New Episode of the In Her Shoes Podcast With Cecilia Sahlgren
October 29Step into the shoes of Prof. Cecilia Sahlgren, whose curiosity led her deep into the fascinating world of cell communication and Notch signalling, even asking the question: “Can we repair a broken heart with Notch?”
Though she never envisioned becoming a scientist, today Prof. Sahlgren calls it “the best job in the world.”
Cecilia Sahlgren: A Leader in Cell Communication and Biomedical Research
From Finland to Sweden and the Netherlands, Cecilia Sahlgren has built an inspiring international career in cell biology and biomedical engineering.
She currently holds two academic positions:
- Associate Professor at TU Eindhoven (Soft Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology group)
- Professor of Cell Biology at Åbo Akademi University in Turku, Finland
Her research focuses on:
- How cells make decisions
- How the microenvironment influences tissue formation
- How this knowledge can help treat cancer and cardiovascular diseases
She also leads the EU-funded NAP4DIVE project, which develops non-animal models to study nanoparticle drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.
Leadership, Diversity & Women in Science
In this episode, Prof. Sahlgren shares her thoughts on:
- Cultural diversity and leadership in international teams
- What she looks for when hiring postdocs
- Her reflections on bias and inequality in academia
Despite acknowledging the barriers many women face in science, Prof. Sahlgren has never allowed them to stop her. She now leads with awareness, empathy, and example.
Listen Now
Tune in to hear Prof. Sahlgren’s story and insights:
👉 Listen on Spotify
👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts
About the Podcast
In Her Shoes is produced by AMIRES, the consulting company for research, development, and innovation projects.
Hosted by Jana Mwangi, the podcast uncovers the journeys and lives of women in science, celebrating their impact and leadership across Europe and beyond.