International collaboration is at the heart of the BRIDGES network's initiative - and for master's student Ersilja Menga, that collaboration recently became a life-changing experience.
From December 2025 to the end of January 2026, Ersilja spent two months in Florianapolis, Brazil, as part of the BRIDGES mobility program between Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) and the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). During her stay, she conducted research for her master's thesis while becoming part of the academic and cultural life at UFSC's renowned Fotovoltaica Laboratory.
Her research focuses on one of the major challenges of the energy transition in Europe: the adoption of hydrogen-powered truck fleets in Germany's heavy-duty transport sector. Through scenario-based modeling, Ersilja investigates how factors such as infrastructure development, investment costs, technological learning effects, and political support influence the market introduction of hydrogen trucks. A central aspect of her work is the analysis of "tipping points" - the conditions under which hydrogen mobility could shift from slow adoption to accelerated market growth.
While in Florianópolis, Ersilja worked closely with researchers from both Germany and Brazil. Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sergej Diel at THI and with mentorship from Dr. Mauricio Uriona Maldonado at UFSC, she benefited from continuous international exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. Regular meetings and feedback sessions helped strengthen the development of her simulation model and scenario analysis, while also giving her insight into different academic perspectives and research approaches.
But the experience extended far beyond the laboratory.
Living in Florianópolis gave Ersilja the opportunity to immerse herself in Brazilian culture and daily life while experiencing the unique atmosphere of an international research environment. Between research sessions and university activities, she explored many parts of the island, including Barra da Lagoa and several of Florianópolis' well-known beaches. Experiencing the local culture, lifestyle, and natural surroundings added a personal dimension to her stay and made the exchange especially meaningful.
"The experience in Brazil was not only academically valuable, but also culturally enriching." Ersilja reflected in her report. Working in an international environment strengthened her communication skills, adaptability, and ability to collaborate across cultures with experiences that will continue to shape both her professional and personal development.
For BRIDGES, exchanges like these demonstrate the importance of mobility and international cooperation in addressing global sustainability challenges. By connecting students and researchers across borders, the initiative creates opportunities not only for scientific innovation, but also for meaningful cultural exchange and long-term collaboration.
Ersilja's stay in Brazil highlights exactly what BRIDGES aims to achieve: building bridges between people, institutions, and ideas in support of a more sustainable future.