As a theoretical / computational chemist, I adore studying properties of molecules and trying to understand the way they interact. That is why my PhD project (started in February 2023) is about designing novel, self-reparable polymers for which I collaborate with colleagues from TU Eindhoven. Together, we aim to synthesize materials that can contribute to less plastic waste. Alongside my project, I find science communication truly fascinating and the societal aspect of (doing) research. I dove deeper into science communication during my masters and I developed a great interest in the relation between science and society, and between scientific communities themselves. Conducting research envelops much more than solely science and I realized that collaborating with scientists from other disciplines made me a much richer person in an enjoyable way! Thus, I am very excited to join the FYS community and organize interactive and playful workshops such as dialogues and hands-on participation to broaden the views of scientists from both a mental wellbeing and a soft skills point of view.

I am a Postdoc in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, having joined in November 2023. My academic journey began with a focus on neuroscience at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, where I completed my PhD in September 2023. My research focus is on understanding memory processes, particularly the role of epigenetic mechanisms. My passion for science outreach and peer support is demonstrated by my previous roles as spokesperson for the Neuroscience Masters, PhD representative, and as board member for a neuroscience competition for high school students in Germany. Now, at VU, I am eager to continue providing a platform and courses for fellow scientists. Specifically (but not only), I want to focus on starting postdocs and those who have moved from abroad and are seeking to establish new social circles. By joining the Forum for Young Scientists, we all can come together, share experiences, and support each other in navigating the early stages of our careers.

I am an experimental physicist, currently in the last year of PhD, with a passion for finding creative experimental solutions to shed light on the mechanoresponse of complex biological systems, as well as the microscopic structures contributing to it. During the past four years, the focus of my work has been to employ micromanipulation/single-molecule techniques to develop new experimental assays aimed at quantifying the mechanical properties of biological systems at different length scales. Alongside the PhD, I have a strong passion for art and graphic design, especially when these can be employed to improve science communication; I strongly believe that a good visualisation of ideas and research results is key for a more insightful understanding. I’m therefore extremely happy to be helping FYS with designing logos, core-topics illustrations and monthly newsletters.

I recently started my journey as a PhD student looking at underlying mechanisms in addiction as well as sex/gender differences. As a new PhD student, I wanted to find ways to contribute and connect with peers from other fields as well. When I learned about the Forum for Young Scientists, I immediately felt that I should try to join them in their pursuit of helping PhD and Postdoc students with either skill improvement or mental wellbeing. I was lucky enough to be accepted as part of their team which brought me closer to my goals. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, playing tennis, and spending time with my kid, who, I must admit, brings me the most joy throughout the day.

I am a PhD candidate in Ecological Immunology at the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE). My scientific passion lies in applying evolution and genomics for species conservation in terms of genetic health. For my PhD, I am assessing the variation in survival of wild boar to the African Swine Fever Virus. African Swine Fever is an incredibly lethal disease for pig species, currently causing epidemics in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The goal of the project is to find predictive factors for survival to make risk assessments for populations free of the disease. To achieve this, I use a combination of ecological and evolutionary theory, genomics, and immune measurements. After completing my PhD, I imagine leaving the academic world and trying a job in science communication. To that end, I started attending the FYS workshops as they allow for personal development in skills that are not just relevant in science. Since attending these workshops has been a blast, I decided to join the board!

I was born and raised in Vietnam, but have been living here and there, and pursuing higher education in the Netherlands for quite a while. Currently, I am working as a PhD candidate in Entrepreneurship with a specific focus on startup accelerators. In my research, I wish to investigate whether acceleration programs have an influence on startup performance, and explore the underlying processes therein. Sharpening my research competence is important, but enhancing other academic and social skills is crucial as well. That is why I join FYS as a board member. Not only do I hope to nourish myself as a young scientist, but I hope to support others in their academic endeavors as well.

As a junior lecturer, I collaborate with and provide support to the VU AI teaching staff in various Bachelor and Master AI courses. This support ranges form delivering lectures, to coducting working group sessions, (re)designing courses and course level coordination. Along with teaching responsibilities, I am also currently coordinating Master Project AI. Besides my teaching responsibilities, I also invlove myself in research every now and then. In my research, I focus on mental and physical health behaviour change through AI driven authonomous support systems for emotion and desire regulation. Therefore, as an inspiring young scientest, I am excited to join FYS and contribute to the society through this vibrant community. I believe the workshops organized by FYS not only enrich young scientists in various skills but also form a coherent community of scientists who support each other in various ways.