Q: What motivated you to become involved as representatives for the WCMM Research School this year? Was there a particular skill or experience you hoped to gain through this role?
V: I was motivated to become a representative because I wanted to contribute to the research school community and help improve the students’ experience. I was interested in developing my leadership and communication skills, gaining valuable experience in advocacy, collaboration, and working with diverse groups of people. These are skills that I believe will be valuable both during my research career and in future professional roles.
Q: Looking back, what personal goals did you set for yourself at the start of the year? Do you feel you achieved them, and were there any unexpected outcomes?
V: At the start of the year, my personal goals were to improve connections and collaborations with other researchers, expand my professional network, and gain knowledge beyond my own area of interest. I wanted to expose myself to different research perspectives and disciplines to broaden my background and develop a more interdisciplinary outlook.One unexpected outcome was how much I learned from interacting with students from different backgrounds and research areas. These conversations broadened my perspective on the diverse experiences within the program and highlighted the importance of building a supportive and inclusive research community. Overall, the experience was both personally and professionally rewarding.
Q: The retreat received very positive feedback, especially regarding the mix of academic and social activities. Was there a particular session or activity that stood out as your favourite, and why?
V: Two sessions really stood out to me. First, I thoroughly enjoyed the talk by Daniela Calvigioni; her presentation style was fantastic, and I found her specific research approach highly impressive. Second, the workshop led by Ella and Malin on balancing stress was incredibly valuable. The simple, easy-to-implement daily tips they provided were exactly what I needed.
Q: Organizing events like the retreat can come with challenges. What was the biggest hurdle you faced during the planning process, and how did you overcome it?
V: One of the biggest challenges during the planning process was deciding on the theme of the retreat and identifying suitable speakers. We wanted to create a program that would be engaging and relevant for participants from different research backgrounds, so finding the right balance took time and discussion. Fortunately, we received a lot of support from Oskar and Lisa throughout the planning process. Their experience and guidance were invaluable, particularly when it came to logistics, coordinating activities, and refining the overall structure of the event.
Q: Did any particular conversation or advice from a PI, guest speaker or student have a lasting impact on you?
V: While there wasn't a single conversation that stood out above all others, I had many valuable discussions with the PIs and guest speakers who joined the school. It was inspiring to hear about their career paths, research experiences, and perspectives on scientific challenges.
Q: Building a sense of community and fostering new collaborations are core goals of the research school. Can you share an example of a new connection or collaboration that emerged for you this year?
V: I haven't started any new collaborations so far, but being exposed to a different academic environment was highly valuable. It allowed me to connect with people outside my immediate field and broaden my perspective.
Q: For future students considering joining the WCMM Research School, what advice would you give to help them make the most of their experience?
V: My advice would be to attend as many of the weekly activities, seminars, and events as possible. These gatherings are a great opportunity not only to learn from the invited speakers but also to connect with other students and researchers within the WCMM community.The research school offers much more than academic training - it provides a supportive environment where you can build professional relationships, exchange ideas, and gain exposure to topics outside your own field. Being actively involved helped me broaden my perspective, expand my network, and get the most out of the experience.
Q: Finally, what are your hopes for the future of the WCMM Research School, and is there anything you’d like to see added or changed for upcoming cohorts?
V: My main hope for the future of the WCMM Research School is that it continues to strengthen its interdisciplinary network. The unique blend of basic science and clinical application is its greatest strength, and I’d love to see that collaboration expand even further. One change or addition I would love to see is the introduction of more informal, cross-disciplinary brainstorming retreats. Additionally, incorporating workshops focused on translational science communication - helping researchers effectively pitch their science to both industry and clinical partners - would be a fantastic addition to the curriculum.
