Meet Columbian postdoctoral researcher Daniel Gutiérrez Rojas, who in 2024 received funding for a month’s exchange from LUT University, Finland, to Aalborg University, Denmark. Below, you can read his own words about his exchange experiences, including: 

  • What he learnt  
  • His impression of the Nordics as an integrated region 
  • Advice to others who wish to apply for funding for an exchange  

Daniel Gutiérrez Rojas is postdoctoral researcher at LUT University in Finland.

Collaboration patterns vary between the Nordics

Work cultures differ between Finland and Denmark, but I appreciate the positive aspects of both. While we emphasise the balance between work and private life in Finland, you prioritise productivity in Aalborg. This priority of productivity has made the Faculty of Electrical Engineering world-leading, particularly in power electronics. Another clear difference I noticed was the quality of research and the strict use of methodology, which differed from my home faculty in Finland. 

I also observed that collaboration patterns vary between the countries. In Denmark, it is uncommon for researchers to collaborate with their Finnish colleagues – instead, they seek partners elsewhere. There should be more cooperation between the Nordic countries, especially between Finland and the rest of the Nordics, to prevent future isolation in research opportunities. 

Individual Exchange Support is a “great opportunity”

From a professional perspective, the exchange was truly fruitful. I had the opportunity to exchange research and engage in many insightful discussions with researchers in electrical engineering and power electronics at Aalborg University. 

Socially, the Nordic countries are quite similar, which is something I really appreciate. The Nordic way of broad representation across society and organisation ensures that people are equal. From a cultural perspective, there are differences between how people in Denmark and Finland interact with persons from other countries. I find inter-cultural interactions more natural in Denmark, as there is a greater abundance of foreigners and tourists in the country, compared to Finland.  

Daniel in central Aalborg.

Advice for others who want to apply for Individual Exchange Support

If you’re interested in applying for Individual Exchange Support, I would highly recommend you to carefully prepare your budget. It’s of great importance, as short-term stays often exceed the initial estimates. Another terrific option is to consider sharing an apartment with others—not only can this help reduce costs, but it also offers a great opportunity to connect with locals and other students. 

Overall, I think it’s a great opportunity to get to know the culture and research carried out by other Nordic countries better while also experiencing similar social environments. It can help build the professional network for future projects and research ideas. 

Do you want to apply for Individual Exchange Support?

Nordic Energy Research’s Individual Exchange Support programme provides a unique opportunity for PhD students, postdocs, and researchers in the Nordic region to secure financial support for research that contributes to the region’s sustainable energy development. 

Read more about the programme here 

Apply for funding here 

For any questions about the call, feel free to contact Senior Adviser Maj Dang Trong or Adviser Ditte Stiler.