Curiosity is the driving force behind doctoral research

Hi there

Spyros, why did you decide to become a doctoral candidate?

During my LL.M. studies, I realised that I was genuinely fascinated by the field I was in, not only academically but also on a personal level. At the same time, my specific research area of interest still felt comparatively unexplored. So, my decision to pursue a doctoral degree came quite naturally, driven largely by sheer curiosity to explore this area while it is still taking shape.

What are you researching?

My research concerns the role of Intellectual Property (IP) rights in the fashion industry, especially in light of pressing public objectives such as sustainability and digitalisation. My project started as a purely sustainability-oriented one, focusing on practices like upcycling and their legal implications. But quite early on, I realised that the relationship between IP and fashion was facing broader pressures – not only from environmental imperatives, but also from technological developments and changing market practices. After discussions with my supervisors, Professor Eleonora Rosati and Professor Mauro Zamboni, the project was reshaped so that it could also address these wider developments from an IP perspective.

What does your work as a PhD student involve?

The work of a PhD student is quite flexible and depends on several factors, but the baseline is doing your own research, alongside some teaching. In my case, the teaching has so far been closely connected to my field of interest, so it has also complemented my research (and vice versa). This balance is particularly interesting to me. You spend a large part of your time in the library, studying and developing your own work, but you also get to be on the other side of the process when you are in the classroom. Beyond activities within the university, I think an important part of being a doctoral student is to bring your work into wider conversations as well, whether through publications, conference presentations, or similar activities. I have tried to do this actively, and the feedback I have received has been very helpful in pushing my work forward.

What is the best thing about being a PhD student?

I think one of the greatest luxuries of being a PhD student is the freedom it gives you: the freedom to choose a research topic based on your own interests, and also to shape the way you approach it. That kind of flexibility is quite rare post-graduation, especially in a professional world where work is often more structured or externally driven. At the same time, this freedom does not mean working in isolation. If you are as lucky as I have been with my supervisors, you get to develop your own project while being guided by experts, who can challenge you, push your thinking further, and help you stay on track. And, of course, there is also something very fulfilling about feeling that your work can actually contribute to the field — even in a small way. You spend a lot of time reading, thinking, and writing, and it is rewarding to see that gradually turn into something that can become part of a wider academic conversation. For me, the best part is that combination: having the space to follow my curiosity, but also the guidance to turn that curiosity into something concrete and meaningful.

What is the most challenging part of being a PhD student?

I would say that, again, the freedom it offers can also be the most challenging part – a double-edged sword, if you like. Of course, to an extent, you can organise your own tasks and structure your own time. But at the end of the day, there is still a significant amount to handle, and doing so while navigating the life of a doctoral student can be tricky. You have to balance your own research, doctoral courses, teaching preparation, and oftentimes external activities such as publications or conference presentations. In the context of the research, you are also usually dealing with questions that do not have clear answers, and becoming comfortable with that uncertainty can be challenging. In the beginning, all this can feel quite chaotic. But once you find a way to structure it, it can also become very rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a PhD?

I would advise them to invest both in their strengths and in their interests. A PhD is a long process, so I think it is important to choose a field that genuinely motivates you, but also one where you feel you can develop something substantial of your own. Interest is what keeps you curious, but discipline and patience are what help you continue when the process becomes more demanding. I would also tell them not to be afraid of uncertainty. You do not need to have everything perfectly figured out from the beginning. A doctoral research project is a dynamic process that can change shape and direction as you read more, receive feedback, and understand the field better. So, for me, the important thing is to start from a question that feels intellectually exciting and then be open to letting it evolve.

What would you like to do after completing your PhD?

After completing my PhD, I hope to continue working with the questions that have shaped my research. Ideally, I would like to find myself in a position where I can contribute to driving the field forward, while continuing to engage with IP law in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and connected to broader developments in society.

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