Molecular Biology

IPMB has been a propelling force for my career development. Such is the quality of education provided by IPMB that, in addition to the offer in Germany, I have a second PhD offer with the West African Rice Development Agency (WARDA), to work on the genetic mechanisms underlying drought resistance in rice. Part of this work will be conducted at the biotechnology facility of the University of Cornell in the USA. However, I decided to accept the German offer.

The IPMB MSc was extremely important in my career development as it paved the way for me to receive a promotion from the University of Zambia's staff development program (as a trainee lecturer) to the position of a full-time lecturer at the institution. The MSc was also pivotal in allowing me to successfully compete and receive a PhD scholarship in the United Kingdom.

The International Programme Molecular Biology (IPMB) changed the course of my career. One of the courses called “Social and Economic Aspects of Biotechnology” helped me to understand the facts, myths and controversies surrounding the world of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their application in modern biotechnology. Today, I am a biosafety officer in charge of analyzing and reviewing applications for GMO work and related activities, and I also monitor compliance with biosafety laws.

As soon as I arrived on campus, I received a warm welcome from the IPMB secretariat and I felt immediately at home. The interuniversity dimension of the study exposed me to different academic environments and a wide range of research. The knowledge and experience I gained in the IPMB programme (International Programme Molecular Biology) have put me in a better position to continue with advanced learning and research, and to perform innovative scientific work for my country.

Coming to Europe wasn’t easy, but I adapted quickly. VUB is one of the few universities offering Molecular Biology as a full MA programme, with professors of high scientific reputation. Studying here has given me a clear direction to what I want to be as a scientist.

VUB is known for academic freedom, great research facilities as well as excellence in higher education. They encourage students of various countries to join the courses offered by them, which results in a diverse student ratio. I get to explore the cultural diversity in Brussels every day. Learning a new language is easy as you gain access to native speakers throughout the country. Overall, I’m thrilled to be a part of the VUB student community and will always cherish my exquisite experiences at the university.