Testimonials
During the lectures we are scientists and try to solve problems, but after class we are just friends hanging out together.
- Previous education
- Molecular Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Vienna
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- Austria
- Study start date
What do you like about the programme and why? How has the programme challenged you? Did you experience things that were especially difficult?
This program forced me to think critically, improve my knowledge about scientific/disease related topics and strengthen my soft skills. Overall, I really believe that this Master will prepare me very well to become a professional researcher. However, first I was really not used to the Dutch system. It is so different to the Austrian one that in the beginning I was a little bit lost. But after a few weeks it gets clear and problems are solved immediately.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers)?
Due to the fact that we are only 24 students, it feels more like a family. I do have the feeling that we try to help each other as much as possible, but still are independent and like to go our own ways. During the lectures we are scientists and try to solve problems, but after class we are just friends hanging out together. We also have a strong relationship to our lecturers. They are eager to teach us the material, and we can always interrupt them if something is unclear.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
For me the most challenging part is time management. I am not very structured, so I do not like to keep track of my due dates. However, this Master's programme is based on meetings, discussions and assignments. So for me, I really had to learn how to be organized.
Are you currently doing an internship?
No, right now I am not doing any internships but I will start my first one in the beginning of January, at the Radboud Institut for Molecular Life Science, Physiology Department. I will research on a specific renal ion channel (TRPV5) and how it interacts with Ca2+ dependent calmodulin. I am really looking forward to that.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree?
This degree is perfect for pursuing a scientific career. Because of the amazing combination regarding theoretical knowledge, assignments and group work, people will be confident enough to enter their professional pathway.
This Master's programme is demanding and inspiring at the same time
- Previous education
- Biotechnology - University of Rome La Sapienza
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- Italy
- Study start date
What do you like about the programme and why? How has the programme challenged you (in relation to your previous education)? Did you experience things that were especially difficult?
This Master's programme is demanding and inspiring at the same time. The challenge lies in the critical thinking you have to embrace and the problem solving and creativity you have to adopt. Compared to my previous education, this Master's programme is less theoretical and more practical. Regarding the difficulties, I guess every international student struggles a lot with the Dutch study system.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
The atmosphere in my class is awesome. We are only 24 students, so you always have the impression that you are sharing your time with a little family and, apart from few situations, I have to say we have been lucky. We change professors quite often since, as it is a special programme, each expert teaches us their field; that is why each professor has a different way of connecting with us. Also, we have a really close relationship with our coordinator and with our mentor.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The most difficult thing here is to get used to the studying method and grading system. The exams are focused on the logic part, not really on the theoretical topics. Also, it is necessary to get used to the "daily" studying, many projects, presentations are needed.
Are you currently doing an internship?
I will start my first internship in January and I will do that in the Molecular Biology department. As a MMD students, we have the chance to carry out our second research Internship abroad.
Why do you think is it important that that there are people out there with this degree?
Studying and putting efforts in a MMD Master's can truly help you to understand what researcher life is and it literally trains you to become a successful researcher from various points of view. I guess this programme's structure really lets you walk out of here with full consciousness of your strengths and "where to look" to fulfil your future expectations.
This programme has prepared me to become a researcher in a very broad manner.
- Previous education
- Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study start date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you?
This programme has prepared me to become a researcher in a very broad manner. Apart from learning about many different research fields, there is a major focus on scientific skills, such as working in a group and communicating your research. The focus on these type of skills makes this programme stand out to me and has given me an extra challenge.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
With a small group of highly motivated students, the atmosphere in the class was great! Not only did we bond as a group, but this also made classes very interactive and thereby more educational. Researchers were eager to lecture us and answer all of our questions.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The workload of this programme can be high, especially when all the students in your group are perfectionistic and willing to work extra hours on an assignment. Balancing this with taking rest and time off was the most challenging for me.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
Currently, I am in the USA for an internship at the University of North Carolina in which I investigate a MAPK signalling pathway in yeast, using mathematical modelling and microscopy.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
People with this degree are able to help obtain a better understanding of, and better treatments for many different diseases. Personally, I aim to become a fundamental researcher, providing basic insights that can be used in medical applications later on. Therefore, my next step is to find a fundamental PhD.
I love that MMD covers a wide range of subjects in the biomedical field, but still manages to go in-depth for all of them
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- The Netherlands
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you? Did you experience things that were especially difficult?
