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There are lots of people who have chosen to come to live and work in Scotland, and many have stayed. Below is a selection of Success Stories from life science professionals who explain why they came to Scotland, why they like it and what it's like to live and work here.
Max Bylesjo, Sweden
Swede Max Bylesjo enjoys working for Glasgow-based life sciences firm Sistemic and loves the Scottish sense of humour too.
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Michaela Kraus, Germany
When Michaela Kraus first visited the fishing town of Oban on the west cost of Scotland, she knew she wanted to make the country her home. Today, she enjoys living in the Scottish countryside with her husband and working for Life Technologies, which has recently announced plans to increase its operations in Scotland. She talks to TalentScotland about her life and work in Scotland.
Marisa Donaggio, New Zealand
Marisa Donaggio, who is originally from New Zealand, works for Tepnel Scientific Services at its state-of-the-art laboratory facility in Livingston.
Pauline Barclay, New Zealand
Pauline Barclay left New Zealand to work for ClinTec International in Scotland. Read about how she likes living and working in Scotland.
Kelly Chung, Taiwan
Kelly Chung first arrived in Glasgow to study for a M.Sc in Pyschological Studies at the University of Glasgow in 2007. She now works as a Research Assistant for the Academic Unit of Mental Health and Wellbeing in the University's Institute of Health and Wellbeing.
Uzochukwu Obiegbunam GlaxoSmithKline
Nigerian born Uzochukwu Obiegbunam has found challenging life science career opportunities in Scotland and new life experiences living in the North East.
Vittorio Borromeo, Italy
Biomedical engineering graduate Vittorio Borromeo first visited Scotland while on holiday as a student. He went on to secure a position with Alba Bioscience and is now enjoying life in Edinburgh with his wife.
Spyridon Tsakas, USA
Spyridon ‘Ross’ Tsakas came to Scotland from the USA to study an MSc and to further his knowledge of business development. He has since established his company Eulysis Ltd and is commercialising his novel system of prolonging the lifespan of drugs.
Dr Ann Cooreman, Belgium
Dr Ann Cooreman came to Scotland from the US in 1991. After gaining experience in the life sciences sector, she set up Tissue Solutions together with colleague Dr. Morag MacFarlane, a company providing ethically acquired and fully consented human tissue samples to research organisations and pharma-biotech companies around the world.
Daria Olijnyk, Poland
During a placement at Dundee University, Daria Olijnyk realised that she wanted to develop a life sciences career in Scotland.
Alison Bishop, England
Twelve years ago, Data Management Director Alison Bishop swapped her London job for a role with contract research organisation PPD in Scotland, and soon discovered that her new life in Lanarkshire was a world away from what she was used to!
Brian Mohr, USA
Brian first came to Scotland four years ago. He chose to settle in Edinburgh where he now lives with his fiancé and works for Toshiba. He hopes to gain permanent residence in the next year.
Dr Ashok Ganesan, India
Life scientist Dr Ashok Ganesan of XstalBio didn’t think twice when the opportunity to live and work in one of Scotland’s world-class institutions.
Jamie Rodgers, England
Originally from Newcastle, Jamie Rodgers moved to Scotland 11 years ago. He lives in Inverness with his wife and three children where he works as a Staff Scientist.
Hilal Khalil, Pakistan
Hilal Khalil first arrived in Scotland in 2007, from his native Pakistan, to study for a M.Sc. in Biotechnology at the University of Abertay in Dundee. He’s now researching cell cycle and DNA mutation in cancer cells for his P.hD. at the university.
Dr David Evans, England
Dr David Evans is using his skills with Edinburgh-based SESMOS – a new startup developing biophysical screening technologies for drug discovery companies.
Hidenori Meiseki, Japan
Hidenori Meiseki’s career with BioReliance has taken him from the US, back to his homeland in Japan, and more recently to Scotland, where he is a project manager at the company’s Glasgow operations.
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