Why we chose SEMM

Having a strong willing to engage in the cutting-edge research, I always ask myself where would be the best place to start higher academic education! The acceptance email for the SEMM molecular oncology PhD program that reached me last November changed everything. There is NO DOUBT that SEMM was my best choice; a school at the cutting-edge of science with state-of-the-art environment and collaborative academic atmosphere in the world fashion and design capital, Milan.

At SEMM, we receive high class research training and we have cutting edge research facilities which sets a firm platform for international students as future mentors in the area of molecular medicine, nanotechnology and computation biology. In my opinion, what makes SEMM a great place to study is: skilled mentors, new age technology, learning spaces and learning support, training and courses, sports facilities, and above all an international environment which is vital not only to hone our academic abilities but makes it a good place to experience international multi culture home.

Four years ago, when I had to decide where I'd like to do my PhD, I was soon fascinated by the perspective to enter the SEMM school of Molecular Medicine. I heard good opinions about the overall level of scientific training, the possibility to have an authentic professional growth and the opportunity to perform an interesting work on relevant scientific topics. Today, almost four years later, I can say to be completely satisfied of the choice and I'm honestly convinced that the overall level of SEMM PhD courses is as high as the ones of big European institutes, such as EMBL or ETH.

I chose SEMM because of its unique interdisciplinary opportunities, and so far it has been the greatest intellectual experience in my life.

Deciding to apply to the SEMM PhD program was very easy for me, because it was the perfect mix between the best part of my own country, together with meeting new people from other countries. Italy is a great place to live and Milan is a big city with a lot of possibilities. SEMM gave me the chance to have everything, international people to collaborate with, improve my English (the working language is English), attend international events and scientific seminars, held by highly qualified researchers from Europe and Overseas and have the possibility to meet and talk about science with these great researchers.

IFOM-IEO-Campus is a very friendly place where everyone is at the same level; you don’t feel the oligarchy even when meeting the scientific directors.

The different programs offered through SEMM provide good training for research in a very motivating environment. Their research centers are among the most reputed institutions in Europe. I love the friendly atmosphere among people coming from different countries, I enjoy playing basketball with lab mates and I am sure I will have nice lifetime memories of my four years at SEMM. I am really honored to be here.

SEMM offers the possibility to meet many young interesting people. We like our work, we enjoy spending time together! As you can see from the picture. Enjoying a weekend of Jazz with Lake view!
Photo was made on 25th June 2011 in Ascona, Switzerland on Lago Maggiore, just two hours from Milan during the Ascona Jazz Festival.
In the photo me and other two phd students Iros Barozzi (Italy) and Heidi Binder (Austria).

I was looking for the best…then I joined the SEMM and I realized that the best was not enough.

Besides giving the opportunity of attending top-notch courses, the Foundations & Ethics of the Life Sciences program allows students with a philosophy degree to actively participate in lab work. We are not just observers of an emerging science, we have the chance to learn about science by doing science.