What does it take to go from first-generation everything to grant guru?

In this episode, Ayşe Candayan shares her path from Turkey to Antwerp and reflects on the people and places that helped shape her into the scientist she is today. From strong female role models to the life-changing opportunity of the Darüşşafaka Schools, this is a story about talent, ambition, and what can happen when someone gets the chance to grow.

Ayşe is now a postdoctoral researcher at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, where she studies the genetics of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. She explains why rare disease research matters far more than people often realize, why collaboration is essential, and why clear storytelling might just be one of the most underrated scientific skills out there. Yes, we also get into her grant-writing secrets!

Looking for a place where mentorship, collaboration, and scientific curiosity can take you far? Explore opportunities at VIB via jobs.vib.be. #researchjobs #postdocjobs #lifesciences #raredisease

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Called to Science is a podcast by VIB. Produced by De Praeters.