Early Stage Researchers

What is your project/research about?

In my research project I mainly focus on the impact of miRNAs on the ischemic stroke pathology. I’d like to elucidate what are the mechanisms responsible for improving or worsening the stroke outcome when the specific miRNAs are being overexpressed or their action is inhibited in the brain.

Why did you apply for a Marie Curie ITN and especially this project?

Marie Skłodowska-Curie INT nEUROinflammation appeared to me as a really interesting and promising project within the field of neurosciences. I applied for this certain position at University of Eastern Finland because the research group I’m a part of is well recognized and I was convinced I’ll be satisfied with the working environment.

What is so fascinating for you on research in general?

The basic research allows us to better understand the fundamental mechanisms standing behind the neurophysiology phenomena. The tools that we use in our research enable us to analyze it and then explain how the pathological conditions are regulated. The most fascinating fact is not only the possibility of the insight into the molecular mechanisms of stroke, but the ability to change or control them, what in turn can become the treatment for this disease.

What do you do in your free time?

In my free time I do sports. Usually I go to the gym, but long and snowy Finnish winter allows me to ski in the cross-country style, and I’m a really big fan of it. I like also listening to the music, enjoying very broad spectrum of music genres, including modern classical music, folk rock and art pop.

What are your plans for your future?

In the nearest future I’m planning to successfully combine my post-doc research with starting a family.

Regarding our meetings:

Please give a short summary what you remember about are Network Meetings?

Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN nEUROinflammation meetings were always an excellent way to improve our research skills, especially thanks to Transferable Skill Workshops organized for ESRs. Apart from that our Network Meeting created a really good environment for scientific discussions and were a fantastic source of good energy and motivation, what I personally find very important.

What are the impressions and learnings you take with you from each meeting?

Every time I got the impression I’m surrounded by excellent scientists creating an important network for stroke and multiple sclerosis research. Working collectively on different aspects of those pathologies can result as better understanding of their mechanisms and possibly improve the treatments currently available in the clinics. Each of the meetings was also an opportunity to expand the knowledge in this field of neuroscience and then try to make use of it for my own research project.

What was the most useful workshop?

All the workshops were really useful, but if I need to pinpoint only one of them, I’d choose Biometry and Statistic given by Inke König in Lübeck, 2015.