While most doctoral programs focus on scientific expertise, the PDP broadens that approach by equipping students with skills for career growth, self-leadership, and resilience. Organized by Christine Karlsson and Jenny Hansson as a part of the Research School in Stem Cell Biology, the PDP serves as a year-long resource for doctoral students.
“PhD students often face challenges that go beyond the lab,” explains Jenny Hansson, an associate professor at Lund University and board member of the Research School in Stem Cell Biology. “This program gives the students a community to turn to for support and the opportunity to develop skills that enhance their scientific research and overall well-being. We hope that the connections they create will last throughout the program and beyond.”
After a brief pause, the one-year PDP returns with 17 participants from research groups across the Center.
“It’s a real asset to have this program helping us develop soft skills and professional strategies,” says Chandramouli Muralidharan, a doctoral student in the Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics. “In Sweden, when you do your PhD, it is not just education; it is employment too, and it can be a lot all at once—so much learning and transformation.”
Kicking-off with a Memorable Start
The program began in March 2024 with a two-day retreat that set the stage for a year of growth and collaboration. The day included several sessions, including workshops that provided students with practical tools to enhance academic productivity and personal well-being.
“In these sessions, we learned how to tackle tendencies like procrastination and manage stress,” says Maria Tsalkitzidou from the Neural Stem Cells research group. “For example, we learned how to break down large tasks into smaller steps and recognize when our productivity is highest.”
One of the day’s most memorable activities was a team-building music session, where students—many of whom had never played an instrument—came together to create simple tunes.
“It was a lot of fun,” recalls Chandramouli. “By the end, we could actually play a few tunes together, which brought us all closer.”
Personalized Professional Development
At the heart of the PDP is its tailored approach, where students are empowered to shape their learning journeys. The program offers a mix of mentoring sessions, workshops, and group activities that adapt to the evolving needs of PhD students.
“The program is incredibly tailored to our needs,” notes Chandramouli. “We have had coaching sessions with Christine that help us set clear goals and outline practical steps to achieve them. At the same time, Jenny’s mentorship has focused on guiding our academic careers, helping us stay on track and navigate research challenges.”
Throughout the year, the program also fosters informal support networks, encouraging students to connect outside structured sessions.
“We have the freedom to find ways to support each other,” Maria adds. “For example, we have organized writing sessions where we meet to work on manuscripts, presentations, or update our portfolios. Having this social support makes it easier to prioritize these tasks and skills that we’ll need throughout our careers.”
Midterm Reflections and New Career Insights
Earlier this autumn, the PDP held its midterm event. Organized by Hanna Eriksson, a doctoral student in the program, together with Maria, Chandramouli, and Christine, it was designed to help participants reflect on their progress and connect with alumni who have successfully navigated various career paths.
The day began with a “Walk and Talk” session, which gave students space to consider their growth since the program’s start. Later, a science pitch session provided a platform to connect. One participant highlighted, “The pitch session refreshed my memory on others’ research focus areas and where I can turn for questions on methodologies. It also helped me see how scientists outside my field view my research, which was really valuable.”
In the afternoon, students were introduced to PDP alumni, Maria Jassinskaja, Ella Quist, and Parashar Dhapola who have forged successful careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Ella Quist, a Senior Research Scientist at Astra Zeneca and a PDP alumna, shared her thoughts: "It was lovely to meet all the enthusiastic PhD students who were eager to discuss career choices and to gain knowledge about different options for their post-PhD careers. The students were well prepared with questions that led to good discussions and, hopefully, I helped to provide insights into what a shift from academia to a scientific role in a large pharmaceutical company might look like."
Sofie Singbrant Söderberg, a former researcher at the Lund Stem Cell Center and current Director and Head of Project and Portfolio Management at the Novo Nordisk Fonden, complemented this session as she discussed career opportunities beyond academia. Roundtable discussions with alumni offered students a broader perspective on potential career trajectories.
“Hearing everyone’s stories and that they have not always followed a straight line is encouraging,” emphasized another PDP participant.
A Supportive Community with Long-Term Impact
As the program progresses, students are enthusiastic about the upcoming workshops and continued mentoring. “There is a genuine sense of motivation within our group,” Maria notes. “Everyone is eager to participate, to share, and to grow.”
“This program has given us the confidence to shape our careers and take ownership of our research journeys,” adds Chandramouli.
“We are committed to equipping these young scientists for both personal and professional success,” shares Christine Karlsson, a scientific coordinator and ICF-certified coach at the Lund Stem Cell Center and board member of the Research School in Stem Cell Biology. “It is about preparing them for a lifelong career in science, wherever that path takes them.”
