Why did you want to study in the Master's Programme in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology?
Chiara: I’ve always been fascinated by microbiology, especially virology. When I was looking for master’s programmes in Europe, Helsinki immediately stood out. The city is beautiful, the country is welcoming, and the University of Helsinki is highly regarded for its teaching and research. I had visited Finland before and loved it, so choosing Helsinki felt like a perfect fit both academically and personally.
When I first arrived, I wasn’t completely sure which direction to take, but trying some bioinformatics courses opened a completely new world for me. I discovered metagenomics and it quickly became something I truly enjoyed. Now I’m combining both options through viral metagenomics, exploring microbial diversity in ways that traditional methods cannot. I think it’s fascinating to discover things that no one has seen before, and that curiosity keeps me motivated every day.
For whom is the master's programme suitable?
Chiara: This programme is perfect for students with a background in biology, biotechnology, or life sciences. You should have some prior knowledge of microbiology, but curiosity and passion for science are even more important. Microbiology is a huge field, and there’s something for everyone—whether you’re interested in viruses, ecology, or bioinformatics.
The programme is extremely flexible. Students can shape their studies according to their interests, which makes every day exciting.
Is there a compulsory internship?
Chiara: There isn’t a compulsory internship, but many students join advanced projects, which are practical research experiences. These allow you to gain real-world skills in laboratories or bioinformatics and serve as a valuable traineeship that prepares you for writing the thesis and launching your future career.
What would you like to do after graduation?
Chiara: I hope to continue with a PhD and stay in academia. I’m genuinely fascinated by research and naturally very curious. Being a bit “nosy” is actually a great quality for a scientist! I love the idea of discovering things that no one else has seen before.
What is it like to study and live in Helsinki?
Chiara: Helsinki is a fantastic city for students. The University of Helsinki has four campuses, and I study at the Viikki campus, where microbiology courses are taught. It’s green, calm, and beautiful. The university offers modern facilities, supportive teachers, and a welcoming atmosphere. Public transport works perfectly, making it easy to get anywhere at any time. Student housing is convenient, and overall, life in Helsinki is comfortable, well-organized, and very student-friendly.
What advice would you give to someone considering this programme?
Chiara: If you’re interested in microbiology, this programme is a great choice. It’s flexible, the teaching quality is very high, and you get hands-on experience. Even if you’re new to a specific field, like I was with bioinformatics, you can dive in and learn. The University supports you and life in Helsinki is enriching academically, socially, and culturally.
What has been a breakthrough or proud moment in your studies?
Chiara: One small but meaningful moment was when I solved a technical issue while starting my bioinformatics work. It was challenging, and figuring it out myself made me really proud.
But if I think about a real turning point, it goes back much earlier. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to do a short internship at the Italian National Institute of Health. It was my first time working in a real biology lab, observing researchers who were trying to uncover things that no one knew yet. I remember thinking: this is fascinating, these people are discovering something completely new. That experience sparked my passion for research and made me realize that I wanted to be part of that world.
Later, during my studies, my first hands-on research project in microbiology confirmed that this is the path I want to pursue. It was exciting to contribute to real science and see the impact of research firsthand. I think it’s very inspiring to be searching for something that you don’t know yet. That curiosity still drives me every day.