Meet Shah Faisal, a dedicated PhD candidate in Engineering Sciences (Applied Physics) from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan, and recipient of the Slovak National Scholarship. Hosted by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Košice, Shah is advancing his doctoral research on high-performance metamaterial absorbers while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge facilities in the Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory. Beyond the lab, his time in Košice has offered not only academic growth but also a rich cultural immersion – from hiking in the surrounding hills to exploring the historic city centre – making Slovakia a true hub for both professional and personal development.

My name is Shah Faisal and I am from Pakistan, currently I am pursuing a PhD in Engineering Sciences (Applied Physics) at the Department of Basic Sciences, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIK), Pakistan, where I also work as a Graduate Research Assistant. I have been awarded the Slovak National Scholarship (NSP) for October 2024 application cycle, supporting a research project at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Košice. Through this opportunity, I will be able to conduct research in the Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory and fully leverage the cutting-edge equipment and unique research facilities that were otherwise unavailable at my home institution.

During my stay in Slovakia, I have been working on a research project titled "Development of a High-Performance, Wide-Angle, Polarization-Independent Metamaterial Absorber for X and Ku Band Applications." This project is an integral part of my PhD studies, with a primary focus on the design, simulation, and fabrication of metamaterial absorbers, as well as the evaluation of their performance. Prior to my arrival in Slovakia, I was already familiar with the work of my supervisor, Dr. Ing. Bystrik Dolnik, PhD, through his published research articles. Together, we planned this research project with the goal of producing multiple high-quality publications.

Upon my arrival in Kosice, Slovakia, heartful thanks to my professor as he warmly welcomed me, personally receiving me at the airport and assisting with accommodation, documentation, and university formalities. During my stay, I found the educational environment to be world-class, with well-equipped labs, supportive faculty, and friendly, helpful staff, especially towards international students. Besides my academic work, I am thoroughly enjoying my stay in Košice, Slovakia. The cost of accommodation and daily living is quite reasonable compared to many other European countries, making it a comfortable place for international students. I’ve had the chance to visit several beautiful tourist attractions, with highlights including the historic city center and the serene surroundings of Jazero Lake. As someone who enjoys hiking, one of the most memorable experiences for me was the hike to Bankov, which offered stunning views and a refreshing escape into nature. Overall, Košice offers a perfect balance of academic focus and quality of life.

The Slovakian people were incredibly friendly and supportive, making me feel truly at home despite being far from my own country.  During my stay, I have had the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and experience the renowned Slovak hospitality firsthand. I recognize Slovakia as an outstanding educational hub in Central Europe, offering excellent academic and cultural opportunities. I would like to express my deep appreciation to SAIA, the Slovak Academic Information Agency, for their invaluable support to international students. I am sincerely grateful to SAIA for providing me with this opportunity, which has greatly contributed not only to my professional development but also to my international exposure and personal growth.