30th Anniversary of the MSCA - From Twente to Harvard and back: My MSCA journey
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Global Fellowship took me from Europe to the Harvard Medical School, connecting me with brilliant minds worldwide. From Boston’s biotech hub to exclusive scientific conferences, this journey transformed my research, collaborations, and vision for a truly global scientific community.
The MSCA and me
When I first learned about the MSCA Global Postdoctoral Fellowship, I saw it as more than just a research grant: it was an opportunity to grow as a scientist in a truly global context. After completing my fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, I can confidently say it has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic life. The fellowship strengthened my research skills, expanded my worldview, and built my confidence as an independent researcher ready to contribute to Europe’s scientific future.
My fellowship focused on understanding fundamental biological questions with implications for regenerative medicine and disease biology. Working at Harvard Medical School provided access to world-class facilities and mentors and placed me in a vibrant scientific ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, curiosity, and innovation.
My experience in Boston
Boston is often described as the world’s biotech capital, and truly lives up to its reputation. Every week, there was a scientific event somewhere in the city: conferences, workshops, trade shows, and networking sessions connecting academia and industry. Immersed in this environment, I had endless opportunities to learn about cutting-edge technologies and translational research. This exposure shaped my understanding of how science can move from the bench to real-world impact.
During my time in Boston, I published two high-impact review articles and two research articles which also represent the global spirit of the MSCA. Collaborating with researchers from Singapore, Mexico, China, the USA, and South Korea taught me how to build and sustain international research networks — an essential skill in today’s interconnected scientific landscape.
Holding this prestigious fellowship and working at Harvard also opened doors to exclusive, competitively selected, fully funded scientific meetings. I was invited to a conference at the HHMI Janelia Research Campus and a Journal Workshop in London, organized by the Company of Biologists. These selective meetings brought together exceptional scientists from around the world in intellectually stimulating settings. Engaging with such diverse talent helped refine my scientific thinking and broadened my vision for the kind of research community I hope to build in the future.
Outcome of the MSCA fellowship
What stood out most during my fellowship was the spirit of collaboration. Every challenge I faced in my research was met with a helping hand – whether it was experimental advice, data feedback, or brainstorming new approaches. The intellectual generosity of the Harvard community taught me that science is truly a collective endeavor. These collaborations continue beyond my fellowship and are shaping my ongoing academic projects.
The fellowship also gave me the opportunity to supervise students from Mexico and China, enriching my mentoring skills and helping me appreciate the diversity of thought and culture in science. Working with students and researchers from multiple countries taught me to communicate effectively across cultures and adapt my mentoring style to different backgrounds.
Beyond the lab, Boston offered a cultural and intellectual vibrancy that was equally enriching. From discussions in coffee shops near Kendall Square to lectures at MIT and networking events in Cambridge, the city provided a constant flow of inspiration. It was impossible not to feel energised by the sense of possibility and innovation that defines the Boston research community.
Reflecting my MSCA journey
I realise that none of this would have been possible without the MSCA Global Fellowship. It opened the door to Harvard Medical School, provided the freedom to explore ambitious ideas, and gave me a platform to connect with some of the brightest minds in biomedical research. The fellowship equipped me with not only advanced technical expertise but also the soft skills essential for building a sustainable and collaborative scientific career.
Now, as I continue my research at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, I bring with me the knowledge, skills, and global connections developed in Boston. My goal is to strengthen Europe’s role in interdisciplinary and international science by fostering collaborations that cross borders and disciplines.
The MSCA Global Fellowship is more than a funding programme – it is a bridge between continents, ideas, and people. For me, it has been a bridge from aspiration to achievement, from local curiosity to global impact. And most importantly, it has reminded me that science knows no boundaries — only possibilities waiting to be explored.