The Master's does not only teach you a lot about the biomedical sciences, but also provides you with a broad toolkit of skills that you might need for your future career. The most difficult part for me was learning to manage my time in a more structured way so that I could keep up with the high pace of the courses.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I think it is fantastic. Because we have a long period of courses in the beginning with our own group of students with a lot of group-work, we really got to know each other quite well. The MMD student community is very close, which made me really feel at home at the Radboud University. The close contact we had with teachers is also of great value for me, you learn a lot in this way about all aspects of sciences.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
During MMD there are quite some exams that follow each other quite shortly. In this way I have learned much more than I did during other courses, but it can be challenging sometimes. Finding a good balance between studying and social life is of course the key to this.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I will be leaving for my second internship in approximately a month! My first internship concerned the characterization of a set of proteins found on the surface of sexual-stage malaria parasites, that might be used as new vaccine candidates in the future. In my second internship I will travel to the Pirbright Institute in the United Kingdom, where I will study the protein-RNA interactions needed for translation-replication regulation in flaviviruses.
Why do you think is it important that that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
I think it is crucial for the development of novel treatment options to understand diseases at the smallest level. I think this Master's has prepared me very well for a career in research, but also provided me with critical skills I could need elsewhere. After graduating, I plan to do a PhD in the field of Medical microbiology or Genome editing.
The atmosphere within MMD is great, since almost everyone has a different background (scientific and cultural), we teach and help each other a lot
- Previous education
- Medical Biology, Radboud University
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- The Netherlands
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you? Did you experience things that were especially difficult?
I like MMD because it provides you with a broad but also in-depth scientific background. In addition, MMD focuses a lot on the development of your soft skills (presenting, writing, team-work), preparing you for all future career directions.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The atmosphere within MMD is great, since almost everyone has a different background (scientific and cultural), we teach and help each other a lot. Despite the fact that we are the COVID year, we still tried to meet up regularly and there are the meet-up sessions arranged by the programme coordinator throughout the year for any questions or concerns we might have.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
I never had a course focusing on immunology, therefore this part was harder for me than the other modules. However, before you start MMD you always get feedback to where your knowledge gaps are and what you can do to fill this gap. In the end the immunology topics were (surprisingly for me) some of my favorites!
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
Currently doing my internship in Basel, Switzerland at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research. I am investigating the emergence of secretory lineages in intestinal organoids.
Why do you think is it important that that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
With this Master's degree I feel prepared to enter the research world. My plan after graduation is to start looking for a PhD position in the Netherlands.
Teachers are very enthusiastic to answer questions or to help out when looking for an internship. The community-like feeling between students is also of great added value for
- Previous education
- Molecular Life Sciences, Wageningen University
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- The Netherlands
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you? Did you experience things that were especially difficult?
MMD is quite a broad program, which I very much appreciate because I did not yet know which area of the Biomedical sciences I would like most. Compared to my Bachelor's, the pace of the courses was a lot higher, which was challenging at times but also very rewarding.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I had not expected that even while a lot of education was online, personal contact between students and teachers was possible. Teachers are very enthusiastic to answer questions or to help out when looking for an internship. The community-like feeling between students is also of great added value for me.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
I think it is quite a general trait of MMD students to want to do everything and be good at everything they do. This can be physically and mentally very demanding. I am in the process of learning to prioritize the things that I find most important.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
My first internship was about malaria parasites and how they replicate in human red blood cells. In a few months, I will start my second internship, which will be about the immunology of bats.
Why do you think is it important that that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
In my view, MMD is the perfect preparation for a PhD in the Biomedical sciences. I am learning to be critical, plan and perform experiments, perform well under pressure, etc. After my Master's, I plan on doing a PhD in the field of Medical microbiology.
The programme is really focused on educating students to become a good scientist, including all the soft skills.
- Previous education
- Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- The Netherlands
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
What I like about the programme is that it covers a broad variety of topics which are taught from both a fundamental and translational aspect. Moreover, the programme is really focused on educating students to become a good scientist, including all the soft skills. My background was very different so this programme challenged me to catch up my knowledge gaps in molecular biology. Overall, I learned incredibly many things and I am very grateful for that.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
The atmosphere is great. You follow the programme together with a small group of fellow students of different nationalities. This way you also learn a lot about other cultures. Since there are many contact hours on campus you spend a lot of time together, thereby making many new friends. Every day feels like studying with your family and you share both joy and grief together. Also, since everyone has a different scientific background, you'll get many different perspectives on subjects. In addition to that, the teachers are very nice and approachable. It is easy to just have a chat with them or contact them for questions.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The high workload with the great amount of study material and content makes it hard sometimes to keep up, but it helped me to prioritize things. You don't really get a break and you have many exams in a short period of time. Overall, the programme is very demanding but at the same time, they give you many great unique opportunities.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I did my first internship about targeted radionuclide therapy and its immunological effects at the department of nuclear medicine. I really liked this, also because it gave me the opportunity to work at research group in the hospital. This got me in close contact with the clinic. My current internship is at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden where I will develop a mRNA vaccine for the hepatitis B/D virus.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
Even though you end up in either fundamental or translational research, it is important I think to have a background of both sides in order to understand the whole process. I feel that MMD prepared me to become a researcher in the best possible way. After my Master's degree I hope to continue doing a PhD in the field of precision medicine and immunology.
