Testimonies

David N.

American
Intake 2 - 2022-2024
Junior Scientist in the Pharmaceutical Development Department with Hoffmann La Roche in Basel, Switzerland

BIOPHAM was a transformative experience in many ways, providing me with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in pharmaceutical materials science—an entirely new field for me at the time—and, just as importantly, an international group of lifelong friends. Like some of my classmates, I took full advantage of the program’s mobility, moving five times over the two years. Studying and conducting research at Università di Pisa, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, the Max Planck Institute, Université de Lille, and MIT. This exposed me to diverse teaching styles, assessment methods, and research environments, while also immersing me in new cultures and cities. Such an experience would be incredibly difficult to find outside of BIOPHAM or another Erasmus Mundus program.

Beyond the technical knowledge gained in each semester, BIOPHAM’s international scope broadened my perspective and allowed me to build an extensive global professional network—something that directly helped me secure my current role. Collaborating with researchers and professionals across Europe and the U.S. significantly enhanced my adaptability and problem-solving skills across different disciplines. These qualities are essential in my current work with Roche, where I focus on optimizing gene therapy formulations. Studying at institutions with distinct and different academic strengths provided an unparalleled learning experience that continues to shape me today.

Maulana A.

Indonesian
Intake 1 – 2021-2023
PhD student at the University of Trento (Italy)

Zabreen M.

Pakistani
Intake 3 – 2022-2024
2nd year BIOPHAM Master student at University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland

Being part of Biopham has been a life-changing experience. It allowed me to travel the world, explore breathtaking places, and study at esteemed institutions under the guidance of brilliant professors. I discovered physics and material science from a new perspective, expanding my knowledge in ways I never imagined. Beyond academics, I formed lifelong connections with colleagues from all over the world—today, I feel like I have a home in every one of my friends' countries. Experiencing different cultures firsthand made me more independent and deepened my appreciation for my heritage. I had the chance to proudly present my culture, carry it with me wherever I go, and share pieces of it with those around me—just as I now carry parts of my friends' cultures in return. From the openness, the love for food, and the warmth of their embrace, I've learned that connection knows no borders. This journey has been more than just education; it has been a transformation.

Monica V.

Mexican
Intake 1 - 2021-2023

BIOPHAM was a great personal and professional experience. I had the opportunity to grow my professional network which allowed me to do internships at the Max-Planck Institute and at AstraZeneca. Moreover, the programme provided me with deep knowledge in the field of materials science which can be applied in diverse industries. It a was wonderful experience to be part of a diverse community where we all learnt from each other and shared goals in common.

Fabian P.

Ecuadorian
Intake 2 - 2022-2024
PhD student in Lille, France

I still can’t believe that I have already finished my ERASMUS Mundus Master’s program. I still can’t believe everything I have experienced during these two years. Biopham was a challenge in every sense.

When I first saw the program, my initial thought was, “I will travel a lot during the program,” and in fact, I did. The only problem was that no one told me how hard it would be to move every six months. It was a challenge to build a life every six months and then leave it behind. But from every experience, you learn. I was able to pick up bits of new languages and cultures, but more importantly, I learned how to be flexible.

Academically, I thought it was going to be like college—somewhat relaxed, with occasional periods of intense study. But it turned out to be much more complex than that. The first semester was already tough. I wanted to quit because I thought I wouldn’t be able to pass. For the following semesters, I knew I needed to develop a study method to avoid repeating that experience.

Biopham gave me new knowledge and a new family. Even though we came from different parts of the world, we were able to understand and be compassionate toward one another. I think I was lucky because all my friends were always there when I needed them. We shared many new experiences—food, music, challenges, and even bureaucracy—which I believe helped us grow as individuals. We learned things that weren’t part of the academic curriculum. We learned how to plan a journey, how to cook, how to save money, and how to manage our emotions—all while becoming scientists.

My experience in Biopham was life-changing. It allowed me to travel and see the world, showed me that friends can become family, and taught me that effort is always worthwhile. It also showed me that time won’t stop and that the best way to live is one day at a time.

Anna B.

Italian
Intake 1 – 2021-2023
PhD student at the University of Twente, Netherlands

BIOPHAM has been the launching pad for my personal and professional growth. I embarked on a journey filled with both accomplishments and challenges, shared with fourteen incredible individuals who started as friends and then became family. Our connection transcended books and grades, forging bonds that shaped us as scientists and as humans.

