STUDENT. In 2023, the Sten A Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture awarded travel scholarships to 38 master’s level students, providing them with the opportunity to conduct their theses at foreign universities and establish international connections. Among the recipients were students from the Sahlgrenska Academy’s pharmacy program, medical program, and dental program.
The scholarship recipients recently gathered for a diploma ceremony where they shared their experiences from studying abroad and presented their theses.
Deeper insight
One of the 2023 scholarship recipients was Disa Nilsen, a medical student at the University of Gothenburg. Her thesis is a retrospective study where she collected data on patients operated for a brain tumor with the aim of shedding light on how brain tumors are managed at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.
“My time in Nepal gave me a deeper insight and understanding of global health, while also providing a reality check on the fortunate resources available to healthcare in Sweden,” says Disa Nilsen.
A total of 196 brain tumor patients were included in the study. The most common diagnoses were meningioma and glioma. Nearly 25 percent of patients experienced a postoperative complication, with the degree of complication disproportionately distributed between genders.
Cultural enrichment
Aron Shakhawan, a student in the pharmacy program, used the Stena Foundation scholarship to visit Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“Conducting a thesis abroad not only leads to academic insight but also cultural enrichment and personal growth,” says Aran Shakhawan.
At Harvard, Aran studied the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a biological system with a significant presence in the hippocampus brain region. The hippocampus is well-known for its cognitive functions through the signaling of brain waves. The study explored how ECS affects theta brain waves with a frequency of 4-10Hz by measuring brain waves with EEG and injecting substances that affect ECS.
“Conducting a thesis abroad not only leads to academic insight but also cultural enrichment and personal growth,” says Aran Shakhawan.
Support for research and cultural activities
“We have been awarding travel scholarships since 2012 and have seen how it promotes international engagement among our students. After the hiatus during the pandemic, we are now delighted to once again offer international opportunities for students. The commitment and results of the scholarship recipients inspire us all and emphasize the importance of fostering international perspectives within academia,” says Madeleine Olsson Eriksson, Chairperson of the Sten A Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture.
The Sten A Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture was established in 1996 on shipowner Sten A Olsson’s 80th birthday. Through the foundation, the family provides support for research and cultural activities, primarily in Gothenburg and western Sweden. The foundation aims to promote scientific research and development, as well as all forms of arts and culture, humanities, and Christian communities. Since 1996, the Sten A Olsson Foundation for Research and Culture has decided on the distribution of SEK 580 million in support of specific projects, totaling 158 scholarships in the cultural field, and 360 master’s scholarships as travel grants. www.stenastiftelsen.se
BY: STENA FOUNDATION