Patient contact during translational courses helps to build a connection and make sense of what you study theoretically.
- Previous education
- Science in Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- Pakistan
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
I really like Master's programme Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (MMD) for many reasons. First of all, the pace of courses makes sure that you organize your time in a way that you can focus on your studies as well as have a social life at weekends. Second, patient contact during translational courses helps to build a connection and make sense of what you study theoretically. And lasts, the teamwork among classmates plays a key role in building your professional as well as personal skills. It gives you a sense of community.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
There are a lot of opportunities for students to interact with lecturers and course coordinators. Each student is, at least, engaged in evaluating two courses together with the course coordinators. Apart from that, there is a sense of coordination built up among students very nicely as each course has a minimum three or four group assignments. It helps you get better at learning how different people behave and work within a team, which you can use to better understand your fellow students and build a better connection with them.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
There are some challenges that you might face, especially as an international student. One of the things I could point out is how frequent we have to present articles and present different types of data. This is something I find a little bit challenging.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
Molecules exist in every form and they are everywhere. This makes MMD a very specialized Master's programme. It's not easy to get into it and you have to make an active effort to survive the courses, but once graduated it open doors to a range of opportunities; from drug development at commercial levels, fundamental research in academia, to interaction with patients in clinics. Personally, I would like to further delve into antiviral mechanisms of mammals at molecular level and for that I would pursue my career in academia and do a PhD in molecular Biology.
All of the MMD students are pretty close to each other and usually tend to spend time together, which makes you feel at home.
- Previous education
- Microbiology, Mumbai University
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- India
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
The programme covers a wide range of topics in biomedical science. A new course always starts with an introduction and is structured in a manner that is easy to follow, even for those who never had a similar course in their earlier studies. I would say that the program is designed to make sure that all the students are on the same level in the end. The biggest challenge for me is time management as the courses are demanding and it can get exhaustive if the days are not structured.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
I love it. The teachers are easy to talk to. As it is a small cohort, we get to know each other really well. All of the MMD students are pretty close to each other and usually tend to spend time together, which makes you feel at home. Through group work, I've realized that MMD students are enthusiastic and contributing which is a big difference to what I'm used to.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
Time management and balancing social life can get difficult if one is not used to the way the courses are structured. I am also learning to prioritize things as MMD can get mentally exhausting.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
My first internship is about unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibition of IL-6 signaling by CD37 in B cell lymphoma and inflammation.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
MMD is perfect for anyone who wants to pursue a career in science, both in industry and academia. I am still figuring out what I want to do after my Master's.
It is essential that there are people who understand how diseases work so we can increase people's quality of life with improved diagnostics and treatment.
- Previous education
- Molecular Life Sciences, Wageningen University
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Country of previous education
- The Netherlands
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
I really like how the programme relates everything to real disease presentations. I'm fascinated by the inner workings of cells and tissues, but it's also very nice to have an understanding of how those mechanisms can be disrupted and how that affects actual people.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
The small class size of 24 people means you really get to know both your classmates and the lecturers. The lecturers are always happy to answer questions and they appreciate the students' enthusiasm. We as students also count on another during the times when the programme is quite intense.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The most challenging for me is the speed at which courses are given and the expectation to produce reports and presentations. While you do learn a lot in a really short period of time, I definitely looked forward to weekends after exams!
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I'm doing an internship at the Tumour Immunology Lab. Here, I'm researching whether trained immunity is less efficient in cancer patients than in healthy persons.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
I think people on this earth are constantly getting older and busier, and with that we will encounter new age-related and communicable diseases. It is essential that there are people who understand how these diseases work so we can increase people's quality of life with improved diagnostics and treatment.
The soul of MMD is, in my opinion, the small, tight-knit cohort of hard-working and dedicated students.
- Previous education
- BSc Biomedical Sciences (Radboud University)
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study end date
Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
As a postdoctoral researcher at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, I study longitudinal childhood cohorts to explore the connections between early-life infection, subsequent inflammation, and later-life cardiovascular disease. This role, my first postdoctoral position following my PhD completion at Radboudumc's Department of Internal Medicine, involves a mix of laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
I love immunology and wanted to gain more international experience. This job is a fantastic opportunity to develop myself and allows me to apply my skills to some very exciting projects.
