The FIMM-EMBL International PhD programme aims to recruit exceptional doctoral researchers, both international and Finnish, offering them comprehensive and diverse research training at the start of their academic journeys.
Doctoral researchers in the rotation programme will work with 2-3 different research groups during a 6-9 month period prior to selecting a research group in which to remain for their complete PhD studies.
The 2024 call attracted a record number of applications from all over the world.
“We received around 400 applications from over 50 countries this year. The remarkable quality of this year's candidates made our selection process particularly challenging, as we had the difficult task of choosing just four exceptionally deserving and talented young researchers,” says Dr. Rubina Tabassum, the FIMM Doctoral Training Coordinator.
Meet the four bright and passionate junior scientists who joined us in August, and discover their hopes and aspirations for the year ahead!
Education: I did my Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology at JSS Science and Technology University in India. After that, I decided to study my master's in Biomedical Imaging at the University of Turku in Finland and finished it in July 2024.
Primary scientific interest(s): During my master's, I grew a fascination towards medical imaging and analysis. Exploring more of image informatics in the field of molecular cancer sounds really cool to me.
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
I think what drew me to it is the endless possibility for exploration and discovery. In science, there's always something new to learn, both about the world and about ourselves. Plus, the feeling of contributing to healthcare and making a positive impact is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/ this program?
To be honest, my two years as a master's student in Finland have been fantastic, and I was really hoping to stay longer. When I discovered the rotation program, I realised it was a unique and incredible opportunity that I couldn't pass up. As I started looking deeper into the work done at FIMM and the real-world problems they're tackling, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
In my first year, I hope to get acquainted with how FIMM operates and to carefully select my rotation groups to expose myself to a wide range of research topics. This will assist me in deciding the direction I want to pursue for my PhD. I hope that this year will provide a solid foundation and allow me to improve my coding skills while also enjoying the overall process.
First rotation group: Tero Aittokallio’s group
Hobbies: I'm an adventurous person who enjoys exploring new places, trying different sports and cooking. As someone living in Finland, I adapt my hobbies to the changing seasons. During the summer, I enjoyed running and surfing, but with winter approaching, I'm excited to try my hand at baking, ice skating, and binge-watching some good TV series.
Education: Master’s degree in Education and Cell Biology, Licentiate degree in Cell Biology from Åbo Akademi University
Primary scientific interest(s): Cell-cell communication, cancer biology, women’s diseases and microscopy.
What inspired you to choose a scientific career? My curious mind and my passion for science.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/ this program?
The translational research focus. I also appreciate that this programme allows me to explore different projects and lab groups before I decide on my final PhD project.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
To learn and explore new methodologies and get started with my project.
First rotation group: Anniina Färkkilä’s group
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy reading books, playing piano, working out in the gym, and walking my dogs.
Education: Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences and a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Helsinki
Primary scientific interest(s): Human disease genetics, molecular mechanisms of disease, epigenetics and translational medicine.
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
I've always loved learning, and I feel like science is an area where there's always something new to discover. I've always envisioned myself doing work that could help people and make an impact in some way. It’s also nice to work with other highly motivated and passionate people.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/ this program?
FIMM is a top-tier institute with accomplished PIs and many research groups that study topics that align with my research interests. The FIMM-EMBL rotation programme is a great opportunity to learn and try out different groups to find the best match for my PhD.
What expectations do you have for the first year? Learn, grow as a researcher, and meet new people.
First rotation group: Vilja Pietiäinen's team
Hobbies:
I love dancing, singing and music in general. During my free time, I like to go for walks, watch TV series, and hang out with friends or family.
Education: BSc in Genetics and Biotechnology by the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro in Vila Real, Portugal, MSc in Forensic Genetics by the University of Porto in Porto, Portugal
Primary scientific interest(s):
I feel I have a broad set of scientific interests, from astronomy to archaeology. Unfortunately, we cannot do it all at once. I started leaning towards Genetics in high school and decided to go pursue it. Until now, my main research work comprehended animal evolution questions and I even got to work with ancient DNA for a while. But I always had a special interest for human genetics and decided to take a chance and dedicate my PhD studies to it.
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
I vividly remember watching science documentaries on TV, with my sister, before dinner, since I was 7 or 8 years old. I think even before that, I was already particularly curious and eager to learn. But those evenings introduced me to the world of science and what the life of a scientist can look like. Compared to that, most other career options can seem a bit boring… Being a scientist can be really fun, satisfy the curious and wondering minds, and, at the same time, it can be very challenging but rewarding. That is why I chose to be a scientist.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/ this program?
I was mostly attracted to the structure of the FIMM-EMBL programme, meaning, the rotational period preceding the start of the PhD studies. As I’m transitioning from a different field of scientific research, I think the opportunity to work with 2 or 3 different groups before committing to a PhD project is essential to find the best fit and the way to PhD success. Being a fully-funded doctoral position is also a very important and appealing aspect, that adds to the well-structured programme, promising great support for the students. If more reasons were needed, Finland is vastly known for the excellent education system, so I could not miss this opportunity.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
I think this first year will be very challenging, since I’m moving abroad for the first time and have to adapt to a new country, new language and a new job. I’m expecting that a year from now I will know myself a bit better, have learned a lot of new skills and built strong connections with FIMM’s researchers. Hopefully, I will find my place and people here in Finland. Meeting my fellow 2024 rotation students, Anna, Rafaela and Naipunya, was already a great start.
First rotation group: Esa Pitkänen's group
Hobbies:
For my personal free time and hobbies, I don’t like to take things too seriously. I enjoy many different activities and keep trying new ones. When the weather is good, and I feel that I need to clear my head I like to get close to nature, so I go outside for a walk or bike in the woods. I also enjoy reading with my cats curled on my lap. Sadly, I couldn’t bring my cats, but I brought some books. I’m eager to explore the many libraries here in Helsinki. I have also always enjoyed drawing, painting and crafting since I was little. And lately, I have been into board games and puzzles, through the influence of a friend who kept signing us up for puzzle competitions (which are actually quite fun, even though we’re very far from the podium). On the lazy days, I might just lay on my bed and listen to music for hours or maybe watch a TV series.