Meet Dr. Moataz Mohamed, a geophysics researcher from Egypt currently living in Hungary, whose 10-month research stay in Slovakia at Comenius University in Bratislava helped take his scientific work—and international academic network - to the next level. In the following interview, he reflects on his research experience, collaboration with Slovak academics, and life in Slovakia.

How has your time in Slovakia supported your research?
My time in Slovakia was deeply enriching for both my academic and personal development. During my stay at Comenius University in Bratislava under the National Scholarship Programme, I focused on advancing my work in 2-D gravity data inversion—a core component of my research in geophysical exploration. The peaceful research environment allowed me to fully concentrate on refining my algorithms and engaging in meaningful academic discussions. Access to Slovak geological datasets provided a valuable opportunity to test my techniques on new terrain, which significantly enhanced the robustness of my methods. This research phase also helped me lay the groundwork for future collaborations in Central Europe and opened new perspectives on applying machine learning within traditional geophysical frameworks.

Could you describe your experience working with your research team in Slovakia?
I was warmly welcomed by the academic community at Comenius University, particularly within the Department of Applied and Environmental Geophysics.The team there was collaborative, intellectually curious, and open to interdisciplinary methods, which resonated well with my background in machine learning-assisted geophysical inversion. We held regular meetings where I had the opportunity to present my work, receive constructive feedback, and exchange ideas. Despite the relatively short duration of the stay, I built strong academic relationships that I hope to continue in the future. The team’s openness and the culture of mutual respect contributed significantly to the productivity and enjoyment of my research in Slovakia.

Has your experience in Slovakia influenced your future career plans?
Yes, it certainly has. The experience in Slovakia affirmed my desire to continue working in international and interdisciplinary environments. I am particularly interested in bridging computational geophysics with real-world applications across Central Europe. The freedom and encouragement I received during my NSP stay inspired me to seek future postdoctoral positions or academic collaborations where I can apply and expand my expertise. Moreover, it confirmed the value of working across borders, blending different academic cultures—as I’ve done in Egypt, Hungary, and Slovakia—to create impactful science.

What motivated you to choose Slovakia for your research stay? 
There were several strong motivations behind my decision to apply for the National Scholarship Programme in Slovakia. First, I was attracted by the reputation of Comenius University, especially in the field of applied geophysics, which aligns perfectly with my research interests. Second, Slovakia’s geographical and academic position in Central Europe made it ideal for expanding my regional research network, particularly given my ongoing academic connections in Hungary. Third, I was looking for a focused and supportive environment to develop my gravity inversion algorithms further, and the NSP offered both financial and institutional support to achieve that. Additionally, Slovakia's rich geological features and cultural diversity made it an appealing location for both research and personal growth.

What has this scholarship experience provided for you, both professionally and personally?
Professionally, the scholarship gave me the time and resources to conduct focused research without the pressure of teaching or administrative tasks. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of inversion algorithms and explore their application on new regional datasets. Personally, it was a period of cultural enrichment. Living in Bratislava and connecting with researchers from different backgrounds broadened my worldview and reminded me of the value of academic mobility. It was also an excellent transition experience from my doctoral studies in Hungary toward building an independent research profile.

What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of this scholarship?
The most rewarding aspect of the scholarship was the autonomy it granted me as a researcher. I had the academic freedom to pursue an advanced and original topic in geophysical inversion while also being part of an encouraging academic community. The experience also allowed me to represent my research at regional conferences, where I connected with peers working on similar challenges. Beyond the academic sphere, I found the opportunity to live in a new cultural environment very rewarding, as it added depth to my personal journey and strengthened my adaptability.

What differences have you noticed between Slovakia and your home country?
Living in different countries has shown me how diverse and enriching international experiences can be. Coming from Egypt and currently residing in Hungary, I found Slovakia to have its own unique rhythm and charm. Life in Slovakia is very community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on nature, outdoor activities, and a balanced lifestyle. The public systems are well-organized, and daily life runs smoothly. While Egypt is vibrant and dynamic with a strong social fabric, and Hungary offers a blend of tradition and innovation, Slovakia impressed me with its calm urban atmosphere and strong academic networks. Each country has shaped my personality and career in different ways, and I value the cultural diversity I've experienced through them.

What helped you assimilate in Slovakia? Do you know people from your country here?
Several factors made it easy for me to feel at home in Slovakia. Firstly, my prior experience in Hungary helped me understand the Central European way of life, which made the transition smooth. Secondly, the university staff and fellow researchers were very welcoming and helpful from the beginning. I also met a few people from Egypt and other international scholars, and we shared meals, cultural stories, and even collaborated on ideas. Attending public talks, cultural events, and local markets helped me connect with the city and its people on a deeper level. These informal exchanges greatly enriched my stay.

Do you think you’ll return to Slovakia someday?
Yes, I would be very happy to return to Slovakia, either for collaborative research projects or future academic stays. I see great potential in building a research bridge between Slovakia, Hungary, and Egypt—drawing on my experience in all three countries. The scientific community in Slovakia is active and supportive, and the country’s location makes it ideal for regional cooperation. Moreover, I have formed meaningful professional connections that I intend to maintain and expand. I look forward to contributing further to joint initiatives in geophysics and data science.. 

Would you like to learn more about the research of Dr. Moataz? Feel free to watch his YouTube channel, which he has just started to help new master’s and PhD students. If you are interested, feel free to follow: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.Mo-geo

Discover the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic and come to Slovakia for research or studies.