PhD Pharmaceutical Chemistry Researcher Ilaria Mainero Rocca from Italy Shares Her Journey of Studying at University of Copenhagen, Denmark

My name is Ilaria Mainero Rocca, and I am originally from Rome, Italy. I graduated from the five-year combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology at Sapienza University of Rome.

After completing my studies, I was exploring different directions for my professional future. I was particularly interested in research and considered pursuing a PhD, while also remaining open to opportunities in industry. For this reason, I applied to both PhD positions and industry roles abroad.

At that stage, I was especially motivated by the idea of gaining international experience and continuing to develop in a stimulating academic environment. I was fortunate to receive both an offer for a position in Regulatory Affairs in a large Pharma Company and an offer for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD programme in Copenhagen. I chose the PhD opportunity because it gave me the chance to combine advanced research training with the experience of living and working abroad. The programme itself was also highly appealing from both a scientific and personal perspective.

Before starting the PhD, I spent eight months working as a Research Assistant in a large pharmaceutical company. That experience was very valuable, as it gave me insight into the industrial environment and helped me better understand my own interests. It confirmed that, at that point in my career, I wanted to continue developing within academia and research.

Marie Skłodowska-curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) Details

I received funding through synBIOcarb, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme. I was hosted by the University of Copenhagen, where I was part of the network as ESR9. My PhD project was titled ‘Glyco-Modulation of Membranes to Elucidate Host-Parasite Interactions.’ Publicly available project information shows that synBIOcarb was funded under grant agreement No. 814029, with a total EU contribution of €4,093,660.08.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes, during my last year of education at La Sapienza University of Rome, I was offered the Unipharma Graduates Scholarship, a programme that supports students in undertaking a period abroad either during the final year of their Master’s degree or after graduation. I accepted this opportunity to experience 8 months as a research assistant in a pharma company in the UK.

Educational Background

I hold a five-year combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology from Sapienza University of Rome, where I graduated with 110/110 cum laude, the highest possible final grade in Italy. Strong academic performance was an important part of my profile, especially at an early career stage when applicants often have limited professional experience. My degree gave me a solid scientific background in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, and experimental work, while my practical experience further strengthened my preparation for the PhD field. Because my academic training and laboratory experience were closely related to the topic of the project, I was well prepared to apply for this position.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to University of Copenhagen?

Googling PhD positions, I found the website Euraxess, where I found the PhD position.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I did not.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Marie Skłodowska-curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN)?

I prepared a strong application package tailored to the opportunity. This included a well-structured CV highlighting my academic results, relevant coursework, and technical skills, as well as a carefully written motivation letter specifically adapted to the position rather than using a generic template. I also provided a reference contact to support my application if needed.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Danish?

English

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Danish?

No, in the danish academic environment english is the official research language.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Probably because I had high grades, previous experience abroad, and my background matched the PhD project.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would make a greater effort to speak with current or former group members before accepting the offer, in order to gain a clearer understanding of the working environment and supervision style.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My main advice is not only to prepare the application carefully and follow all instructions closely, but also to evaluate the host institution and research group thoroughly before accepting an offer. In addition to reviewing the project itself, it is very important to speak with current or former students and researchers in the group to better understand the working environment, supervision style, and overall experience. A scholarship may look excellent on paper, but the quality of the research environment can have a major impact on both your professional development and personal well-being. If the information you collect is not positive, my recommendation is to wait.