The Stockholm region holds strong academic research, with three successful universities as well as leading healthcare providers and one of the most modern university hospitals in the world. What does this environment have to offer students and researchers that are moving here? Riccardo Diamanti, PhD student in Biochemistry, gives us a glimpse of his experiences from living and working as a researcher in Stockholm.
When I moved to Stockholm eight years ago, I was a medical student from Italy looking for a scientifically stimulating country in which to continue my studies. I had never been to Stockholm before, but I had heard many positive things about the city. I packed my suitcase and flew to Sweden without clear plans. This might have been the best choice I have made in my life.
Today I am a PhD student in Biochemistry at Stockholm University. My research focuses on the study of protein structures and the long-term goal of my research is the development of novel drugs and antibiotics. In addition to my studies, I am the current chairman of the PhD council for my department. This involves organizing life science seminars and events, little of which would be possible without Stockholm’s vibrant and enthusiastic scientific environment.
There are three major research institutions in Stockholm, each of which offers a wide variety of interesting research projects. These include the medical Karolinska Institute, the more technical Royal Institute of Technology and finally Stockholm University, the home of Stockholm’s fundamental research. These institutions frequently work together on interdisciplinary projects and also have collaborations with the world’s highest ranked universities. In addition, Stockholm is also home to several pharmaceutical and biotech companies that offer job opportunities in the private sector.
Throughout the year there is a constant flow of free seminars and lectures from several foundation and organizations, which attract leading researchers from around the world. The most famous of these events are the Nobel lectures associated with Nobel Prize week in December. In addition, Nobel Prize laureates and leading researchers frequently visit Stockholm to give free lectures for students of the university.
For us younger students Stockholm has more to offer than just academia. During my time here I have always found what I was looking for in this city: numerous festivals, nightclubs, student life, good music and a multitude of sports activities.
I am really enjoying Stockholm and all the opportunities it has to offer, from study to work, to the many friends I have made. I look forward to my future in this city and have never regretted moving here many years ago.
