Interview with Vilnius University, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Institute of Chemistry, Biochemistry Program graduate dr. Ieva Bagdonaite, who currently works at one of the best and largest carbohydrate biology centers in Europe, the Copenhagen Glycomics Center.

Why did you choose this particular field of study?

At the school I liked biology and chemistry, a little more biology, so biochemistry studies proved to be a good balance between the two areas of interest.

What vision of the future did you have when you started studying?

I have to admit that I only focused on the study process. Master’s studies seemed like a natural continuity. The next steps always seemed above the limits of knowledge and ability, but in any case achievable.

Did the result meet expectations?

Yes and even a little surprised. I’ve always taken science and learning seriously, but I didn’t think it would become such a big and integral part of my life.

Tell us about the most interesting period of your scientific life?

In my opinion, the most interesting period begins when the acquired knowledge and accumulated experience in a certain field of science come together and helps to see the objects of research from a broader perspective. Then you start to formulate your own hypotheses and freely use and expand the arsenal of mastered tools and when the boundaries are only imagination and time. It is also very gratifying to expand the circle of scientific contacts and to collaborate by combining different competencies, which allows for a more detailed examination of specific scientific issues.

Today, after many choices, fulfilled and unfulfilled dreams, can your story be called a “success story”?

Yes of course. It is undeniable that I am doing a difficult job, although it is a real favorite and hopefully useful job. At the Copenhagen Glycomics Center, I developed the field of viral carbohydrate biochemistry, which can be useful in developing new vaccines and delving into the biological properties of specific viruses. I am glad to be able to do this in one of the best and largest carbohydrate biology centers in Europe. After my doctorate, I received funding from several Danish foundations for further studies, which gave me a lot of freedom but also forced me to critically and strategically evaluate the scope of work and realistic deadlines.