When Charlotta Turner, Vice-Dean for for first and second cycle education, mentioned that a PhD student from the University of Porto was currently at the Faculty of Science through the EUGLOH collaboration and that she might even be the first to come to Lund University through the network my curiosity was instantly sparked.
Despite her busy schedule and persistent rain, I had the chance to meet Andreia Neto Meireles, PhD student in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Porto, who is currently spending part of her doctoral studies here in Lund.
“It feels like a fantastic opportunity to do my PhD at two universities and in two countries,” says Andreia when we meet at the Astronomy House.
From Porto to Lund with the possibility of a double degree
Andreia comes from Paços de Ferreira, just outside of Porto in Portugal, and has a background in pharmaceutical sciences and analytical chemistry. In Lund, she is part of the Green Technology research group at the Department of Chemistry, supervised by Professor Charlotta Turner and Senior Lecturer Margareta Sandahl.
“I’ve been here for about three weeks now,” she says. “At the moment I’m taking introductory PhD courses and learning how the lab operates. The group has around ten people, and everyone has been really welcoming. I already feel at home.”
EUGLOH – the European University Alliance for Global Health – is a network of nine European universities, including Lund, offering interdisciplinary activities focused on major global challenges. Through the collaboration, doctoral students have the opportunity to obtain double degrees.
Can you tell us a bit about the EUGLOH programme and how you applied?
“For me, it all started when the University of Porto announced scholarships within the EUGLOH framework. One of the requirements was to collaborate with another university in the alliance. The first contact was made between my supervisors, Professor Marcela Alves Segundo at the University of Porto and Charlotta Turner here in Lund, and then the academic offices prepared an agreement that was later signed by programme coordinators, Deans and Vice-Chancellors at both universities.
”I saw it as a great opportunity, not only to secure funding for my PhD but also to broaden my knowledge and gain access to equipment not available at the Faculty of Pharmacy.”
Research on antibiotic residues in food
In her doctoral project, Andreia uses image analysis using a free software and an ordinary smartphone camera to detect antibiotic residues in water. She will also be analysing samples from milk and honey to detect potential antibiotic residues:
“There are EU limits for how much antibiotic residue is allowed in food,” she explains. “If the levels are high, further analysis is needed. Sometimes antibiotics are used in beekeeping, which can result in residues in honey. It’s a problem both for consumers and because of the risk of antibiotic resistance.”
In Lund, she will deepen her knowledge in environmentally sustainable extraction methods, an area where the research group she collaborates with here at Lund University is internationally leading.
Expectations and first impressions
During her stay, which runs until the summer of 2026, Andreia will take courses and conduct research but she also hopes to explore Sweden.
“I’d love to travel north to see the Northern Lights and of course visit Stockholm,” she says. “Maybe even some other Scandinavian countries if I have the time.”
She describes Lund as a small but very international city:
“Everyone speaks English and it’s easy to start a conversation. I love hearing so many languages and seeing how everyone bikes everywhere, which is so different from Porto! I haven’t bought my own bike but use the city’s rental bikes. My favourite ride is down to the old town, it’s beautiful.”
Looking ahead
When her PhD is complete, Andreia hopes to work in the pharmaceutical industry, preferably in quality control or analytical chemistry.
“I’d like to continue working hands-on in a lab environment,” she says. “But right now I’m just trying to take it all in, it’s a lot of new things and very exciting.”
What advice would she give to other PhD students considering similar collaborations?
“Don’t be afraid to take the first step! Many hesitate because it feels like a big move to another country and a new research environment, but it’s really worth it. My advice is to talk to your supervisor early and see what collaborations already exist. EUGLOH actually makes it quite easy since everything happens within an established network. And above all, be curious! You’ll not only learn more about your field, but also a lot about yourself.”
So, is Andreia the first PhD student from EUGLOH to come to Lund?
Speaking to the EUGLOH office here at Lund University, it is clear that Andreia is in fact one of the first PhD students from the network to come to the Faculty of Science and possibly, to their recollection, the very first to spend such a long period in Lund, nine months, with the aim of earning a double degree.
A double degree means that the doctoral student fulfils the academic requirements of two universities within the EUGLOH alliance and, upon completion, receives a PhD diploma from both institutions. It involves joint supervision, coordinated research activities, and formal agreements between the universities to ensure that the degree is fully recognised by both.
We’re delighted to welcome Andreia to Lund!