Student Experience

What was the main factor in your choice of the CSMM for your postgraduate studies?

The main factor for choosing CSMM for my PhD studies was the beneficial co-existence of clinics and research laboratories under the roof of CING. This creates an environment of a teaching hospital in which research results are directly used in patient care.  This could not be achieved without the excellent personnel of the School whose leading profile in science is internationally acknowledged. 

How does your previous educational experience in Cyprus or overseas compare with your experience at the CSMM?

The educational standard of the CSMM does not in any way fall short whencompared with my previous overseas experience in the UK. In terms of facilities the School is fully equipped with interactive boards, classroom facilities and an amphitheater. Labs and clinics have state of the art equipment with some examples being electroencefalograma, Next Generation Illumina sequencing, FACS, fluorescent, confocal and electron microscopes. In addition, a great percentage of CSMM research is carried out in the mouse facility which not only supports breeding and behavioural tests, but it is also staffed by excellent personnel experienced in advanced techniques including embryo implantations and stereotactic surgeries.

One of the main advantages of the CSMM is the low number of students per class which allows for highly interactive lectures. I was not surprised seeing how approachable and friendly the staff members of the School are. At this point it is worth mentioning that all the Professors, Lectures, Medical Doctors and their research groups are experienced in student supervision and guidance. Overall, when comparing the CSMM with my previous overseas experience it feels like being more friendly and protective with its students.

What do you enjoy most about studying at the CSMM?

What I enjoy the most about studying at the CSMM is the friendly environment met both in the School and the Education Office. The CSMM is a place which not only promotes scientific accomplishments but also allows students to have a say so that all together we assist in maintaining the level of excellence prevalent at the CSMM.

How would you describe your experience at the CSMM?

The CSMM is the right place for excelling scientific skills and knowledge. It is an honor to be a member of the CSMM and its parent organisation, the Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, which is an internationally acknowledged institute and to have the opportunity to work with scientists who have not only assisted in improving international understanding in neurological and genetic pathways  but have also been seriously involved in finding treatments and therapies for several diseases; a recent example being CING participation in Apollo clinical trial about amyloidosis.   

Interview with Paraskevi Chairta – Medical Genetics PhD Student

What was the main factor in your choice of the CSMM for your postgraduate studies?

The main factor that I chose the CSMM in order to continue my postgraduate studies is because the CSMM, housed within CING provides a unique educational experience combining taught courses and research conducted in specialized and high-throughput laboratories, in the areas of genetics, neurology and biomedical sciences.

How does your previous educational experience in Cyprus or overseas compare with your experience at the CSMM?

The opportunity to continue my PhD studies at a well-reputed institution such as the Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine had been my utmost ambition. As stated before, the major advantage of CSMM is the combination of the educational and research experience. Therefore, students are able to better understand and remember a large number of lab techniques and biological processes. At the CSMM, I also have the chance to be the student representative in the Health & Safety Committee.

The academic faculty is very supportive and friendly, providing us with excellent feedback on our work and always willing to advise and help students. The CSMM has also established collaborations with universities and centres of neighbouring countries; thus its students have the opportunity to travel to other countries with its involvement in Erasmus activities. This experience enhances students’ personal development and improves their knowledge through exchanging opinions with other scientists. The skills, knowledge and experience gained at the CSMM will be of huge benefit for my future career.

What do you enjoy most about studying at the CSMM?

The academic staff is friendly, open and very helpful. I have also enjoyed that the administration truly cares about what students think and take their ideas into account when considering ways to improve school life.

How would you describe your experience at the CSMM?

To prospective students I say "Go for it!" 
Three words which describe the CSMM in my opinion are: Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence.

Interview with Stefani Stefani - MSc Student

What was the main factor in your choice of the CSMM for your postgraduate studies?

The main reason for choosing the CSMM to continue with my postgraduate studies is because, as part of CING, it gives the opportunity to students to be part of an acknowledged research centre which combines both the practical and the theoretical approach.  The existence of clinics and laboratories under the same roof allows students to directly apply their knowledge.  This was also the main factor that prompted me to accept the position I was offered for a PhD in Neuroscience at the CSMM.

How does your previous educational experience in Cyprus or overseas compare with your experience at the CSMM?

Being a graduate student from the Montpellier 2 University in France, I can truly say that the CSMM does not lack in any sector.  Both the educational and laboratory facilities are highly equipped with state of the art technologies.  For instance, the classrooms are fully equipped with interactive boards while the presence of the Next Generation Sequencing (Illumina) in the labs is one of the most important advantages that CING should be proud of. Therefore, students not only have the opportunity to observe the work that is carried out in these highly equipped labs and clinics but also to use the machines available and hence better understand how each method works. 
In addition, the relationship between the students and the academic faculty is marvelous with the Professors present for us for any difficulty that we may encounter during our studies. This is a huge advantage of the CSMM when compared with other Universities where there is usually a gap between students and Professors.  Being a student at the CSMM allowed me to enrich my knowledge and experience in many scientific methods that I never had the opportunity to use before.

What do you enjoy most about studying at the CSMM?

The thing that pleasantly surprised me was the relationship between the staff of the CSMM and CING; not only do they support each other but they also cooperate in order to fully support the students. The staff of the CSMM is really helpful and sweet with us while they also take serious consideration of any problem or recommendation we may have.  Furthermore, at the CSMM, the staff organizes social events that bring the students together such as movie nights and different excursions.  It is worth mentioning that this year we had the opportunity to visit Argyrides Winery at the village of Vasa Koilaniou along with the staff and the Dean of the School. 

How would you describe your experience at the CSMM to a prospective student who may be interested in applying to the CSMM next year?

To prospective students I will say applying to the CSMM may be the best choice for their future career. Being a member of the CSMM gave me the opportunity to gain experiences that will change and ameliorate my scientific profile.  Perfection, collaboration and assistance are three words that in my opinion describe the CSMM.