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
MMD provided a fantastic foundation for my PhD and current work. The programme taught me how to work in a 'pressure cooker' and provided an environment for gaining experience in topics such as programming, poster/presentation/figure design, and of course the core business: scientific excellence.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
Two great years. The soul of MMD is, in my opinion, the small, tight-knit cohort of hard-working and dedicated students. The teachers were all very keen to transfer their knowledge and the opportunities for (international) internships were great.
What would you recommend to future students when they go to choose a study?
If you are passionate about a particular subject, you probably don't need my advice and already know what you want to do. Do it. If you're not sure yet: consider what you want to do later in life (and pick based on that) or enroll in a broad-ish programme (this will allow you to make a course-correction if needed). Talk to students currently enrolled in the programme(s) you are interested in!
Besides equipping us with the right tools to become successful researchers, the program made us feel like we are part of a family.
- Previous education
- Molecular Life Science (Radboud University)
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study end date
Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
I am currently a PhD student in the lab of Leila Akkari at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Here, I am investigating the use of immunotherapy for the treatment of primary liver cancer. I work in the lab and in parallel perform pre-clinical research using mouse models of liver cancer. Besides my work in the lab, I get the chance to travel to conferences and follow courses on different topics and techniques.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
I am fascinated by immunology and I want to apply my curiosity to the development of new anti-cancer treatment strategies that harness the immune system. I am passionate about research, I enjoy learning new things and tackling new challenges.
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
Among the most important skills I gained from my Master's are multitasking, working efficiently and sticking to deadlines. All these I am now applying to my work.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
Besides equipping us with the right tools to become successful researchers, the program made us feel like we are part of a family. Having to spend a lot of time with our fellow students, we got the chance to experience different cultures and make meaningful personal connections.
What would you recommend to future students when they go to choose a study?
I would advise students to explore their options, talk to current and old students and be open-minded.
The skills that I developed during MMD still help me in my professional career today.
- Previous education
- Bachelor Biomedical Sciences (Radboud University)
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study end date
Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
I am currently working as a scientist at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Germany). In the meantime, I am finishing my PhD project, which I did at the Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen (the Netherlands). As an academic scientist, every day looks different, and my tasks include project management, performing experiments, supervision, teaching, data analysis, presenting my data in meetings, going to conferences, and writing.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
Academic research allows me to follow my curiosity about molecular mechanisms. After 6 years in research, I still love it!
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
MMD perfectly prepared me for starting a PhD project and being a scientist. I gained plenty of lab experience during two extensive internships, working in an international environment, presentation skills, academic, critical thinking and more. The skills that I developed during MMD still help me in my professional career today.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
The quality of the MMD programme, the teachers and the opportunities were great. MMD even helped me to arrange two internships abroad in Barcelona and Berlin. One of the great things about MMD is being part of an international group of highly ambitious, smart and lovely people.
What advice do you have for students choosing a Master's programme?
If you are ambitious, looking for an extra challenge and are considering doing a PhD afterwards, you should definitely consider applying to MMD.
I find the field extremely exciting and full of opportunities and knowledge gaps to be explored.
- Previous education
- Bachelor Life Sciences (HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen)
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study end date
Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
Right now I am a research technician at the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) in Madrid, Spain.
I am involved in several very exciting projects exploring the role of the immune system in melanoma metastasis. I am also responsible for technical support and making sure the lab runs smoothly.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
I have long been fascinated by cancer research and tumour immunology in particular. I find the field extremely exciting and full of opportunities and knowledge gaps to be explored.
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
Apart from the in-depth knowledge and multitude of techniques that I learned during my master's, I also learned how to communicate well with others and work efficiently in a team. I also gained crucial writing and presenting skills.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
The MMD programme was an amazing experience for me. What made it really special were the people I met. Being surrounded by like-minded and motivated people helped me bring out the best in me. We managed to create an environment where everyone could share their worries and we could rely on each other for support.
What advice do you have for students choosing a Master's programme?
My advice is to consider carefully what would bring you satisfaction and joy in your future work. But even if that is not very clear yet, it can become clearer as you try out different things. Once that is settled, you should pick the programme based on your interests, but also based on the professional skills you can gain and the network it would allow you to build.
MMD makes students think critically about research, allowing them to develop ideas and plans to answer questions in molecular biology.
- Previous education
- (Human) Biology (Radboud University)
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you?
