Interview with MSCA Grant Winner Dr Miglė Gabrielaitė: Tackling Global Scientific Challenges During Her Postdoctoral Fellowship
Scientist and bioinformatician Dr Miglė Gabrielaitė recently won the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF), one of the most important grants from the European Commission for young researchers. She will be carrying out her project at the Life Sciences Center (LSC) of Vilnius University (VU). After studying in Copenhagen and working in the USA, Dr. Gabrielaitė returned to her hometown of Vilnius and VU. The grant not only recognizes her years of research work but also opens new opportunities to delve into complex and highly relevant scientific problems.
Since October 1st of this year, Dr Gabrielaitė has been implementing the project “Genomic Exploration – Mapping the Spread, Evolution, and Adaptation of an Emerging Bacterial Pathogen – Achromobacter” (GEM-SEE-Achro), led by Dr Gytis Dudas. The researcher is studying Achromobacter species – opportunistic bacteria that live in soil and water but pose a danger to immunocompromised people due to Achromobacter species' innate antibiotic resistance. The project, based on genomic and phylogenetic analysis methods, aims to uncover the mechanisms of their spread and genetic diversity, to improve infection management, prevention, and treatment strategies.
What inspired you to become a scientist?
Curiosity. Since childhood, I wanted to understand why the world is the way it is. I was a nature child, often spending summers at scout camps in the forest. So, when choosing my studies, it was completely natural for me to choose the life sciences direction.
Can you tell us about your path to the postdoctoral fellowship at VU LSC?
I started my scientific career path by studying biochemistry at VU. In my third year, during an Erasmus+ internship at the University of Gothenburg with prof. Markus Tamas, I first encountered data analysis, although the methods used were quite basic. That’s when I realized that I enjoy data analysis much more than laboratory work; ultimately, I decided to continue my studies in bioinformatics at the University of Copenhagen. At the time, I didn’t know how to code, but that didn’t stop me—the challenge seemed manageable.
Although I initially planned to return to Lithuania after my Master's studies, I fell in love with life in Copenhagen and decided to stay for my PhD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I went through an interesting life phase: living in two countries while raising my son—my most important genetics project.
In 2023 I returned to Lithuania and realised that I wanted to continue the work I started during my PhD, as there were many more questions left unanswered. I’m glad I received Marie Skłodowska-Curie funding, which will help answer these questions.
How did you feel when you received this prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant?
It was hard to believe that it was true. We often talk too little about the unsuccessful funding applications. Not all applications for this project were successful either, it seemed that after many long nights spent defining the scientific problem, writing and improving the project, I would not get the opportunity to carry it out. The news of the funding came at the most unexpected moment. I am delighted that I can continue my research on Achromobacter species.
What scientific questions are you researching during your postdoctoral fellowship? Why did you choose this topic? How are your findings important to society or specific scientific fields?
The main focus of my project is bacteria belonging to Achromobacter species. These bacteria naturally live in soil and water and are rapidly spreading opportunistic pathogens—they pose no danger to healthy individuals but can be extremely harmful to immunocompromised people (e.g., those with genetic disorders or hospitalized individuals) due to their inherent high antibiotic resistance.
However, little is known about this bacterial genus. The project is based on genomic and phylogenetic analysis of these bacteria, which will help answer questions about how bacteria living in the environment differ from clinical samples, how they spread, and what genetic diversity they have worldwide. The results of this research are important for science and society: they can help identify new treatment targets and methods, improve infection prevention and treatment strategies, and ultimately, this knowledge can be applied to other less-studied but rapidly emerging bacteria.
Such knowledge contributes to a better understanding of bacterial infections and the development of more effective measures to combat antibiotic resistance.
Why did you choose VU LSC for your postdoctoral fellowship and to work with Dr Gytis Dudas? What does working at the Life Sciences Centre mean to you?
I had been planning to return to Lithuania for some time and bring back all the experience I had gained, share it, and contribute to scientific education and research growth in Lithuania. I first collaborated with Gytis during the COVID-19 pandemic in a genomic surveillance project for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. I was impressed by Gytis’ work ethic, professionalism, approach to science, and his constant desire to create a better world and share knowledge. We joked at the time that we would work together in the future. Three years later, we’re collaborating again.
It’s always nice to return to your Alma Mater. I’m happy to see how much the LSC has changed and grown over the past years. It is a modern and dynamic environment where I see many opportunities to collaborate with other scientists and contribute to improving the quality of science and education not only within the LSC but also beyond.
What does a typical day look like for you as a scientist?
In reality, scientists look much more fascinating in movies than in my everyday life. I spend a lot of time at computer coding, analysing data, and reading scientific papers. I also spend a lot of time collaborating with other scientists—discussing ideas and planning projects.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? How do you recharge after intense scientific work?
I recharge by spending quality time with my family. We enjoy travelling, visiting museums, concerts, and various events—this helps me relax and get inspired with new ideas. Working out helps me relieve work stress, as it is a way for me to "reboot" my brain.
How does the Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship change your career opportunities and future plans? Do you have new goals?
Every opportunity in my career opens up many new possibilities; same with the MSCA project, the number of ideas and projects is growing exponentially. Since the beginning of my studies, when I worked in human genomics, my main goal was for my work to be useful and meaningful. I still adhere to this goal and plan to continue following it in the future. I believe that the opportunities provided by the MSCA project will help me carry out even more ambitious projects.
What challenges have you faced in your career path, and how did you overcome them?
Probably the biggest challenge was writing my dissertation with a baby and constantly moving from one country to another every few years. My family and loved ones were especially important during all the challenges I faced—they supported me and encouraged me to never stop aiming for more. Additionally, my PhD supervisor and mentor, Dr Rasmus L. Marvig, had a great influence—he continuously encouraged and supported my ideas. I’m glad we still continue our collaboration.
Is there any event or research that you are most proud of?
It’s hard to single out one research project, but one of the most memorable was in 2017 when my colleagues and I first implemented whole-genome sequencing in Denmark. It was a big challenge, but now, at Copenhagen University Hospital, hundreds of genomes are routinely sequenced each month, analysed, and used for diagnosing and treating patients. I’m very happy to have contributed, even in a small way, to the success of this project.
What advice would you give to young scientists considering similar opportunities?
Travel to study, to do fellowships or to work, gain as much experience as possible, learn about the other cultures, get to bettern know yourself through them, and eventually bring everything back to Lithuania. It can be very hard to leave as life abroad requires stepping out of your comfort zone but the experience you gain is invaluable.
Dr Gabrielaitė’s achievements are not only a personal recognition but also a significant contribution to the advancement of Lithuania’s scientific community. We hope this interview will inspire those considering a science-based future and participating in future MSCA PF calls. The Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellowships are one of the most prestigious European research programs aimed at strengthening the academic careers of young scientists. This program provides an opportunity to foster creativity, and innovation, and achieve the highest quality scientific results.