As part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, FIMM runs a unique doctoral training programme designed to offer exceptional early-career researchers diverse experiences and opportunities. Each year, a small group of outstanding international and Finnish students is recruited through this highly competitive FIMM-EMBL International PhD Programme call.
The programme begins with a rotation system, where students spend six to nine months working with several research groups before choosing one in which to pursue their full doctoral studies. This structure fosters broad scientific training, exposure to cutting-edge technologies and valuable connections both within FIMM and across the wider EMBL network.
By encouraging collaboration, providing strong mentorship, and emphasizing both research excellence and communication skills, the programme equips doctoral researchers to thrive in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
This year, nearly 350 applicants competed for a place in the programme. Following a rigorous selection process led by our Research Training Coordinator Rubina Tabassum, ten were invited to an onsite interview in Helsinki, and five exceptional candidates were offered positions. We are excited to welcome them to FIMM and look forward to the ideas, energy and discoveries they will bring to our community.
Meet the newest members of the FIMM-EMBL PhD Programme and hear what inspires them as they embark on their doctoral journey!
Education: M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Primary scientific interest(s): Translational research, tumor heterogeneity, molecular profiling and precision cancer medicine
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
For me, it’s important to feel that my work has meaning and impact. The idea that research can contribute to saving lives and improving patient care is deeply motivating. Science is also the perfect space where curiosity can be transformed into something tangible and valuable for society.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/ this program?
The FIMM rotation programme feels like a truly unique opportunity for young researchers. I’m excited by the idea of exploring different research labs, learning from leading scientists and discovering where my skills and interests align best. Being surrounded by such a bright and driven community creates the perfect atmosphere for scientific and personal growth. On a broader level, I really value what Finland offers beyond academia - clean air and water, easy access to nature and many opportunities for an active lifestyle make it a great place to live and work.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
I want to experience different lab environments, learn new techniques and experiments, strengthen my soft skills, build connections and make new friends. Most importantly, I want to enjoy the process and stay open to everything this journey has to offer.
First rotation group: Caroline Heckman’s group
How do you spend your free time?
I love knitting, and the creativity and mindfulness it brings. For exercise, I like to mix things up with swimming, tennis, yoga and bouldering, and I’m always happy to try new activities. I also enjoy spending time in nature, watching movies/tv shows, reading novels, listening to music and singing.
Education: I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Microbiology at the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. I also had the opportunity to complete the first year of my Master’s at the University of Helsinki during an Erasmus+ exchange.
Primary scientific interest(s): I am interested in genetics, bioinformatics, and how combining these fields can improve diagnostics and people's health.
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
From a young age, I was driven by questions of “why” and “how.” My curiosity and creativity naturally led me to study biology and chemistry. Over time, I became interested in genetics and bioinformatics, where I enjoy applying problem-solving and creativity to better understand human health.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/this programme?
The FIMM-EMBL PhD Programme stood out to me because of its rotational period before committing to a PhD project, which offers a unique opportunity to work with different research groups.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
I look forward to developing my skills further in genetics and bioinformatics and finding the best focus for my PhD project. I expect the year to be both challenging and inspiring. I’m especially excited to learn from colleagues with diverse scientific backgrounds.
First rotation group: Samuli Ripatti's group
How do you spend your free time?
Outside the lab, I enjoy staying active through swimming, cycling, gym workouts and outdoor activities. Music is another big part of my life. I listen to everything from classical to rock, metal and electronic music. I try to attend concerts and festivals whenever possible. I also value spending time with my family and friends, which helps me maintain balance and energy beyond research.
Education: I got my MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences (Genetics and Genomics) and BSc in Biology, both from University of Helsinki.
Primary scientific interest(s): My main interests lie in functional genetics and epigenetics, as well as precision medicine, spatial biology, systems biology and in vitro modelling of diseases.
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
I’ve always been fascinated by how living systems work, and just as importantly, what happens when they don’t. Choosing a scientific career gives me the chance to study these questions in depth, while hopefully contributing new insights to our collective understanding of life sciences and medicine.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/this programme?
My initial attraction to this programme was the pioneering translational research and the exciting research topics. This programme is also a great opportunity for me to learn, challenge myself and grow throughout the rotations, creating a broad foundation for my PhD studies.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
I’m looking forward to experience working within different groups, and especially excited to learn new methods and techniques which I can use in the future. At the end of the rotations, I hope that I will have found the beginning of my own PhD path.
First rotation group: Rafa Najumudeen's group
How do you spend your free time?
I love spending time at my family Mökki in Inkoo during the summertime. Whenever I have time and feel particularly inspired, I like to draw and experiment with new cooking recipes while listening to good music.
Education: BSc in Zoology, University of Delhi, India; MSc in Neuroscience, University of Helsinki, Finland
Primary scientific interest(s): Cancer research, precision medicine and neuroscience
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
I have always been fascinated by how much remains unknown, but what truly inspired me was the chance to make a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives. What excites me most is that science is never done alone, it is a collaborative journey.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/this programme?
I was drawn to the University of Helsinki by its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research. In addition, the international and collaborative environment of the university was a key factor in my decision.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
During my rotation year, I aim to focus on learning and growth, developing new skills and deepening my expertise.
First rotation group: Caroline Heckman's group
How do you spend your free time?
I am a trained Indian classical dancer, and I also enjoy reading and travelling.
Education: I graduated from Tongji University in Shanghai, China, and Northeastern University in Boston, USA.
Primary scientific interest(s): Bioinformatics and computational biology
What inspired you to choose a scientific career?
I worked at the Broad Institute for three years, focusing on translational genetics research in psychiatric diseases, where I discovered my strong interest in this field.
What attracted you to Finland/University of Helsinki/this programme?
I participated in FinnGen seminars and meetings, which deepened my interest in the research conducted here. I hope to become more involved and to address some of the scientific questions I have.
What expectations do you have for the first year?
I look forward to experiencing different research methods and topics across laboratories, which will help me further define the direction of my research in the coming years.
First rotation group: Samuli Ripatti's group
How do you spend your free time?
Drawing manga, making crafts and playing PC games :)