At the Vienna BioCenter, our Industry Insights initiative aims to build bridges between academia and industry
The Vienna BioCenter is a hub for biological research, setting students and postdoctoral scientists on a path to academia and beyond. In addition to an established interest in academia on campus, there is also a strong desire to learn about the diverse and numerous career paths that lie outside of basic research.
We aim to meet this demand, and to build bridges within the scientific environment:
Connecting academia and companies through tailored events, including company presentations and dedicated networking sessions. In this way, we hope to provide a perfect setting for our VBC community to gain an insider's glance to the dynamic world of industry, from big challenges and opportunities to the daily work environment, and at the same time corroborate the reputation of the VBC as a leading biology research center in Europe.
The events involve a presentation or workshop led by company representatives, followed by a dedicated networking session.
Next Event
Are you curious about a career in scientific publishing? Whether you’re a researcher, writer, or simply passionate about science communication, this event is for you!
Join us for an evening with the managing editor of Review Commons at EMBO, Sara Monaco, PhD , where she will share her journey and insights into the world of scientific publishing, career pathways, and essential skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Date: 11/03/2025
Time: 18:00 CET
Location: GMI-IMBA Lecture Hall (IMBA, 4.39 Ground Floor)
This is a great opportunity to network, ask questions, and explore career options in scientific publishing. Whether you're considering editorial roles, manuscript management, or science communication, this session will provide valuable guidance.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Archive
After the success of our Kearney event in 2024, we're thrilled to announce our Kearney Case Study Workshop.
When: February 28th, 2025. 16:30 CET
Where: Kearney Office, Tuchlauben 7, Suite 8, 1010 Vienna
• A brief introduction to the world of consulting for scientists
• An engaging case study workshop
• Networking and fun at the get-together with drinks and snacks
• VBC members fluent in German (B2 level or above)
• Limited spots available: only 10-12 participants!
Kearney will share their feedback by 21st February 2025.
P.S. There will be more events for non-German speakers later in the year!
Have you ever wondered how your STEM background can propel you into the world of consulting?
If yes, we have the right event for you! For our next VBC Industry Insights event in January we will be joined by representatives of BCG, one of the leading global management consulting firms!
Get first insights into the work of BCG, find out why it is particularly exciting for STEM graduates to work in consulting, and ask your questions to the three BCG representatives from the Vienna office:
Dr. Heike Dorninger | Managing Director and Partner, Office Lead
Peter Gamillscheg | Consultant
Catherine Kindl | Associate
The workshop hosts will also provide details on the application process and present a case study both as an example of how they work at BCG and an insight to job interviews.
We are excited to kick off 2025 with an online workshop together with our friends at Wilbe, one of the first full-stack venture firms dedicated to scientists, to discuss what makes the new generation of scientists.
What are the skills, mindset, and tools required to break away from traditional academic career paths and drive meaningful impact at scale?
Who is this for: PhD students, postdocs, and PIs
When: January 9th, 2025. 17.00-18.00 CET
Where: Online, link provided to the registered attendees.
We are very excited to announce our first company visit, jointly organized by VBC Industry Insights and Boehringer Ingelheim Vienna!
On October 10th, Boehringer Ingelheim Vienna will open their doors to the members of our community for a unique opportunity to take a look at the inner workings of the company. The full day program will include a guided tour through BI facilities and will finish with a round table. The visit site can be easily reached via public transport within 30-40 minutes from VBC (more details will follow).
There is no better way to connect and network with BI than being on site. We look forward to you joining us on this exciting tour!
Join us for our next VBCII event hosting Merck!
We will be joined by:
- Dr Shashi Jasty | Chief of Staff to the Chief Science & Technology Officer
- Dr Stephanie Linker | Computational Scientist
Shashi and Stephanie will share their personal career journeys and insights, and give an overview of the R&D and pharmaceutical industries.
Their presentation will be followed by Q&A and a networking session with drinks and snacks provided.
This will be a great opportunity to connect with and learn from Merck professionals!
Event Timing: 17:00, 27 May 2024
Event Location: IMP Lecture Hall, Vienna BioCenter
Join us for our next event with BioNTech R&D Austria!
BioNTech’s mission is to improve human health worldwide by developing new immunotherapies for a range of diseases from COVID-19 and cancer to malaria and tuberculosis.
We will be joined by:
- Dr Lorenzo Corsini | Managing director and co-founder of PhagoMed Biopharma
- Vera Oberbauer | PhD student
Our speakers will share their personal career journeys and insights. This is a great opportunity to connect with and learn from BioNTech professionals!
