Here, Colin shares lessons in mentorship, growth, and the connection he feels with Queen’s international students embarking on their own bold journeys.

This month marks thirty years since I moved to France to begin a postdoc with Jean-Marie Lehn at the Collège de France, working on photochromism. Jean-Marie was a Nobel Prize winner, and working in his lab was a transformative experience—not just scientifically but personally.

Paris was a beautiful, inspiring backdrop for a postdoc, but the true impact came from the mentorship, kindness, and openness to change I encountered from so many people I worked with. These lessons have stayed with me and shaped the academic and the person I am today.

I’m forever grateful for that time, the people who inspired me, and the horizons it opened.

These photos I took last month show that the buildings haven't changed, though I have. Founded in 1530 by King François I, the Collège de France is still France’s most prestigious research establishment. To have been a small part of its history is something I will always treasure.

As I reflect on my time there and the last 30 years, I feel immense gratitude for the journey and the people who made it unforgettable. I also feel a strong connection with the many international students we are proud to welcome here at Queen’s. Like me, they have made the courageous decision to venture into a new country — often traveling much further than I did — and have come to Belfast to pursue their academic goals. They face the challenges, lessons, and rewards of stepping into unfamiliar territory.

At the Graduate School, we strive to support these students by offering academic assistance, hosting social events to foster connections between students, staff, and hopefully new friends, and serving as a hub for the vibrant postgraduate community.

Here’s to our international students who take that leap, to our mentors who inspire them, the colleagues who challenge us, and the transformative power of stepping out of our comfort zones.

Visit the Graduate School events page to discover upcoming social events, such as the Big Graduate School Breakfast and The Big Graduate School Quiz.