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In November 2024, we profile BSc Politics and International Relations student and one of three new UCL European Institute student interns, Aimé Mühlemann.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm Aime, and I'm a final year Politics and International Relations student in the Department of Political Science. While my parents are Swiss and Austrian, I grew up in Berlin and lived there for more than 15 years before moving to Switzerland and embracing my roots. I moved to London out of an interest to see more of Europe and the world, but also to challenge myself academically. So far, I've been really enjoying it and hope to make the most out of my last year!
Outside of UCL, I enjoy reading a book (preferably dystopian), skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, getting way too interested in niche Wikipedia articles and playing football with my friends.
What areas or topics of study are you interested in, and how have you explored them at UCL?
At UCL, I've really come across two strands of political science that fascinate me: European and environmental policy, as well as their intersection. Living in Switzerland the last years before moving to London, I got engaged politically in a youth party and youth parliament and was especially intrigued in Switzerland's foreign policy with the EU. This has led me to explore further European foreign policy here at UCL, primarily through my engagement with UCL European Horizons, but also in the classroom.
Environmental policy, likewise, is just super interesting and daunting at the same time. The twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change are urging issues and professors at UCL have been fascinating to learn from in that regard!
Why are you interested in Europe?
I view intense European collaboration and cooperation as essential to make the most out of the 21st century and create a lasting peaceful and sustainable continent. That's why I want to get engaged in every way I can do make a strong impact and spread the message to students, staff and interested people about European values and diversity!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
A difficult question, but hopefully living in symbiosis with a revitalised nature and a pet! I'm always open to new adventures, but right now I aim to be working in an international organisation (preferably a European one) somewhere around the world, advocating for stronger environmental protection.