“The idea is to have a real impact on the environment. Plastic waste is a global issue, and I want to see my work applied in industry — to see tangible results that can help reduce waste.”
From Gabès to Antwerp:
Makram Elabed
Born and raised in Gabès, a city in southern Tunisia, Makram Elabed has always been fascinated by chemistry and its potential to drive environmental change.
After earning two master’s degrees — a professional master’s degree in polymer materials chemistry and a research master’s degree in organic chemistry — he is now a PhD student in chemistry and polymer science at the University of Sfax.
Scholarship Fund Bruyns
As the Fund Bruyns Scholar from October 2025 until July 2026, Makram focuses on the chemical valorization of plastic waste. His research explores how discarded plastic materials can be transformed into useful, sustainable products. For the organization of a public UCSIA event, he envisions a contribution focused on “From Waste to Worth: How Polymer Science Can Drive a Fair Transition in the Global South.”
Being in Antwerp gives Makram the chance to collaborate closely with researchers and connect with the chemical industry. He hopes to publish his findings in a leading scientific journal and, ultimately, to see his research translated into real industrial applications — turning scientific ideas into visible, practical results. Makram also hopes that his work can contribute to society more broadly — by promoting sustainability and raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste.
“The idea is to have a real impact on the environment,” he explains. “Plastic waste is a global issue, and I want to see my work applied in industry — to see tangible results that can help reduce waste.”
Antwerp - a vibrant city
It is Makram’s first time living outside Tunisia, and the experience has been very enriching so far. “I really like the city,” he shares. “There is always something new to discover. I live in the city centre, close to everything — it is vibrant and full of life.”
“I get to work on different levels — from helping build collaborations to developing my own projects. It’s a great opportunity to learn from others and to think about how I want to shape my own professional future, whether in research, policy work or international development.”
Exploring migration and solidarity:
Rachid Adam
For Rachid Adam, coming to Antwerp is another chapter in a journey that began in Marrakech.
After studying political science and international relations at the International University of Rabat, he recently obtained a master’s degree in transnational migration as an Erasmus Mundus Scholar at ULB.
European Leadership Programme (ELP)
As fellow of JESC’s European Leadership Programme (ELP) from October 2025 until July 2026, Rachid divides his time between UCSIA and USOS, the University Foundation for Development Cooperation at the University of Antwerp, which focuses on global citizenship education and partnerships with the Global South. He is involved in research projects on migration and mobility, helps coordinate partnerships within the Global South network, and contributes to UCSIA’s Europe and Solidarity programme.
“I get to work on different levels — from helping build collaborations to developing my own projects,” Rachid explains. “It’s a great opportunity to learn from others and to think about how I want to shape my own professional future, whether in research, policy work or international development.”
During his fellowship, Rachid aims not only to advance his research but also to create a meaningful impact in the field. He is especially committed to promoting inclusive, socially conscious approaches to migration that take gender, diversity, and local context into account.
Antwerp - a city full of diversity
Having already lived in Brussels for two years, Rachid is now enjoying the opportunity to explore the Flemish part of Belgium. “Antwerp is a very multicultural city, full of diversity,” he says. “Working here gives me a broader perspective on Belgium — not just the Francophone side I knew from Brussels.”
Shared ambitions and global perspectives
Although Makram and Rachid work in very different fields, they share the same commitment to making a difference through knowledge and collaboration.
For Makram, the goal is to see his research move beyond the laboratory and take shape in real-world industrial contexts. Rachid focuses on meaningful projects that connect people and ideas across cultures.
Both find in Antwerp — and within UCSIA — an international environment that encourages dialogue, creativity, and mutual inspiration.