A Warm Welcome to the iCANDOC Journey!
What a fantastic day we had at the iCANDOC Welcome Event! It was truly inspiring to gather with the first cohort of doctoral researchers, our supervisors, and staff members to kick off this exciting new chapter at the University of Helsinki. With around 55 doctoral researchers, 20 supervisors, and another 20 staff members, the energy in the room was electric as we began this journey together.
For me, one of the best parts of the event was the sense of connection and community. We’re all coming from different backgrounds whether it’s translational medicine, biology, data science, medicine, or pharmacy but here we are, starting our doctoral paths side by side. It’s amazing to think about how our unique perspectives will come together to create something bigger than ourselves.
After Tomi Mäkelä’s speech, it hit me just how much Finland has invested in this doctoral pilot. One of the key focuses of the Pilot program is to make PhD studies faster and more efficient, especially by connecting us with companies. This kind of collaboration doesn’t just speed up the dissertations, but the impact is potentially huge — most importantly improving the quality of life and prospects of people living with cancer. On the other hand, this massive investment will also bring financial benefits to Finland, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Hearing about iCAN, one of the 14 flagships in the Research Council of Finland’s Flagship programme was a real eye-opener. The scale of the work being done by more than 400 researchers is mind-blowing, and it’s so exciting to know that we’ll be contributing to such impactful research. It’s a reminder of why we’re all here—to make a difference and be part of something truly meaningful.
As we look ahead, I’m filled with excitement and hope. The next few years are going to be challenging, sure, but also incredibly rewarding. I’m looking forward to not only growing in my field but also building friendships and connections with all of you. We’re in this together, and that’s what makes this journey so special.
To my fellow doctoral researchers: let’s support each other, learn from each other, and make the most of this opportunity. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us, and I’m so glad we’re on this path together! Here’s to an incredible journey ahead!
Sadegh Beikverdi
Doctoral researcher | iCANDOC | LinkedIn
University of Helsinki | Viikki Campus
Further information: