Project Description

Biography:

Valeriya’s scientific career began early when she chose to attend HBLVA17 Rosensteingasse in Vienna, a vocational high school with a focus on biochemistry, which transformed her curiosity about science into a strong ambition to pursue research professionally. She received her BSc in Molecular Biotechnology at the FH Campus Wien (University of Applied Sciences) in 2022, completing her thesis on colorectal cancer in the research group of Prof. Enikö Kallay at the Medical University of Vienna. During her following graduate studies, she remained with the same group as a research assistant, which yielded several publications. She then earned her MSc in Molecular Precision Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna in 2025. For her Master’s thesis, she joined the group of Dr. Juliane Winkler, where she investigated tumour heterogeneity and its impact on metastasis in breast cancer.

Motivated to further deepen her interest in metastatic research, Valeriya now joined the research group of Prof. Sakari Vanharanta at the University of Helsinki, where she will investigate genetic mechanisms and regulatory programs associated with metastatic progression.

Valeriya is truly honoured to be part of the ADAPTMET network. She is confident that this network will deepen our understanding of metastasis, and – due to its collaborative nature – support both the professional and personal growth of herself and the other doctoral candidates.