Instituto Químico de Sarriá (IQS), Research Group Christoph Dehio

Where are you from and what do you study?
I am from Besalú, a small medieval town in Catalonia, Spain. After completing primary and secondary school in Girona, I moved to Barcelona to study a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at Instituto Químico de Sarriá (IQS), where I am currently pursuing my studies.

Why did you apply for the Research Summer Program?
During my bachelor’s, I discovered my passion for lab work and biotechnological research through many practical lessons. Having completed three out of four years, I wanted to gain experience in a real research environment. Searching online for summer internships, I found the Biozentrum Research Summer Program. The chance to work at a cutting-edge research center, join an international team, and spend the summer in Switzerland made it the perfect opportunity—and I’m very glad I applied.

How or why did you choose your specific research group?
Choosing a group was not easy because there were many interesting projects. I decided on the Dehio Group after watching the NCCR Antiresist program video. Fighting bacterial antibiotic resistance is a major global health challenge, and the project’s ambition, societal impact, and focus on bacteria—which I had already worked with—made it a perfect fit. It offered a chance to apply my skills, learn new techniques, use advanced equipment, and contribute to meaningful research.

How would you describe your daily work routine?
Research is both challenging and exciting, and there’s no typical 9-to-5 schedule. Daily tasks depend on the project stage, alternating between lab work and data analysis. In my case, some days involved bacterial transformations, genome sequencing, and confocal microscopy, while others were entirely focused on data analysis. Weekly team meetings allowed me to see how research is planned, debated, and advanced collaboratively.

Do you have a specific career goal?
After my bachelor’s, I plan to pursue a master’s in biotechnology, likely abroad, to deepen my knowledge. Beyond that, I am open to research, including a potential PhD, or a career in the pharmaceutical industry or a biotech start-up. My goal is to use science to help people and society.

Would you recommend the Research Summer Program to others, and if yes, why?
Yes, absolutely! It has been an incredible opportunity to join real-life research projects, learn from talented professionals, access innovative technology, attend seminars, and experience life in Basel, a hub for life sciences. The program combines professional growth, personal experience, and international exposure, making it truly enriching.