The RADMEP Programme is a pathway to exciting careers in cutting-edge technologies

BY KHADIJA KARIM

Electronics are everywhere, and they help society run smoothly, but it is especially important for different things, like satellites. As research in electronics and photonics keeps developing, so does the need for more experts. The European Union sees these fields as needed, and the RADMEP Programme is helping to meet those expectations.

The Erasmus Mundus RADMEP (Radiation and its Effects on MicroElectronics and Photonics Technologies) Programme is giving opportunities for students from all over the world. Graduates of this international programme find it easier to get jobs, and the future looks bright for those who are trained in these important technologies.

In 2023, all the students who completed the RADMEP joint degree found jobs quickly, and the 18 students who graduated this autumn are also doing well. The programme is made to train experts in radiation, and how it affects electronics and photonics, which are the main technologies in many areas.

The RADMEP Programme instructs students about radiation and its effects on electronics and photonics. It is a joint degree, which means students that take this programme study at multiple different universities. The programme is owned by University Jean Monnet (UJM) in St. Etienne, France, along with the University of Jyväskylä (JYU) in Finland, the University of Montpellier in France, and KU Leuven in Belgium.

Students begin their journey of studying at JYU, where they learn about: electronics, nuclear physics, and programming. Afterward, they continue their studies in Belgium at KU Leuven. Then, depending on what they are most interested in, they study either in St. Etienne (for photonics), or Montpellier (for microelectronics).

One of the big benefits of the RADMEP programme is that students get to travel and study in different countries. They meet people from all over the world and gain new perspectives and experiences. Alla Marchenko, a recent graduate from JYU, said that although there were difficulties with cultural differences, students quickly learned to adapt and enjoyed making new international friends.

The final part of the programme is a master’s thesis, in which students can complete it either in a university lab or at an international company. For example, Hossameldin Elsayed, a student from the programme, wrote his thesis on the best glue for assembling lasers.

Graduates from the RADMEP Programme have excellent jobs. Many students opt to find work in Europe even if they come from outside of Europe. The demand for experts in electronics and photonics is high, and this programme gives students the skills they need to succeed in life.

The RADMEP Programme is still new, but with two classes already graduated, it’s clear that this is a pathway to exciting careers in cutting-edge technologies.