Testimonials

Where did you pursue your master thesis ? Why did you choose to do it abroad ?

During the master’s program I had the chance to study alongside people from many different countries, which motivated me to want to spend some time abroad myself. Combined with my interest in the brain and in Scandinavian countries, this lead me to the cognitive neuroscience group at UiT in Tromsø, Norway.

How was the process of organising your semester abroad ?

Planning to do my thesis project abroad allowed me to take advantage of the divers courses offered by the AIM master's program, including the practical hospital visits, while giving me more flexibility about when and where I wanted to go. However, coordinating everything took more time than I expected. Since the master’s program is still quite new, there are only a few partner universities available. I therefore organized the stay myself by contacting various research groups to find a project I liked. Once I found a supervisor and a topic, there was still some back-and-forth to figure out the terms. In the end, I went as part of the SEMP internship program offered by the University of Bern, which worked out very well.

How would you describe the overall experience of completing your thesis abroad ?

Writing my thesis abroad was a bit different from a normal exchange semester. I wasn’t taking lectures, so I expected it to be harder to meet people. Fortunately, my research group was very welcoming, and many of them enjoyed outdoor activities, making it easy to connect. I also really appreciated the Norwegian work culture, which felt more relaxed and gave me the freedom to set my own focus within the project. And with the constantly changing weather conditions, taking a break to enjoy the outdoors by going skiing was always a valid excuse, which added a nice balance to the work.

Would you recommend an exchange semester/thesis to other students ? Why ?

Overall, the combination of the landscape, the people, and the work atmosphere made the experience unforgettable. I would definitely recommend going abroad for a semester or a thesis. It’s a great opportunity to experience a different environment, meet new people, and explore something new.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in Poland. After working for two years as a Data Scientist across various projects, I realized that the medical applications of data science were the most fascinating to me. That’s why I decided to focus on this field by studying AI in Medicine.

The program is a brilliant blend of computer science and biomedical engineering, enriched with specialized courses tailored to our discipline.

The computer science courses provide a strong foundation in AI, with topics like Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Deep Learning. These courses not only focus on theory but also dive into state-of-the-art solutions, ensuring we are prepared for the technical demands of the field. I’ve been truly impressed with the quality of teaching and how well the material has been delivered.

The biomedical engineering courses, on the other hand, offer insights into human biology and cutting-edge medical technologies used for diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the medical context where AI solutions are applied.

One of the program’s standout features is the set of courses created specifically for AI in Medicine. These classes offer an incredible opportunity to interact with clinicians and researchers - people who will likely be our future colleagues or clients. As students, we’re also invited to Inselspital, where we can observe the daily workflows of doctors, gaining first-hand experience with the challenges and limitations that will shape the AI solutions we will develop in the future.

For instance, imagine studying Computer Vision theory in one class, then learning about its applications in Computer-Assisted Surgery, and later being invited to observe neurosurgeons in the operating room, utilizing these technologies during brain surgery! This hands-on experience bridges the gap between theory and practice in a way that no other program could.

I truly believe this program offers exceptional preparation for a career in medical AI, and I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about applying AI to solve real-world problems in healthcare.

Could you describe your academic and professional background before starting your AIM Master's studies? 

I have a bachelor's in biomedical engineering and a specialization in artificial intelligence. I have also worked for a year and a half as a machine learning engineer at a software company. 

What has been your experience studying AIM at the University of Bern? 

My experience at the University of Bern has been magnificent. The program is very innovative and interesting, designed to prepare professionals for the future, and that is precisely what I have perceived during my studies. The structure of the program offers an appropriate combination of topics related to medicine and computer science, as well as artificial intelligence. Both disciplines are taught through in-depth and detailed courses. Additionally, the opportunity to learn how these disciplines are applied to real-world problems is a great advantage of the program, thanks to courses on topics such as computer vision, natural language processing, medical time series data, computer-assisted surgery, and medical robotics, among others. 

I can affirm that I have acquired a great amount of new knowledge and that my expectations have been met so far. Moreover, I have not only acquired intellectual knowledge but also learned about Swiss culture, its language, and its customs. The city of Bern is a multicultural place that allows you to develop as a well-rounded person, enjoy the beautiful nature, and savor delicious cafés and restaurants. 

If you worked part-time during your studies, how was that experience? 

I had the great opportunity to get a part-time job in the study coordination of the AIM program, which has been a great support during my studies and has allowed me to acquire new knowledge and build new relationships. I have also been able to contribute to the improvement of our program’s website and the way information is communicated, using different media such as social networks and creating engaging videos that attract more people to join the program.