Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellow, Muhammad Arslan Aslam, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a PhD in Environmental Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

My name is Muhammad Arslan Aslam, and I am currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral candidate at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. I joined Anna Beronius’ research group in the Biochemical Toxicology Unit in 2025 as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie NeXED Doctoral Network. My academic background is in environmental and marine sciences, and I decided to pursue further education in toxicology to better understand how environmental chemicals affect biological systems and human health.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship Details

I am funded through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship (NeXED Network), financed by the European Union and coordinated by the University of Antwerp. This is a full doctoral scholarship, covering salary, mobility allowance, secondments, and structured training across Europe. While the total amount is difficult to quantify due to its comprehensive nature, the fellowship includes a monthly salary exceeding €4,000, plus approximately €600 per month as a mobility allowance, in addition to research, training, and secondment costs.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

YES, Erasmus Mundus Master in Marine Environment and Resources (2022–2024) and Her Majesty the Queen’s Master Scholarship, Thailand

Educational Background

Before starting my PhD, I completed the Erasmus Mundus MSc in Marine Environment and Resources, a joint program across multiple European universities, and another Master's in Climate Change and Sustainable Development. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, where I graduated with a high GPA (3.84/4.00). My academic training provided a strong foundation in environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and experimental research, which directly prepared me for doctoral research in biochemical and regulatory toxicology.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Karolinska Institute?

How Did You Find Information About Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship and Karolinska Institute?

I primarily relied on official program websites, discussions with alumni, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn. Hearing directly from current and former students was especially helpful in understanding program expectations and the realities of funded doctoral training in Europe.

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

I did not take any standardized English language tests. None were required for the scholarships I received, which is something I particularly appreciate about many European programs that focus more on academic background and research potential.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship?

My preparation focused on aligning my academic background and research interests with the objectives of the doctoral network. I invested significant time in refining my CV, clearly articulating my motivation, and demonstrating how my previous research experience fit within the broader goals of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program. I did not need to contact supervisors in advance; instead, I relied on submitting a strong, well-targeted application.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Karolinska Institute?

My experience at Karolinska Institutet has been highly positive. The research environment is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and internationally diverse, which aligns well with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie philosophy of structured doctoral training.

How Do You Rate Karolinska Institute Academically and Why?

Academically, Karolinska Institutet offers an excellent research environment with strong methodological rigor, access to high-quality infrastructure, and exposure to both academic and regulatory perspectives in toxicology.

How Does Karolinska Institute Support International Students?

The institution provides strong administrative and academic support for international doctoral candidates, including structured onboarding, doctoral courses, and integration within international research networks.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Swedish?

All doctoral-level courses and research activities are conducted in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Swedish?

Academic and research activities are fully accessible in English, and not knowing Swedish does not pose a barrier to academic progress.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my consistent academic performance, international training, and clear research focus made my application competitive. Having experience across different countries and research systems likely demonstrated adaptability and readiness for a highly structured international doctoral network.

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

In hindsight, I would have started documenting my academic achievements and research experiences earlier, which would have made the application process smoother and less time-intensive.

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

My advice would be to start early, carefully study the program objectives, and speak with current or former scholars whenever possible. Focus on clearly communicating how your background fits the program rather than trying to over-impress with unrelated achievements.