Testimonials

"I chose to follow the Plant Biotechnology ManaMa program because I developed a keen interest in functional plant biology during my earlier studies (Bsc & Msc Biology), and wanted to further expand my skillset and knowledge in this field. This one-year program was therefore the perfect opportunity, as it covered all the different aspects of plant biotechnology in its theoretical lectures, while giving the opportunity to learn practical and organizational skills during the master thesis. The lectures covered relevant topics such as molecular plant breeding, -omics technologies, biosafety and IP, etc. Through presentations and site visits of different plant biotech companies, we also had the opportunity to explore different career possibilities. For me, this program was the perfect stepping stone towards my career goals, as the master thesis project allowed me to get into contact with experienced people in the field of plant biotech. Through these connections, I got the opportunity to start a job position as a PhD student. In summary, I think that this program offers high-quality lectures on relevant topics, and combined with the master thesis it provides an excellent basis to start your career in plant biotech."

"As I was advancing with my studies, I discovered that my career goals are to teach and doing quality research. I particularly developed an interest in Plant development, molecular biology and biotechnology. Therefore, after completing my first master in horticulture, and despite me doing a fruitful molecular biology based master project, it was not easy to get PhD opportunity in my field(s) of interest. For this reason, I decided to join the one-year Master after Master programme (ManaMa) in Plant Biotechnology at Ghent University. I have to admit that as self-sponsored student, this programme is relatively expensive. However, the quality of education (Professors and advanced scientific subjects) are totally worth it. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to use some of the latest plant research technologies as well as developing personal professional networks. Four months after ManaMa completion, I got a PhD opportunity combining plant development, molecular biology and biotechnology. Interestingly, I am still using ManaMa syllabus(es) in my current PhD journey. Also, I appreciate the effort from ManaMa administration to stay in touch with its Alumni in various ways. Altogether, I highly recommend the Master after Master in Plant Biotechnology Programme of the Ghent University. "

"The knowledge and skills I gained in Manama helped me a lot to apply for admission and also secure funding from the commonwealth scholarship commission."

"The ManaMa has increased my fundamental knowledge on plant science including plant development, stress responses, biotechnology and symbioses. Even more so, my thesis work in the second term has allowed me to explore my interest for legume-rhizobia symbioses and indeed laid ground for my current research work. I particularly enjoyed the course 'Plant Yield' which allowed for creativity in designing a theoretical technology that can be used to increase agricultural yields. Furthermore, I have learned a great deal about public speaking and communicating my research to colleagues and the public alike through optional courses such as 'Academic Grant Writing' and 'Scientific Reading, Writing and Presentation Skills'. Following the completion of my MSc, I was offered extensive guidance and training for defending my FWO project by both Prof. Goormachtig and Prof.Willems' labs. All in all, I greatly enjoyed my ManaMa year, both academically and socially (I met friends from many different countries). The ManaMa programme has provided me with a solid background on various topics in plant biotechnology. I was also able to learn laboratory techniques in the second semester at Sofie's lab which is fundamental to my work today (I also worked on legumes during my Master thesis). "

"The manama allowed me to improve my English and learn a lot about genetics. Currently, I am working at the quality assurance department and also we have agreements with universities and to understand what universities do I need all the genetics that I learnt during the manama. For me was very good to do this masters and bring me the opportunity to find this job, which is not exactly related to transgenics or genetics, but I need the knowledge that I learnt to communicate with universities and to know better ways to improve what we do in the company. "

"The ManaMa is a fantastic program and I couldn't have had a better intro and training in basic plant science anywhere else."

"I am highly obliged to my mentors and professors in VIB who instigated in me the desire to continue my research in Plant Biotechnology. The ManaMa course had bolstered my scientific concepts and my research skills. I am truly indebted to all of you who helped me fulfil my goals."

", I am grateful because I had the opportunity to study what I always wanted at one of the best European Universities and be part of the VIB. I learned so much there, had a great time and met a lot of people from all around the world. So thank you for giving me the opportunity to have such experience."

"The master in Plant biotech helped me mainly because I improved my English and I wrote my thesis according to the guidelines of a scientific paper, which is appreciable when working in a research institute."