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Students honored for summer research at Sahlgrenska Academy
On Thursday, October 3, 64 ambitious students presented their summer research projects and were honored with diplomas at Medicinareberget, in the company of supervisors and donors.
A warming October sun shone through the curtains of the Birgit Thilander lounge, where the ceremony took place. Guests enjoyed sparkling drinks and tasty refreshments in lively conversation.
"I have realized that research is much more than just working in a lab. As a researcher, you must be prepared for a good dose of frustration in the form of failed experiments, rejected manuscripts, and lengthy processes with ethical applications." These are the words of medical student Patrik Ahlgren Buske.
"That's insightfully put," says Helen von Sydow, a specialist in general medicine, who, together with vice dean Mia Ericson, selected this year's scholarship recipients.
"When I studied medicine 50 years ago, it was easy to get a summer job in healthcare, but it's not as easy now. With summer research, it's a valuable learning experience whether or not the projects 'succeed'," says Helen von Sydow.
Over 800 student researchers
The purpose of the scholarships is to stimulate interest in research by giving students the opportunity to try research early in their education.
"We see research as an important part of training to become doctors, dentists, and pharmacists. The scholarships play a crucial role in providing the opportunity to try research, but the most important role is played by all the skilled and engaged supervisors," says Oscar von Sydow.

The summer research was funded by scholarships from the Mary von Sydow, née Wijk, Donation Fund and the Erik & Lily Philipson Memorial Fund, and were awarded by representatives Oscar and Helen von Sydow. The scholarships were established in 2003. At that time, 20 scholarships were awarded to medical students. Since then, the program has grown. This year, 50 medical students, as well as seven pharmacy and seven dental students, had the chance to conduct research during the summer. In total, more than 815 students have benefited from this initiative, amounting to approximately 17 million SEK in research funding.
A smaller number of students received funding for summer research from the Aina Wallström and Mary-Ann Sjöblom Foundation for Medical Research at the University of Gothenburg and through the Sahlgrenska Academy's own scholarship, the Axel Lennart Larsson Fund.
Wide range of projects
Each student worked on a specific project, but together they covered a broad field, including preeclampsia, ADHD, kidney disease, Alzheimer's, obesity and gestational diabetes, sarcoma, systemic sclerosis, depression, chronic pain, PCOS, periodontitis, and dental implants. Some had their hypotheses confirmed, while others did not.
So, did the first student, Patrik Ahlgren Buske, get discouraged from pursuing future research? Quite the opposite, as it turns out:
"Research is a lifestyle that involves constantly seeking new knowledge, being part of a strong community, and contributing to better health and longer life. This experience has convinced me that I want to continue my career in research, and I have also made valuable contacts that can help me move forward in my career. Thank you for this opportunity!"

Bassma Abed Al Sattar, in her third term of the medical program, with supervisor Maria Johansson
"Research has always fascinated me, working with problem-solving. I heard about the summer research program and reached out to Maria, who had lectured on circulation and atherosclerosis."
"It is very stimulating to get young people interested in research and get them to dive deep into a small project and become fully immersed in it," says Maria Johansson, supervisor and professor of physiology at the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology.

"I researched potential fat cell dysfunction by simulating an environment in mice that mimics PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) in women. It was very exciting, especially that I got to engage in research focused on diseases affecting women, as historically, not as much research has been conducted on women as on men. I can definitely see myself doing clinical or industry research."

"It was fun and educational to work on separating cells and see if a certain bacterium can reduce the immune cell's ability to fight bacteria in periodontitis. It was an eye-opener to try research. I can see myself working in research in the future."

"I initially thought research wasn't for me, and that I wouldn't go the research route. But older students and lecturers sparked my interest, so I thought, 'why not give it a chance?' Now I feel that this is something I really want to do," says Safana Al-freji, who researched a drug for alcohol dependence. "My supervisor created an atmosphere where I felt comfortable asking even 'stupid questions.'"
Text & Photos: Anna Rehnberg
Vice dean Mia Ericson and Helen von Sydow work together to select which students will be given the opportunity to conduct summer research. The application process for the scholarships includes announcements in the fall, applications during February-March, and decisions in April.