Should I Stay or Should I Go? Migration and Career Decisions in Life Science

Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Migration and Career Decisions in Life Science

In life science, international mobility is often presented as a natural part of a successful career. But behind every move, return, or decision to stay, there's a much more personal story.

Who gets to move freely? What makes a place feel like home? And how much of ourselves do we compromise for a career?

Join VIXE for an evening of personal stories and open discussion about the opportunities, trade-offs, and sometimes uncomfortable realities of building a life and career across borders. And because we're meeting in Gdańsk, we'll also ask: What makes a city worth staying in?

Whether you're a researcher, student, biotech founder, pharma professional, international newcomer, returnee, or someone whose career doesn't quite fit the usual boxes - there's a place for you in this conversation.

What to expect

Agenda

• 18:00–18:30 - Welcome & introductions

• 18:30–20:00 - Panel discussion & Q&A

• 20:00–20:30 - Interactive community discussion

• 20:30–22:00 - Networking

Meet our panelists

Łukasz Rąbalski — Founder and CEO @ VAXICAN

Łukasz never left Gdańsk and never quite stayed in it either. A molecular virologist by training, he sequenced the first SARS-CoV-2 genome from a patient in Poland in 2020, works at the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, and founded Vaxican, a University of Gdańsk spin-off developing therapeutic cancer vaccines. He built that career from here rather than moving to it, and whether the work sat in a university, a state research institute or a company, it has always been public health.

Aleksandra Rutkowska — Research Group Leader @ Medical University of Gdańsk

I spent over 11 years abroad in Ireland and Switzerland, completing my university education, including my PhD, and gaining my first postdoctoral experience. In 2017, I decided to return to Poland to build my independent scientific career, and today I lead a neuroscience research group at the Medical University of Gdańsk. Having experienced both research environments, I bring a personal perspective on the opportunities, challenges and trade-offs of pursuing a scientific career abroad versus returning home to build something of your own.

Manuel Teodoro Tenango — R programmer @ LEO Pharma

I am originally from Mexico, with Spanish passport thanks to my grandfather. who was exiled during the civil war. My background is in environmental sciences, with a PhD from the Czech university of life sciences in Prague. Before that, I traveled across Europe for 2 years, doing all kinds of fun jobs to keep me travelling. From 2020 I am based in Gdansk and working for the pharma industry.

Ines Papak — Postdoctoral Researcher @ Medical University of Gdansk

I graduated in Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb and was planning to build my career as a veterinary surgeon in the UK, but my love for science eventually led me to change direction and move to Gdańsk, Poland, to pursue a PhD in Medicine.Six years later, I still live here, now with my family, and I am only beginning to realise that perhaps there is no such thing as “abroad” and that home is not really a place, but a feeling you get when you're with your loved ones. While I felt completely ready for the scientific journey, the personal one turned out to be full of challenges I hadn't quite prepared for.

The event will be held in English, with Polish-language support available if needed.

Participation is free, but registration is required. Places are limited.

more about VIXE: www.vixe.life
Dofinansowano ze środków Miasta Gdańska. Projekt realizowany w ramach Gdańskiego Funduszu Równości.