Mobility That Matters: How Moving Shapes a Scientist’s Career

In this episode of EURAXESS Smart Talks, hosts Daria Aksenova and Jovan Aranđelović sit down with Dr. Monika Golińska—a biochemist, cancer researcher, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow whose work bridges leading European institutions including the Medical University of Łódź and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.Dr. Golińska shares her journey from early student exchanges to leading a cutting‑edge project investigating the link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer through advanced spatial biology and photoacoustic imaging. She opens up about the realities of research mobility, the value of intersectoral experience in healthcare policy, and the challenges researchers face in building sustainable careers across borders.Whether you're an early-career researcher considering mobility or a seasoned scientist navigating nonlinear career paths, this conversation offers insights, advice, and thoughtful reflections on the future of research in Europe.🔑 Key Topics CoveredDr. Monika Golińska’s path into research and early motivationsFirst experiences with international mobility and Erasmus exchangesChallenges of relocating: bureaucracy, adaptation, and institutional cultureThe impact and value of Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA)Intersectoral mobility: transitioning into the UK National Health ServiceTransferable skills between academia, healthcare, and policyReturning to academia and rekindling a passion for researchWork-life balance for mobile researchersCareer precarity, risk-taking, and planning next steps after fellowshipsSuggestions for more sustainable mobility programsThe future of European mobility and support networks for researchers⏱️ Detailed Timestamps & Guiding Questions00:00 – 00:01 | Intro00:53 – 01:18 | Guest Introduction01:24 – 02:41 | Q1: “Tell us more about yourself and your career mobility.”02:41 – 04:06 | Q2: “What was your first experience with research mobility?”04:07 – 05:31 | Q3: “How challenging is adapting to a new country?”05:31 – 07:00 | Q4: “What role do European mobility programs play?”07:00 – 09:22 | Q5: “Have you experienced intersectoral mobility?”09:22 – 11:20 | Q6: “What was the impact of working in healthcare?”11:20 – 13:16 | Q7: “What drew you back to academia?”13:16 – 15:00 | Q8: “How responsive is policy to research evidence?”15:00 – 18:02 | Q9: “What are the opportunities and drawbacks of mobility programs?”18:02 – 19:41 | Q10: “How can researchers deal with career uncertainty?”19:41 – 21:25 | Q11: “How do we stay healthy during mobility?”21:25 – 24:03 | Q12: “What’s the future of mobility in Europe?”24:03 – 25:01 | Closing Send us a message!