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An inside perspective on being a researcher

Variation of lightbulbs hanging from ceiling

Sales and marketing as teaching and storytelling

For Jens Gertow, his career was not something he approached with a goal in mind. After a PhD and a postdoc at Karolinska Institutet, he left academia to work at Mabtech where he combines his knowledge of immunology with his interest in communication in his role as Chief Marketing Officer.

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Lina Marcela Diaz-Gallo in sunset

It takes a village to do science that matters

Lina Marcela Diaz-Gallo studies the genetics of autoimmune diseases and is a team leader in Associate Professors Padyukov’s group at the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institutet. A firm believer in the benefits of collaboration, Lina thrives in working together with other researchers.

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Not Your Classic Academic Role: The Career Path of Laura Sardon Puig

As a child, Laura Sardon Puig enjoyed organizing summer camps. Many years later, when thinking about her future career path, she realized that she wanted to again experience this childhood feeling. Now, she is thriving in her role as an event coordinator and a communication officer at KI, organizing a wide range of events and communicating them to various audiences.

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From the Lab to Pharmacoepidemiology: A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Cesta

What does it take to build an academic research career in pharmacoepidemiology? Pharmacoepidemiology is the study of the use, safety, and effectiveness of medication in real-world populations. In this career […]

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From Sociology to Systems Change: An Investigator’s Path Inside Sweden’s Higher Education Authority

How do research skills translate outside academia? In this career portrait, Eva-Lisa Palmtag, Investigator/Analyst at the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ), reflects on her path from sociology research to sector-level analysis, sharing her advice for PhD students considering public sector roles.

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Carl Johan Sundberg speaking at an event

Science, Leadership, Innovation and Public Initiatives

Carl Johan Sundbergs positive outlook on life and curiosity about people have been great contributors to his rich career, spanning from medical practice to research, intertwined with entrepreneurship and biotechnology, science communication and governmental projects to improve public health. Here he shares his truly inspiring career path that has led him to the current position as a Dean of Karolinska Institute, Campus North.

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Navigating Uncertainties

One of the most constant companions in academic life is probably uncertainty. There are lengthy periods of “not knowing,” whether it’s while awaiting a manuscript decision, applying for grants, or progressing in a PhD. These times can seem depressing and never-ending. However, in retrospect, I’ve come to understand that these ambiguous times frequently present unanticipated growth opportunities and lessons.

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Wooden bridge over water

Where Medicine Meets Discovery

Marco Gerling is a group leader at Karolinska Institutet and an oncologist specializing in upper gastrointestinal cancer at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge. As a translational researcher, he effectively bridges tumor biology and clinical applications. His work primarily investigates how tumors invade surrounding tissue and interact with non-malignant cells — insights that could shape future cancer therapies.

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Solving the Rubik's cube

A Lifelong Curiosity

From an early age, Virginija Danylaité Karrenbauer was drawn to medicine. “Žingeidumas”, “nyfikenhet” she says, using the Lithuanian and Swedish words for curiosity. This innate drive to learn led her from her childhood dream of becoming a doctor to an international career spanning clinical practice, research, and academia. Today, as a senior consultant neurologist and researcher, she continues to push boundaries in the field of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

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Little plant growing out of a stone

From Serendipity to Success

The career path of John Gordon, Professor (Emeritus) of Immunology, a Co-founder and Vice President of Scientific Affairs at Celentyx Ltd, has been anything but linear. From his early years in chemistry to his decades-long journey in immunology, his story reflects a series of serendipitous events that led him to where he is today. “Unlike a lot of people who say ’this is what I’m going to do’ and then strive to stick to it, my path has always felt highly serendipitous,” Gordon muses, reflecting on his journey.

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My side hustle as a PhD student – Assistant Deputy Editor

During my PhD journey, I was keen to explore opportunities beyond my research that could enhance my academic skills and increase my understanding of scientific publishing. I enrolled in the IJQHC for a one-year training program, which provided me with hands-on experience and a better understanding of the editorial process. After completing the training, I was promoted to assistant deputy editor, which brought new responsibilities and opportunities.

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Gifts wrapped for christmas

It’s a Wrap!

In this post, we summarize what the bloggers have shared in 2024. From guides on thesis defense to career pathways and life in Sweden, we believe there’s something for every PhD student and early-career researcher here.

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