highs when they come and not let the low points keep you down. That being said, we were very lucky to have a core group of post-graduates in the lab to share this experience with. Postgraduate education is not just about learning more about your field; it's about learning how to be an independent researcher, with all the problem-solving it tends to involve. If done with the desire to learn and grow, a PhD can be a very rewarding experience, especially early in your career.”

Congratulations to them and all of our PhD graduates!