22 April 2024, 17:00
Event Location: IMP Lecture Hall, Vienna BioCenter
Get first insights into the work of Kearney, one of the leading management consulting firms in the world. Find out why it is particularly exciting for STEM graduates to work in consulting, and ask your questions to the three Kearney representatives from the Vienna office: Thomas Solich, Andreas Taschner, and Dr. Sebastian Bichelmaier. They will also provide more details on the application process and present a case for you to get a sense of how they work at Kearney and what to expect in the job interview.
- Event Timing: 17:00, 29th January 2024
- Event Location: IMP Lecture Hall, Vienna BioCenter
Taking cutting edge science to the people - From lab bench to wearing the founder hat
An open discussion and office hours with the Wilbe Team on what it means to take the path of science entrepreneurship: from spinning out to getting your first customer and raising capital.
- Speakers:
- Devika Thapar | Co-founder, Wilbe
- Thejas Nagaraju | Associate, Wilbe
- Fritz Diorico | Wilbe Fellow and Founder, Tulon
- Alok Javali | Wilbe Fellow and Founder, Dawn Bio
- Date:
- 19.10.2023 | Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna
The Team
The Industry Insights team consists of eight members: Co-heads Chris and Christos, Jamie who acts as finance manager, Sumi who handles the team’s social media presence, Andri manages the website and our two Anastasias together with Milica act as event organisers. All team members come from different VBC institutes, reflecting the cross-institutional character of the initiative.
Hi, I am Chris and the co-founder of the VBCII. I am currently pursuing my PhD in pediatric brain tumor modeling using human brain organoids. A fun fact about me is that I am a passionate kitesurfer always looking for the next stormy wind.
Hello, I am Christos. I got my PhD in Developmental Biology at the University of Cambridge and then pursued a postdoc at the Wyss Institute of Harvard in Boston, developing models for rare blood cancers on bone marrow-on-a-chip. At IMBA I am developing a human implantation platform to better understand fertility issues such as recurrent implantation failure. I like to spend my days off hiking with my wife and dog or fixing and upgrading (mostly fixing) my 3D printer at home.
Hi! I’m Sumi, I’m from Australia, and am currently doing my PhD in biochemistry/structural biology. I am investigating the uncharacterised protein MAST1, which is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. A fun fact about me is I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 1 minute.
Hi, I’m Andri! I studied Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Bristol. Currently, I am a PhD student in the Obenauf lab and my main focus is understanding the mechanisms that drive metastasis in osteosarcoma. Fun fact: I grew up by the sea and I’m a very good swimmer.
Hi, I'm Jamie. I studied molecular biology at Sydney University, and now, I'm building new technologies to better understand brain development in the Knoblich lab. I'll step away from the bench at any chance if there's a good game of cricket on or to get around the latest crossfit workout of the day to keep my pipetting arm strong!
Hi, I am Anastasia! I studied Genetics at the Kazan State University, Russia and then joined the research group of Prof. Dr.Med. Axel Roers at the Technical University of Dresden to study tumor immunology. Changing gears, I joined the group of Prof. Dr. Elly Tanaka to study regeneration and bone fracture healing in axolotl and mouse. In my free time, I like to dance Scottish country dances, do yoga or observe shrimps!
Hi, I’m Milica! I studied Biochemistry at the University of Belgrade in Serbia, and then moved to Geneva, Switzerland, to pursue a Master’s degree in Chemical Biology. For my PhD, I stayed close to the Alps but moved a bit farther east to Vienna, where I joined the Karagöz lab. I am studying the role of UFMylation, a post-translational modification, in endoplasmic reticulum protein quality control. Outside of the lab, you can catch me in the bouldering gym, playing badminton, or traveling!
Hi, I’m Anastasia. I studied Biochemistry at the University of Vienna and now I am doing my PhD at the Karagöz lab. I am investigating the molecular mechanisms underpinning protein quality control in health and disease. Outside of the lab you can find me doing flips and flicks at my acrobatics training.
Past Members
Hi, I’ Rajvi. I studied Biotechnology at the University of Manchester. I’m currently doing my PhD in Matos lab at Max Perutz Labs. My work focuses on characterising the role of DDK, a cell cycle kinase, during mammalian meiosis. If I’m not hard at work, you’ll find me unwinding at the local cinema or on the couch doing crossword puzzles.
Hi, I'm Marie! I am one of the co-founders of VBCII. I studied Molecular Biology and Clinical Research in Vienna. My PhD focuses on early embryonic development of the lateral plate mesoderm using organoids. Fun fact: I am a plant nerd and have more than 100 exotic plants at home!
I’m Max - a PhD student working on chromatin in the lab of Daniel Gerlich. When I’m not at the microscope, I’ll either be cycling up and down the hills around Vienna, or on my way to choir practice.
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Webmaster: Christopher Robinson (Marketing & Events Manager, Vienna BioCenter Scientific Training Unit)