Researcher blogs

Ina Schuppe Koistinen is a dynamic force at the intersection of science and art. Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Alliance Director at the Center for Translational Microbiome Research at Karolinska Institutet, as well as co-founder and CEO of Cutis AB, she has spent over 18 years navigating the pharmaceutical industry before returning to academia. In this portrait, we delve into Ina’s career journey and her commitment to scientific inquiry and creative expression, and how these have shaped her path.

Do what you love. If you don’t have an inner drive, your work will become a burden.

A Unique Journey
Following nearly two decades in the pharmaceutical sector, Ina returned to academia, where she conducts microbiome research while nurturing her artistic side. After completing her PhD at Karolinska Institutet and a short postdoc at Stockholm University, she jumped from academia to industry for the first time, enrolling as a postdoc at the Swedish pharmaceutical company Astra, which later merged with the UK-based Zeneca. By then, she already had a sense of the rhythm of academic life: you study, you publish, you struggle with funding, the cycle repeats.

When the opportunity to do a postdoc in a company arose, she decided to explore it. It was still a postdoctoral position, but with the unique opportunity to experience research in an industry environment. Curious to see what this perspective could lead to, she discovered how much she enjoyed stepping into this space, where academic rigor meets real-world application and true collaborations. She took on roles in different companies as a senior scientist, scientific coordinator, and director of various divisions.

While she thrived in the team-oriented environment of industry, she also experienced the challenges that come when strategic business decisions or research directions changed. Seeking greater creative freedom, Ina eventually returned to academia as a microbiome expert focusing on women’s health research. By comparison, her time in industry taught her the value of clearly defined roles and the importance of relying on colleagues, lessons she now brings into her academic collaborations.

“Work-Life-Art” Balance
In her current role as Associate Professor and director of the Center for Translational Microbiome Research at Karolinska Institutet, she not only advances scientific work but also integrates outreach, using her artistic skills to make complex ideas accessible to the public, particularly through health campaigns. She has seamlessly blended her scientific expertise with a passion for watercolor painting.

Ina’s artistic journey began during her PhD, inspired by the vibrant colors of microscopy. She explains that she uses her paintings to engage the public in her research. “I’ve always painted, but it became more serious when I started using art as a tool for scientific communication”. In 2022, she published “Vulva”, a beautifully illustrated book with her watercolor paintings, in which she offers insights and practical advice drawn from the latest research on the vital role of vaginal flora in women’s health and fertility. For her, painting parallels her scientific work. “The process of painting and doing science is surprisingly similar. In both, you experiment, analyze, and look at things from different perspectives”, she reflects. Maintaining her artistic practice is essential to Ina, who reserves the weekends for her artistic duties. You can visit her work on her website: https://www.inasakvareller.se/.

Navigating work-life balance has been a constant challenge during Ina’s career. Since 2024, she has also been co-founder and CEO of a brand-new company, Cutis AB, focused on understanding the skin microbiome on a deeper level and how to support it through the next generation of skincare. “Currently, I don’t work less, but I work differently. I enjoy sitting and reading a paper for fun and managing my time. However, for me, it’s important to have routines,” she emphasizes. And a crucial part of her daily routine is yoga, which she practices and teaches as well. (You can find her in the Faculty Club in Biomedicum on Wednesdays at 11.30 for a yoga break). She is also making sure to get quality time with her loved ones: “Also, for instance, my studio is right in the middle of our house, so when I’m painting, my family can be around, and we can hang out at the same time,” she explains. This setup allows her to stay connected with her loved ones while also pursuing her art.

Despite the demands of her current roles, she prioritizes flexibility and finds joy in balancing her professional and personal passions. Ina’s career path has been a lot about planning and effort, but also about being open to what comes, allowing herself to move with opportunities. And just as in yoga or water coloring, there is a natural flow: sometimes the best next step is simply the one that feels right in the moment, and she is always open to that.

Following Your Gut
Ina’s journey underscores the importance of following one’s passions. “My advice to anyone is to pursue what you’re genuinely interested in. If you do something because you feel you have to or because someone else expects it of you, it becomes a burden,” she advises.

She thrives when faced with diverse challenges, drawn to experiences that push her to think differently and grow. Rather than focusing on a single path, she seeks out opportunities that engage her curiosity and keep her energized, constantly testing herself in new ways. For her, life is most fulfilling when she can explore, experiment, and stretch her abilities, always looking for the next challenge that sparks her interest and keeps her moving forward.

Reflecting on her career, she emphasizes the importance of taking chances: “You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone but yourself. If you follow your interests, opportunities will come.” Her story is a testament to the fantastic rewards of blending multiple passions and staying open to new opportunities.