I like that in MMD we are taught about the current research on molecular biology, by the researchers of the Radboudumc. It has a strong focus on translational research, something that I was unfamiliar with, but very excited to discover about.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
MMD has relatively small cohorts. This makes us very close to each other, as we face the same experiences (positive and negative) everyday. The lecturers are well established researchers who are very enthusiastic about their work and teaching, which makes it easy to approach them and discuss questions.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The pace is something that I was not familiar with, because there are no regular exam periods. It can be challenging to adapt to this way of studying. However, this way I can stay focused on one course at a time and get a more complete experience.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I am fascinated with the field of immunology and I will do an internship at the Tumour Immunology group, department Medical Biosciences of Radboudumc. I will study how tumours regulate a glycan binding protein in dendritic cells.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
MMD makes students think critically about research, allowing them to develop ideas and plans to answer questions in molecular biology. This is an important quality for a career in research. When I graduate, I would like to explore more the immune cell interactions, hopefully, by doing a PhD in the field of immunology.
What I truly appreciate about this programme is its remarkable combination of scientific knowledge, soft skills, and student well-being.
- Previous education
- Master Biochemistry (Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran)
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you?
What I truly appreciate about this programme is its remarkable combination of scientific knowledge, soft skills, and student well-being. The schedule is thoughtfully designed, offering a mixture of lectures, workgroup presentations, and various forms of student support, including workshops, peer review groups, and individual meetings with personal mentors and study advisors. It feels like the programme truly invested in our growth and success on all levels!
A particularly exciting yet challenging aspect, especially in comparison to my previous education, is how the programme emphasizes mastering multitasking while promoting a sustainable work-life balance. With clearly designated time slots for tasks and self-study, I am learning to approach my responsibilities efficiently while dedicating evenings and weekends to personal time. This structure is not only enhancing my productivity but also equipping me with valuable habits that will undoubtedly benefit me in the future.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
Our class is a relatively small group of students, which has allowed us to build strong connections and foster a supportive environment. We actively communicate and assist one another in learning and growth—whether it involves academic challenges or emotional struggles. The lecturers are incredibly passionate about their subjects, as they teach topics directly related to their ongoing work and research at Radboudumc. Their enthusiasm is evident, as they warmly encourage us to ask questions at any time, fostering an engaging and interactive learning atmosphere.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
The most challenging aspect of the programme is learning a new topic in just one or two lectures in the morning and then applying that knowledge to complete an assignment by the end of the day (a unique characteristic of the 3 MMD translational courses). Through this experience, I am learning to stay fully engaged and focused during lectures, asking questions whenever necessary to thoroughly understand the material. This approach not only helps me tackle assignments effectively but also builds skills that enhance efficiency and productivity for the future.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
Students who complete this programme have multiple career paths to pursue. Equipped with a diverse skill set, graduates are well-prepared to embark on a PhD journey or to work in companies and laboratories, contributing to various professional fields.
Since we're all going through the same challenging programme, it's nice to have a good support system to count on.
- Previous education
- Bachelor Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (University of the Philippines Diliman)
- Programme
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (research)
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you?
I like how the courses are subdivided into (1) core fundamentals (e.g. basic molecular biology concepts) and (2) translational courses (e.g. diseases, current research), which really helps emphasize that the programme is geared towards bench-to-bedside discoveries. The patient contact during the translational courses, in particular, is my favorite since they bridge the gap between theory and reality, giving a human face to the disorders we study and grounding our work in purpose. These sessions help remind me of why I chose to pursue medical research in the first place.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
As a small cohort, there have been a lot of opportunities to interact with everyone both in class (e.g. through group work and presentations) and outside of class (e.g. hangouts after exams). Since we're all going through the same challenging programme, it's nice to have a good support system to count on. The teachers as well have been very enthusiastic and approachable, and they're very accommodating whenever we have questions. You can also expect to get good feedback and constructive criticism from them.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
It's a very fast-paced Master's, wherein for the first few months you'll be presented with a lot of new information in the courses. On top of that, there's a lot of group work and presentations which you have to balance alongside studying for exams. As an international student, it was hard to juggle all of these responsibilities on top of adjusting to the new culture and environment, but over time I was able to find my rhythm and routine.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I will be starting my internship this coming January 2025 in the Department of Radiation Oncology in Radboudumc, where I will be trying to increase the sensitivity of hypoxic tumors to radiotherapy using various OXPHOS inhibitors.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
In the medical field, researchers in the lab are just as important as doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics. While medical researchers don't treat patients directly, their work drives advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and patient care by challenging the status quo and making discoveries. With this degree, I know I'll be equipped with both the fundamental and translational knowledge needed to make a significant contribution to medical research and healthcare. After the programme, I might consider doing a PhD in the field of cancer biology and precision medicine.