Living in four different countries and growing together was an extraordinary experience. The network BIOPHAM fosters is remarkable—you are constantly surrounded by brilliant minds and deeply immersed in the life of researchers.

However, BIOPHAM isn’t for everyone. It’s for the freethinkers, for those bold enough to break new ground. Challenges are an integral part of the journey, but with dedication and motivation, the results you can achieve are truly beyond imagination.

Looking back, I feel proud of who I have become and deeply grateful for the opportunities Biopham provided. Without it, my life would have taken a completely different path, and I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Aanantharaj K.

Indian
Intake 2 – 2022-2024
Research Associate in the Analytical R & D Department Difgen Pharmaceutical Hyderabad, India

I am currently working as an Research Associate in the Analytical R & D Department at Difgen Pharmaceutical in Hyderabad, India. The work deals with developing new Analytical methods and characterisation of high complex generics currently. All the course material and experience gained in Biopham helps me greatly in dealing with complex problems at work.

Lucas C.

Brazilian
Intake 2 – 2022-2024
Technical sales consultant (Ingénieur Technico Commercial) FILAB, France

Being selected to participate in the BIOPHAM Erasmus Mundus Program was a privilege, and this experience completely changed my life! BIOPHAM offers an innovative training course focusing on studying the material properties of products used in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Through the opportunities provided by the program, I gained more expertise in the analytical methods used for materials characterization, such as DSC, laser diffraction, and rheology, as well as in conducting research projects. Moreover, with the experience of living in 5 different countries, studying and participating in projects with colleagues from over 13 different nationalities and diverse scientific backgrounds, I have developed essential soft skills that are highly valued in the labor market, including resilience, flexibility, and problem-solving.

Aaron K.

Indian
Intake 3 - 2022-2024
BIOPHAM student in University of Silesia of Katowice, Poland

My journey with BIOPHAM Master program was indeed a transformative and a wonderful life experience. The multidisciplinarity of the course provides foundational knowledge and expertise in diverse domains of pharmaceutical sciences. It enables the students to be versatile, and the opportunities to involve in research during the program helps to pursue a career in what they are passionate of. The multi-cultural exposure gained with global inclusiveness of the program and the mobility scheme across Italy, Spain, and France/Poland facilitated me in improving personal skills, learning new languages and to be adaptable. The support and encouragement of professors and secretary gives we students the feeling of a family, and we like to call ourselves as BIOPHAMily. Throughout my journey, whenever there were struggles, BIOPHAM gave me the courage and support to overcome those challenges and to move forward to success. Thank you very much BIOPHAM!!

Manuela W.

Colombian
Intake 1 – 2021-2023
PhD researcher KU Leuven-Belgium

BIOPHAM was an intense experience, the academic quality of the programme improved my analytical and language skills, get to know about other’s people interests, beliefs and perspectives made the experience unforgettable. The programme changed the course of my life, the people whom I shared with feels now like my family. I am grateful with the professors and the coordinators for all the shared knowledge and for keeping our minds always curious about current gaps in science and engineering. I will never forget the spontaneous trips to random places in Europe, the nights studying and doing homework, the cooking days/nights with my friends, the people I’ve met, the visa applications, the laboratory experiences, the first time I went to the Synchrotron, the parties, and the goodbyes from my family for two years.

Thanks, BIOPHAM !

Omar A.

Egyptian
Intake 1 – 2021-2023

A Life-Changing Experience with BIOPHAM

Joining the Erasmus BIOPHAM master's program was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The multicultural environment not only broadened my perspective but also allowed me to connect with incredible people from diverse backgrounds. I am deeply grateful for everyone I met; professors, colleagues, and friends, who helped me to make this journey to the end and made it unforgettable. Through this program, I gained invaluable knowledge and research skills in material science. The build-up of the knowledge from different universities was consistent and harmonic. My thesis work was at the interface between physics and pharma, which enriched my background and fulfilled my research passion for biomaterials.

After BIOPHAM, I had the chance to continue following my research passion by moving to Stuttgart, Germany, to start my PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. The research topic is also addressing the study of material science and its various kinds of applications. My experience with BIOPHAM has not reached the end yet, the connection with everybody still exists thanks to the yearly integration week. This gathering keeps the community alive, offering opportunities to reconnect, exchange knowledge, and stay engaged with the latest developments in the field. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any young student eager to explore the frontiers of material science while experiencing the beauty of multicultural collaboration.