“To understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease. To become part of the solution. To contribute.”
Marilena Elpidorou, the PhD researcher in Molecular Medicine, currently characterising the molecular mechanisms of rare neurodevelopmental disorders, explains to the prospective student’s community why Bioscience.
Dear Marilena, why you did your Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science?
Studying a BSc Biomedical Sciences provided me with a broad knowledge of different aspects of the human biology, from physiology and anatomy, to pharmacology, neuroscience and genetics. Having a good general knowledge, makes you more confident in choosing a post-graduate career path in the area of your interest.
And why you chose Molecular Medicine?
In the last few years, Molecular Medicine has become a hotspot as it provides a stepping stone to understanding the mechanism of diseases and thereby improving the clinical diagnosis of genetic disorders. We all know that our genetic make-up, our DNA, is the origin of our individual characteristics, ranging from our eye colour to our predisposition to diabetes. Being able to understand how the genes are linked to a specific disease is the key to unravel a potential cure for the global healthcare, and this is exactly what fascinates me the most.
Your thoughts about the future of Experimental and Medical Biosciences?
Experimental and Medical Biosciences is a field that is continuously expanding and the more it grows the more engaging it becomes. It’s like a chain reaction, where discovering something will contribute to our scientific knowledge but at the same time will raise a new question. The end of the chain is where novel findings happen. Findings that actually make a difference in the world of medical research and clinical healthcare.
How has Bioscience influenced your life?
I’m interested in rare genetic children disorders and as I’m trying to add a piece to the puzzle that will make someone’s life better, I get up motivated every morning. It is an amazing feeling to know that your 
work can offer hope to children that are severely affected. Research is a life purpose to me.
What is your advice for the students when choosing their Master’s Programme?
The research quality of the institution is of crucial importance, as it will provide you with a strong background of high standard research and equip you with practical skills for your future career. Also, the faculty members and their reputation in the field, because having an expert mentoring you is a huge advantage for enhancing your knowledge and networking.
About the career prospects of the Linköping Master’s programme graduates, if you are interested in research, then pursuing a PhD would be my first suggestion. On the other hand, there is definitely a great variety of professional opportunities: Working as a research assistant for an institution, joining the pharmaceutical industry and the healthcare system by working in their diagnostic laboratories.
Study Abroad: Online Open Day
Got inspired? The Study Abroad Portal is hosting Linköping University in Sweden on a 45-minute interactive webinar about it’s Master’s Programme in Experimental and Medical Bioscience.
Attend the webinar to get thoroughly informed about the future of Bioscience and all the aspects of the course by the Programme Director, Katarina Kågedal, the admissions officer, Cecilia Johansson and the current master student, Johanne Spreckels. Ask your questions – get the answers!
30 November: MSc in Experimental and Medical Biosciences at Linköping University
Are you interested in doing your Bachelor, Master, MBA or PhD abroad? Find the webinar you need!
Read more: Neuroscience: The study of who we are
