Why did you apply for a job at Health?

I have long been interested in combining advanced neuroimaging techniques with clinical research to understand diseases that affect the brain – particularly in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Health’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration fits perfectly with my goal of translating imaging methods into better patient care.

How does Health differ from your previous workplace?

Professionally, Health offers far more opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and for translating research in Parkinson’s Disease into clinical practice. I didn’t have access to that before – in India, where I primarily worked in basic research. Socially, I’ve become part of a warm and welcoming environment, even though it has been a new experience to navigate Danish norms, both academic and cultural.

What do you value most in your professional life?

For me, the most important thing is to have the freedom and resources to pursue meaningful research that contributes to a greater purpose. I feel fortunate because I have exactly that in a supportive framework in Professor Per Borghammer's group at Health, with excellent supervision and collaboration in my group.

What has surprised you most as a research assistant at Health?

I come from a culture where, in my view, there is an unhealthy obsession with work, so it has surprised and helped me a lot to experience how much Health values work-life balance – and how well that goes hand in hand with productivity. I can now balance my personal and professional obligations much better.

What is the best thing about working at Health?

Professionally, I love being able to spar with talented colleagues. It creates a dialogue that integrates many perspectives and makes it easier to find solutions. Socially, it has been very rewarding to meet like-minded people whom I can also spend time with outside of work – it strengthens both the team spirit and builds good friendships.

Do you have a favorite place – at the department or in Aarhus?

The University Park is a wonderful place to relax and unwind after work, especially in the summer. I also enjoy working at The Royal Library or Dokk1. Both places have a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

What do you wish you had known before starting your current position at Health?

I wish I had known how accessible and welcoming people at Health are when it comes to networking and new project ideas – then I might have applied here much earlier.

What have you brought with you from your previous workplace/your home country?

I come from an interdisciplinary environment with a background in both biotechnology and bioinformatics, and that gives me a solid foundation in both computational and lab-based techniques. I hope to apply this broad knowledge in my upcoming PhD project at Health and contribute to the interdisciplinary environment the faculty is so well known for.

Do you have a good piece of advice for (international) colleagues recently hired at Health?

Be proactive when it comes to networking. Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues from other disciplines. Aarhus is a fantastic place for both professional and social connections, so seize the opportunities that arise for collaboration and cultural exchange. And remember to participate in events like Health’s annual faculty party – it’s a great opportunity to network and meet both Danish and international colleagues.

Contact

Scientific Assistant and incoming PhD student Anushree Krishnamurthy
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine and
Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET
Email: anu-kmurthy@clin.au.dk